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Mainstage background video featuring Patrick J. McLain meeting with a client at his desk and walking confidently outside the courthouse, highlighting his professionalism and dedication to his clients.

Fighting Relentlessly For Your Freedom and Future

Bring the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain's Experience and Results to Fight For You.

Facing Military Criminal Charges? Get Your Free Legal Guide.

Navigating military legal matters can be daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. In Facing Military Criminal Charges? What to Expect and How to Deal with It, experienced military justice attorney Patrick J. McLain provides clear, practical advice to help you understand your rights, prepare for the legal process, and take control of your future.

Download your free copy today and defend your military career with confidence.

Military Criminal Defense Attorney

Civilian Military Law Firm Serving All 6 Branches of the Military Worldwide

When being tried in a military court, you need a civilian military defense lawyer. Few court-martial defense attorneys have the extensive experience and comprehensive military knowledge of Attorney Patrick J. McLain. He is a former JAG lawyer who served as a Judge Advocate for the US Marine Corps, and he is ready to fight for you.

He leads our firm with the experience of over two decades of active service in the Marine Corps, as a former federal prosecutor, former USMC defense attorney, and retired court-martial trial judge, with over 30 honors and awards. This comprehensive perspective allows our team to understand how both sides approach legal proceedings in many types of military forums, and we will leverage this knowledge in our fight to secure the best possible outcome for your case. The Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC proudly serves all six branches of the military worldwide, so no matter where you are, we can help. 

When the government is coming after you, turn to our military criminal defense lawyer for aggressive legal advocacy. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling (888) 606-3385 or contacting us online.

  • Martindale-Hubbell A/V Rated Preeminent
  • Super Lawyers 15 Patrick
  • Super Lawyers Featured Patrick
  • Super Lawyers Thomas Reuters Patrick
  • AVVO
  • dallas bar foundation
  • Federal Bar Association
  • lca proven trial lawyers
Preserving Your Military Career & Reputation

MEET YOUR TEAM

Your Career is Important to Fight for

HOW WE CAN HELP

Why Servicemembers Trust the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC

Few law firms bring the combined perspective of prosecution, defense, and the bench to a military case. Attorney Patrick J. McLain has served in all three roles, and that vantage point shapes the strategy behind every case our firm builds. Here's what that experience means for you:
  • Former JAG Lawyer: Patrick J. McLain served as a Judge Advocate for the US Marine Corps, giving him firsthand knowledge of how military prosecutors build a case.
  • Former Federal Prosecutor & Retired Court-Martial Trial Judge: His experience on both sides of the courtroom, and on the bench, gives our team a strategic edge most firms can't match.
  • Over 30 Years of Military Law Experience: Including more than two decades of active service in the Marine Corps.
  • 3,500+ Cases Successfully Handled: A proven track record of acquittals, dismissed charges, and preserved careers. Check out our case results page for more.
  • 30+ Honors and Awards: Including an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and multiple Super Lawyers selections.
  • Free, 24/7 Consultations: Available to clients stationed stateside or overseas, with no obligation.
  • Se Habla Español: Bilingual support for Spanish-speaking servicemembers and their families.
  • Independent Representation: Free from the pressure of the military chain of command.
  • A Trial-Tested Defense Team: Including Attorney Brad Sauer and Attorney Brian Bouffard, ready to try a case rather than push you toward a plea.
These credentials matter because a military case is unlike any civilian proceeding, and the wrong lawyer can cost you your career. If you're facing a court-martial or corrective action, it's crucial to have a solid defense strategy, which means having an attorney who understands the ins and outs of military law on your side. When you hire our firm, you get a team that has prosecuted, judged, and defended within the military justice system, and knows exactly how to protect you inside it.

Cases We Handle

Adverse administrative actions can obliterate an otherwise successful and honorable military career, and a court-martial conviction carries even higher stakes, including dismissal from service or imprisonment. Whether you're facing a formal court-martial or a corrective action like a show cause hearing or Article 15, it's important to take the matter seriously and seek legal advice quickly. Our military criminal defense attorney represents servicemembers and federal employees across every stage of the military justice system, worldwide. Our practice areas include:
  • Court-Martial Defense: General, special, and summary courts-martial, plus Article 32 investigation hearings.
  • Fraud & Larceny: Theft of government property, pay and allowance fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the military.
  • Sex Offenses: Sexual assault, rape, improper sexual conduct, sexual harassment, and computer sex crimes.
  • Drug Offenses: Possession, distribution, or sale of controlled substances, and urinalysis (UA) cases.
  • Conduct & Military Offenses: Insubordination, fraternization, adultery, AWOL, and failure to report for duty.
  • War Crimes: Including violations of the Rules of Engagement.
  • Administrative Separation & NJP: Administrative separation boards, boards of inquiry, and nonjudicial punishment (Article 15, NJP, Mast, or Office Hours).
  • Officer Misconduct & Relief for Cause: Defense against adverse evaluations, fitness reports, and relief for cause actions.
  • Security Clearance Actions: Applications, denials, revocations, and reclassifications.
  • Appeals & Review Boards: Court-martial appeals, physical evaluation board (PEB) appeals, BCMR and DRB petitions, and IRR mobilization challenges.
We defend members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, as well as employees of federal executive agencies, whether stationed stateside or deployed overseas. From initial investigation through exhaustive pre-trial preparation to vigorous representation at trial, we make full use of our experience, skills, knowledge, and resources to fight for you every step of the way.
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WHY CHOOSE THE LAW OFFICE OF PATRICK J. MCLAIN?

