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Who we are

Don C. King
CAPT, JAGC, USN (Ret)

over 25 years of experience as active duty military lawyer

Don recently founded King Military Law after spending nearly thirty years in uniform, the last twenty-four of those years practicing military law. When he retired, Don was one of the most experienced military criminal lawyers on active duty.

Don began his military career as an enlisted Marine, where he served five years as an infantryman. He spent most of those years providing security for the U.S. Department of State at various U.S. Embassies around the world. In this capacity, Don was selected to augment Secret Service protective details for the President and Vice-President as well as providing diplomatic security for Secretaries of State and U.S. Ambassadors.

Corporal King on duty in Bonn, West Germany

Once his enlistment ended, Don was honorably discharged and used his GI Bill to attend college in his home state of Oregon where he earned both his college and law degrees in under six years. In 1996, he returned to active duty as a Judge Advocate in the Navy where he dedicated himself to a career in criminal law. Don’s string of victories began immediately. Shortly after arriving at his first duty station, Don was assigned to defend a Sailor charged with various serious crimes, including murder. After a full trial against two senior prosecutors, Don’s client was acquitted of every charge.

experienced military trial attorney

Don went on to serve in every job relevant to military criminal law, including several tours as senior prosecutor and senior defense counsel–litigating and supervising navy lawyers and military attorneys in hundreds of trials and separation boards, most of them before juries, and involving nearly every crime under the UCMJ.

“My most accomplished litigator—I trust him with any case. In high profile Marine case of Staff Sergeant charged with [engaging in sexual activity with underage] Army Colonel’s daughter, zealous advocacy resulted in [a pretrial agreement limiting punishment to reduction to Corporal]. Compelling clemency petition yielded suspension of even that reduction! In last 7 months, has won retention for 7 of 13 Separation Boards with none of his other clients receiving negative discharges.” Commanding Officer, 1999

 

Don also served as the Director of the Navy’s Defense Counsel Assistance Program, where he was responsible for providing training and experienced trial assistance to military defense counsel world-wide. In this capacity, Don lectured extensively on all facets of defending servicemembers, from Administrative Separations and Boards of Inquiry, to pretrial tactics, to trial techniques, to effectively pursuing clemency and appeals. In 2010, Don was one of the first military attorneys to ever be board-selected by the U.S. Navy as an “Expert” in military justice litigation–the highest rating possible.

“Leads a fully engaged and enthusiastic team in providing worldwide round-the-clock specialized support for all 57 counsel of the Navy Defense Bar. His teams . . . expert advice draw consistent praise for CO’s and their attorneys and have elevated our criminal defense practice Navy-wide.” Navy Defense Chief of Staff, 2014

Equally as important, Don served several tours as a Staff Judge Advocate, the military  legal advisor to the Commanders responsible for making decisions regarding non-judicial punishment, security clearance access, administrative separation, whether to bring criminal charges, and how to dispose of those charges.

“With decades of experience, expertly guided the [Navy] through several complex, high visibility legal issues, including courts martial involving law of war violations and several senior officer misconduct cases.” Navy Rear Admiral, 2019

Not only did Don spend years litigating cases and administrative hearings, he served multiple tours as a military judge, at both the trial and appellate levels, including two tours as a Senior Judge on the Navy Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals. Don was also appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate to serve as an appellate judge on the Court of Military Commission Review. He also serves as an instructor and judge for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, the nation’s premier training organization for trial lawyers. 

 

“[As Senior Appellate Judge] AT PINNACLE OF JUDICIAL PERFORMANCE. Unmatched depth of military justice experience[.] Adroit jurist with unsurpassed legal acumen[.] Has established a well-deserved reputation as an erudite jurist with impressive mental dexterity and competency.” Chief Judge of the Navy, 2015

pro bono service

Finally, Don remains active in the local community, volunteering with the ABA’s Military Pro Bono Programteaches and judges high school and college mock trial competitions, as well as provides pro bono hours to assist veterans.

Now retired, Don’s practice focuses on bringing experienced legal counsel and tested trial skills to those who need them.

