Military personnel commit their livelihood in service of our country. This service comes with stringent standards of performance and conduct as governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (“UCMJ”). Practice in the military systems, be it command investigations, administrative separations (e.g. ADSEP Boards or Boards of Inquiry), Article 15 proceedings (e.g. NJP, Captain’s Mast, etc.), characterization of service upgrades, or even courts-martial, requires specialized knowledge and expertise in order to protect your livelihood, retirement, or even your liberty. The Law Center P.C., led by Jason Wareham has unparalleled experience and knowledge in dealing with all forms of military justice cases (to include appeals and boards of correction petitions).
In addition to military justice, both military and federal service personnel may find themselves embroiled in investigations and prosecutions involving issues of National Security. Issues regarding mishandling of classified information or other Esp`ionage Act or National Security Act cases can quickly accelerate into federal prosecutions and national or international news. These cases not only require aggressive defense strategies but also a lawyer who knows the practice of classified litigation and possesses a security clearance himself. As evident by recent news coverage involving unlawful possession of classified material or improper disclosures of the same, time is of the essence in these cases and a lawyer must be able to hit the ground running understanding the interplay of the judicial and executive authorities brought to bear in these matters.
The Law Center P.C. possesses the required acumen and clearances to act on both military justice and national security cases worldwide. Defend what you have earned.
Throughout and beyond his long-lasting, successful career as a U.S. Marine Corps Judge Advocate, attorney Jason Wareham earned a reputation as one of the longest continuously serving active-duty Marine Corps defense attorneys in the country. During more than a decade in that position, he also earned a Masters of Law (LL.M.) degree from Georgetown University Law Center focusing on criminal and national security litigation involving cyber and privacy law. Additionally, he has taken on some of the most challenging and highly classified defense litigations before the Military Commissions in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (defending detainees in the 9/11, U.S.S. Cole, and Malaysian Bombing cases). This, coupled with more than 14 years of litigating at every level of the military justice system, has left Jason Wareham with an unparalleled level of expertise to handle anything from Article 15 nonjudicial punishments all the way to the highest stakes courts-martials and federal national security cases.
Now, practicing law privately, Mr. Wareham is highly qualified to advise and represent service men and women from any branch of the military and other federal workers anywhere in the world. Turn to him proactively or for guidance through any high-stakes military or complex national security challenge.
A favorite saying of Jason Wareham, the military and national security cases can be some of the most complex and challenging litigations in the nation. These cases often require political, military command, and judicial savvy to successfully navigate the case to a successful conclusion. You need a lawyer who can use the interplay of the issues to your benefit. If you have found this page, you may be interested in the following issues:
As you approach serious junctures in your pursuit of preserving your career and your liberty, you owe it to yourself to have legal advice that can help ensure the absolute best outcome. An authority in the area of Military and National Security Law can help you stay on track at any stage of your military or national security career.
Military lawyers, also known as Judge Advocates, are highly trained professionals who provide legal assistance to military personnel and handle various legal matters related to military law. These legal experts are skilled in fields such as criminal law, administrative law, and international law. They often serve as legal advisors to military commanders, helping to develop policies and procedures within the military.
In addition to offering advice and representation to military personnel, Judge Advocates may also be responsible for handling legal cases and disputes that arise within the military. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that military personnel are held to the highest legal standards and that their rights are protected. Overall, the work of Judge Advocates is essential to the functioning and effectiveness of the military.
In the U.S. military, Judge Advocates are commissioned officers. The rank of a Judge Advocate will depend on the length of their service and their experience level. Newly commissioned Judge Advocates typically hold the rank of Second Lieutenant (Army, Air Force) or Ensign (Navy, Marine Corps). As they progress in their careers, Judge Advocates may be promoted to higher ranks, such as Captain, Major, and Lieutenant Colonel.
Becoming a military lawyer, or “Judge Advocate,” is a challenging process that requires a significant amount of education and training and the ability to meet the high standards set by the military. To become a Judge Advocate, you must first meet the basic eligibility requirements set by the military branch you are interested in joining. These requirements usually include being a U.S. citizen, being at least 18 years old, and having a bachelor’s degree.
In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, you will also need to meet the educational requirements for becoming a Judge Advocate. This typically involves completing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and passing the bar exam in the state where you want to practice law. Obtaining a JD degree and passing the bar exam can be a challenging and time-consuming process, as it requires a strong foundation in legal theory and practice. You must also pass a comprehensive and rigorous exam.
Once you have met the educational and eligibility requirements, you must apply for a commission as a Judge Advocate in the military. This process usually involves an interview and a thorough review of your academic and professional background, including your education, work experience, and any relevant legal experience you may have.
If you are accepted into the Judge Advocate Program, you will be required to attend officer training and complete a rigorous legal education program. This program will typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on training. It will cover a wide range of legal topics, including military justice, administrative law, and international law. Once you have successfully completed the program, you will be awarded a commission as a Judge Advocate and will begin serving in your new role.
Military defense attorneys represent military personnel facing criminal charges, administrative proceedings, or disciplinary actions within the military justice system. These attorneys protect their clients’ legal rights and ensure that they receive a fair and just outcome in their cases.
In their role as defense attorneys, they may represent their clients in court martial proceedings, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings. They may also provide legal counsel and representation to military personnel facing non-judicial punishment or administrative separation from the military. This may include negotiating plea agreements and assisting clients in obtaining legal remedies or solutions allowed under military regulations.
In addition to their legal duties, military defense attorneys may also provide advice and counsel to their clients on various issues related to military law and regulations. This could include advising clients on the potential consequences of their actions and helping them understand their rights and options under military law. By providing comprehensive legal representation and advice, military defense attorneys are vital to protecting the rights of military personnel.
Although military lawyers and civilian attorneys both provide legal counsel to their clients, there are some key differences between the two. For example, military lawyers are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), a federal law that governs military justice and applies to all armed forces members. In contrast, civilian attorneys are subject to the laws and regulations of their state or jurisdiction.
Another key difference between military lawyers and civilian attorneys is that military lawyers are responsible for defending their clients in court-martial proceedings and other proceedings governed by the UCMJ. In contrast, civilian attorneys are not subject to the UCMJ and typically focus their practice on civil matters. However, there are rare attorneys who, thanks to their practice in active duty as Judge Advocates, are able to now practice as civilian attorneys as civilian attorneys in military courts.
Outside of their legal duties, civilian attorneys are also often involved in other aspects of their clients’ legal matters, such as providing advice and guidance on financial or business issues. In comparison, military lawyers typically focus solely on the legal aspects of their clients’ cases and only provide advice regarding their legal rights and options.
Take the time to find an attorney who you feel comfortable working with. Choosing a military criminal defense lawyer is a personal decision for military service members. It is important to find someone you feel comfortable sharing personal information with and who you trust to advocate on your behalf.
Our office is located in Highlands Ranch, near many military bases and several service academies. Additionally, the central location of Colorado allows our attorneys to quickly and easily access much of the rest of the Nation when you need boots on the ground defense. If you are in this area, our proximity and experience can help you through what is ahead. We also welcome inquiries from others nationwide and worldwide. Reach out to us today by calling 303-351-2914 or sending us an email.