  • Former Federal Prosecutor & Military Judge
    Attorney Patrick J. McLain's years of experience across the aisle provide him with a unique perspective.
  • Over 3,500 Cases Successfully Handled
    Patrick J. McLain has helped thousands secure a better future with tenacious representation.
  • Our Firm is Top-Rated & Award-Winning
    Attorney Patrick J. McLain is widely respected by his peers & clients as seen by his numerous accolades.
  • Over Two Decades in the U.S. Marine Corps
    Attorney Patrick J. McLain tries all of his cases with integrity and unparalleled work ethic.

Fighting for Our Servicemen and Servicewomen Worldwide

Our worldwide military defense lawyer is ready to aggressively defend your rights in court-martial, discharges, physical evaluation board (PEB) appeals, officer misconduct, Article 15 hearings, and nonjudicial punishment proceedings across the country and around the world. You have a choice when it comes to military lawyers, but with so much at stake, your case deserves an experienced legal advocate with a track record of success. Patrick J. McLain brings over 30 years of experience in military law to the table and knows how to protect your best interests. When you’re accused, we’ll stick up for you. 

Call (888) 606-3385 or contact us online to discuss your legal options with our military criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC today.

  • Honorable Awarded

    USMC 1stLt Earns Benefits of Service

  • Charges Dismissed

    US Air Force Technical Sergeant Vindicated

  • Client Acquitted

    US Air Force Staff Sergeant Demonstrates Entrapment

  • Adverse Personnel Action Nixed

    Navy LT Avoids Career-Ending Stigma

  • Case Dismissed

    Rape Case Against US Air Force Staff Sergeant

With So Much At Stake YOUR CASE DESERVES A SOLID FOUNDATION
Bringing over 30 years of experience in military law to the table, we know how to protect your best interests.
CONTACT US 24/7
Civilian Military Defense Lawyers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 888-606-3385 today!

  • What Differentiates a Civilian Military Attorney from an Appointed Military Defense Attorney?

    Civilian military lawyers operate independently of the military chain of command and are often able to dedicate more personalized attention to a servicemember's case. They also bring a diverse range of experience, including prior service as a JAG attorney in Patrick J. McLain’s case, which can be advantageous in court-martial proceedings

  • Can A Civilian Military Lawyer Represent Me At A Summary, Special, Or General Court-Martial?

    Yes, our military civilian lawyer is qualified to represent clients in all types of court-martial proceedings, offering the necessary experience and advocacy to defend against charges at any level within the military justice system. You always have the right to hire a civilian military lawyer to represent you when you are facing a court-martial.

  • How Can a Civilian Military Attorney Help If I Am Facing Adverse Administrative Actions?

    Our civilian military lawyer can offer guidance throughout the process, from responding to proposed actions and representing you at hearings to negotiating outcomes and arguing for dismissal.

  • I Accepted a Plea Deal and Now Think I Made a Mistake. Can a Civilian Military Lawyer Help?

    This will depend on the circumstances of the original plea, but our civilian military lawyer is skilled in navigating the complexities of military law and could potentially contest an accepted plea under certain conditions.

  • Do I Still Need A Civilian Military Attorney If My Case Seems Minor Or Straightforward?

    Yes, even seemingly minor military legal issues can have significant long-term implications on your career and benefits, so getting experienced legal representation is in your best interest in all cases. No matter what you are told, never assume that a case is no big deal.

  • What If I Am Not Sure If I Need a Civilian Military Lawyer?

    Whenever you are facing a corrective action or court-martial, you should at least get legal advice from a civilian military law firm. Remember, we offer free, no-obligation consultations, so it is always smart to discuss your situation with our team.

Representing All Members of the Uniformed Services & Employees of Federal Executive Agencies

OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST

    "He is a hard worker and will fight for you the moment you choose him to be on your team!"
    - Angela
    "I won my military case due to his diligence, knowledge and experience in military law."
    - Dan C.
    "I highly recommend Brad Sauer and the entire team"
    - Anne
    "The best lawyer to defend military personnel."
    - Jonathan
    "Thanks to him I am now able to get on with my life."
    - Chip
    "I was entirely impressed with mclain’s work on my case."
    - Chris C.
Proudly Serving All 6 Branches of the Military Worldwide

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