King Military Law: Decades of Experience in YOUR Corner–When Experience Matters Most

Google Reviews

King Military Law
5.0
Based on 35 reviews
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Jess SackettJess Sackett
20:19 15 Sep 23
Mr King recently defended my daughter for misconduct. His defense ended with a unanimous board decision clearing my daughter of that charge. Mr King was tenacious and unrelenting in her case. His staff are true professionals and highly skilled and experienced in preparing the cases. If you or someone you know needs a lawyer who will fight for you Mr King is the one you want in your corner.
Liv SLiv S
07:58 06 Sep 23
My journey with King Military Law began when my Navy Reserve Center falsely accused me of committing a crime but failed to notify me until nearly a year had passed after said crime. I was literally looking at losing everything I had ever worked towards the 16 years I had spent in the military to include a burgeoning career in the healthcare sector, my security clearance, my G.I Bill benefits, ect. If you think that situation can’t get any more stressful, try searching for legal counsel who will treat your case with the utmost importance instead of just a money grab. Thankfully, I found King Military Law quickly and was sold from the many 5-star reviews to Don’s impressive resume, and Kasheta’s prompt response to my initial query.During the consultation, Don did not shy away even after I explained the details of my rather complex case. In fact, he seemed to relish in the challenge of it all. Once retained, he and the rest of his legal team immediately began working various angles of my case and even provided further support by helping me navigate through several legal forms provided by my command to ensure that none of my rights were signed away.As it is the Navy Reserve, I had to wait several months for my Administrative Separation Board to convene; however, Don and his legal team always answered any questions that I had or dealt with any situations that arose in a timely manner and kept me in the loop as new details emerged.To say I was beyond stressed out the weekend of my Administrative Separation Board is an understatement, Angela’s positive demeanor and Don’s encouraging words were greatly appreciated. Don is a talented legal force and well versed in proceedings, his eloquence and extensive knowledge of military law is clear. However, what stuck out to me the most is the moment when the opposing counsel launched a particularly catty and rather unwarranted personal attack on my character. Don immediately but gracefully rebuffed his attack, providing a compelling and moving argument in which he showered me with praise and related similar experiences he had in the navy to my case in order to appeal to board members on my behalf.Thanks to King Military Law, I was able to win my case and can finally relax for the first time in nearly a year. I can’t thank the exceptional legal team (Don, Kasheta, Angela, and Ashley) enough for their tireless efforts, they’re absolute consummate professionals who truly care about their clients and will always go that extra mile for them. I HIGHLY recommend King Military Law to any service members in need and seeking out legal counsel.
Eddie RobinsonEddie Robinson
02:35 04 Sep 23
Mr. King & his associates (Ms. Kasheta) were very responsive and caring to me and my son's case. They explained in terms I could understand, they were timely, and they were caring. My son had serious charges against him and I am hundreds of miles away on the East coast and very scared. He was able to be there to see my son and let him know he had someone on his side. I know we pay for attorneys but you want to feel comfortable with your choice. My son is coming home free & clear. You will be very satisfied with King Military Law when you just can't be there yourself. THANK YOU MR KING & STAFF. posting from : Alethia
Hailey PorterHailey Porter
15:24 30 Aug 23
King Military Law saved my best friend's life and career. The Navy likely illegally separated a close friend of mine with 14 years of service, at the time, as a Sailor. As was I, she was stuck overseas in Afghanistan in 2020 due to the travel ban Gen Miller initiated to prevent personnel from entering and leaving Theater. She wasn't able to fulfill her naval obligations due to the ban. She fought tooth and nail to come back into service and went through MEPs for a second time to continue serving. The Navy again tried to ADSEP the sailor for a separate reason, and that's when she hired King Military Law. If my friend was given her charges she would've lost her medical career, intelligence career, and at this point 16 years of active service. I was present for her ADSEP board and watched King Military Law in action. The process was extremely nerve-racking. The recorder wasn't pulling any punches about my friend's character they were trying to portray to the board. King Military Law's kindness, professionalism, and strategy saved her life. They helped her beat a case that typically the service member wouldn't win. I 10/10 recommend King Military Law. For the first time in 2 years, my friend is able to truly rest and breathe.
Bryce BeeckmanBryce Beeckman
04:26 30 Aug 23
Don is absolutely amazing, I cannot thank him enough for how much he helped me out with my case. He knows the Navy legal system inside out and has a ton of experience. If it weren’t for him I would have never been reinstated. My chain of command literally tried to rail road me, twist my story, and even tried to tell me that it was illegal to get legal representation, but Don worked with me every step of the way. Before contacting Don I spoke with other lawyers and they did not care at all, and didn’t even listen to me and my case. The JAG even blew me off and told me that I was going to loose, didn’t even want to help me out, but Don did it, and got my rank back. I’m so incredibly grateful that he had my back. Don is the way to go for anything legal dealing with the Navy, hese #1 in my books.
Dina TrujilloDina Trujillo
04:46 15 Aug 23
Where do I begin? This will be a bit lengthy as I want to share my experience King Military Law. There aren’t enough words to express how grateful, blessed, and completely honored we are to have had Don King and his team representing my Marine. A few months ago, my son found himself in a very difficult, very scary and extremely stressful situation. A parents worst nightmare. My son was being FALSLEY accused of of a very serious crime. My son had no chance to speak his truth, and was immediately guilty in the eyes of command with absolutely no chance for a positive outcome. This was extremely heart wrenching to a mother who 100% knows without a doubt that her son is innocent, it completely broke me and tore me apart. There was nothing I could do. Once Don heard my sons case he immediately took action. Don ensured that my sons rights were protected. Don protected my Marine when I could not. Don made sure that my son would not get screwed out of what he was entitled to, since my son was a few months from completing his enlistment.Don fought for my boy, presented facts and had these serious charges dismissed against my son, all without having to go to court martial. Don believed in my son from day one and relentlessly fought for him.Don is caring and compassionate and genuinely cares. While going through this stressful situation, Don made sure to reach out to my Marine a few times a week to check in with my son to make sure he was mentally and emotionally doing well. Don kept us updated throughout the process and we always knew what to expect. In the end my son was separated under honorable conditions and is now home. All which never would’ve happened without Don. Don saved my sons career and ensured that my son could have a successful and bright future in the civilian world.I promise that you will not find another Military Attorney with the experience and knowledge that Don has, just take a look at his resume. Don is a warrior who will run circles around anyone. Thank you so much Don and Kasheta for everything! Forever thankful.
Rancell GonzalezRancell Gonzalez
06:29 08 Aug 23
This guy has the best legal team in the nation, hands down. All odds were against my best friend, another co-worker, and myself. Somehow, he managed to win every single battle. Don King literally fought for us 24/7, it did not matter to him whether it was the weekend or late at night. Don always answers the phone provides support through stressful times. Don is a winner, what can I say. I will always be forever grateful that I hired this man. When you go to court with him, you will see that you didn't waste your money and time, but you invested it. This guy awesome, I would hire him a 10000000000000 times if had to because I know he will win.
Kiki WhiteKiki White
00:27 13 Jul 23
Mr. King went above and beyond during our consultation. He was professional, knowledgeable, and very thorough. We went over the 30 minutes. Mr. King did not try to rush me off the phone. This is an attorney who truly cares for a client or potential client. I would highly recommend retaining Mr. King as an attorney. Thank you so much for your assistance Mr. King!
Jeovani StouteJeovani Stoute
02:47 05 Jul 23
Mr. King provided advice for a pending legal issue I am facing. His experience, professional demeanor, and care is unmatched.
Leslie PuikLeslie Puik
01:03 07 May 23
There aren't enough words of high praise to express our appreciation for Don King of King Military Law. He and his very qualified staff Kasheta and Angela took care of our needs like we were their only clients. They are all highly professional, superb communicators, responsive, and thorough. They are caring, compassionate and patiently listen to and address every concern as though they were helping one of their family members. Don excels at helping others understand the processes of the law. He educates his clients so that they can navigate toward the best possible solution and outcome. We will be forever grateful for the entire team's effort to help our family through the most challenging time of our lives.I highly recommend King Military Law.
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