JAG Defense Attorney Serving Japan

Name: JAG Defense
Brand: Military Justice Attorneys
Rating: 5 (44 reviews)

Administrative actions overseas can escalate quickly, threatening your evaluation, qualifications, and long-term military career.

Support When Command Action Puts Your Career at Risk

Service members across Japan can often face administrative investigations or JAG-driven actions that develop quickly and carry lasting consequences. This includes those serving, or formerly serving, from Yokota Air Base, Misawa Air Base, and Kadena Air Base to MCAS Iwakuni, Camp Foster, Camp Hansen, Camp Courtney, Camp Schwab, Camp Kinser, Camp Zama, Torii Station, NAF Atsugi, Naval Base Yokosuka, Naval Base Sasebo, and White Beach Naval Facility.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, represents servicemembers in Japan facing command inquiries, adverse paperwork, or administrative reviews. We provide disciplined, strategic defense designed to protect your career.

What Is JAG Defense in Japan?

JAG defense involves representing servicemembers during administrative actions such as command investigations, adverse memoranda, counseling entries, loss of qualification reviews, or potential separation actions. Overseas commands often rely heavily on JAG guidance when determining a servicemember’s future.

Procedures related to administrative actions are informed by regulations and provisions in the Manual for Courts-Martial, available through https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for JAG Actions

Protection From Early Mistakes. Many servicemembers speak freely before understanding the consequences. We ensure your rights and interests are protected immediately.
Structured, Evidence-Based Responses. We prepare clear, persuasive rebuttals or statements grounded in facts, regulations, and service standards.
Advocacy That Preserves Long-Term Career Goals. We understand overseas command culture and how administrative actions affect evaluations, advancement, and assignments.

Is JAG Defense Relevant to My Situation?

JAG defense may be necessary if you receive adverse counseling, become the subject of a command investigation, face a qualification review, or encounter administrative action that could limit career progression.

Incidents involving interpersonal conflict, communication misunderstandings, off-base situations, or stress-related behavior can escalate quickly in Japan’s high-tempo operational environment. If your command requests statements or initiates inquiries, early representation is essential.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our attorneys are all former military officers who served on active duty. We work as a team on your case, leveraging each of our attorneys’ unique perspectives and vast experience to win on your behalf.

Gerry Healy

Owner and Founder

Gerry founded Military Justice Attorneys to provide service members with principled, trial-tested defense rooted in firsthand experience inside the military justice system.

Former Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps
Recognized Criminal Defense Attorney and Litigator
Represents Military Community in Complex Mass Torts

Josh Hill

Managing Partner

Josh oversees the firm’s military justice practice, bringing a strategic and detail-driven approach to complex litigation, appeals, and high-stakes administrative matters.

Former Military Prosecutor and Defense Counsel
Admitted to Practice in all Military Appellate Courts
Burton Award for Distinguished Legal Writing

Chip Hodge

Partner

Chip draws on senior-level military justice experience to advise and defend service members facing courts-martial, investigations, and career-altering administrative actions.

Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel
Served as Deputy SJA, Marine Forces Reserve
Deployed to Afghanistan in Support of OEF

Paul Murray

Partner

Paul represents contractors injured while working overseas in support of US agencies and forces, combining significant litigation experience with a deep commitment to helping injured workers.

Former Major in the U.S. Marine Corps
Admitted to the Bar in South Carolina, Georgia, and Illinois

Jon Shelburne

Senior Counsel

Jon brings decades of courtroom and appellate experience, focusing on serious criminal allegations and complex military justice matters worldwide.

30+ Years of Trial Experience
Co-Chair, Veterans Committee for Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Amy Thomas

Of Counsel

Amy provides strategic counsel on military and employment-related matters, informed by senior leadership experience and advanced legal training.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps
Master's in Jurisprudence in Labor & Employment Law

The JAG Defense Process What to Expect

Step One: Rights Advisement and Document Review

We begin by reviewing all available paperwork, ensuring you understand your Article 31(b) rights. These protections are outlined through the Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov, and apply whenever you are suspected of misconduct, even during administrative inquiries.

Step Two: Evidence Analysis and Identification of Errors

We examine command investigations, digital records, witness statements, and any administrative documents issued. Overseas commands sometimes rely on incomplete information, and identifying gaps strengthens your defense.

Step Three: Preparing Rebuttals, Responses, or Mitigation Packages

We prepare detailed responses addressing factual inaccuracies, procedural issues, stress-related impacts, and operational context. This structured submission ensures your voice is fully considered by the command and JAG advisors.

Step Four: Protecting You From Escalation

If adverse action could lead to NJP, loss of qualifications, or potential separation, we prepare comprehensive evidence packets and represent you during each stage. Department of Justice guidance at https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers helps inform fairness considerations in certain administrative contexts.

After Your JAG Case What Comes Next

Even after an investigation concludes, service members may face secondary consequences such as downgraded evaluations, qualification reviews, or career-impacting restrictions. These effects can limit reenlistment options, advancement, or ability to remain overseas. MJA supports servicemembers through follow-on appeals, record corrections, and long-term planning. Our goal is to prevent a single administrative issue from defining your future.

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

View All Testimonials

"The Government Came to Bury Me, Josh Hill Buried Their Case Instead"

If you’re reading this review,...

"If you’re reading this review, there’s a fair chance you’re in trouble with the military. The answer is YES—hire Josh Hill. He is worth every penny and more. Don’t gamble with your VA benefits, your military pension, or your freedom. You only get one shot at defending your future. Trust me, this is the guy you want in your corner. When I first hired Josh Hill as my civilian military lawyer, I was staring down a mountain: 28 specifications across 6 charges in a military court-martial. The government basically made a giant mud ball, threw it at the wall, and waited to see what would stick. The stakes couldn’t have been higher—my freedom, my career, my reputation, and my benefits were all on the line. But from day one, Josh brought unmatched experience, surgical strategy, and a level of confidence that gave me hope when I needed it most. Josh Hill is a master of his craft. He navigated the UCMJ like a seasoned warrior—dissecting every allegation, exposing every weakness in the government’s case, and challenging every false assumption thrown my way. His preparation was meticulous, his presence in court was commanding, and his cross-examinations were absolutely relentless. He left no stone unturned and no argument unanswered. Because of Josh’s leadership, we went from what felt like an impossible situation to walking out of that courtroom not guilty on all charges. That wasn’t just a win—it was a total and complete vindication. And it’s 100% because of Josh Hill’s commitment, brilliance, and refusal to let the government steamroll me. Josh Hill didn’t just defend me—he saved my life. I will forever be in his debt for the sacrifices he made and the time he dedicated to my case. One last note: When he calls—ANSWER IT. Drop what you're doing, it can wait. That phone call might be the one thing that changes your future. If you want to hear my story firsthand, Josh has my permission to give you my contact info. I’ll gladly tell you exactly how he absolutely destroyed the government’s case, so I can continue with my life."
-STAFF SERGEANT, USMC

"He is an articulate pitbull in the courtroom."

My career, my life, my futu...

I know Mr Healy quite well. He represented me in a case where the odds were stacked against me. This was the most difficult time of my life considering some other circumstances that were added on. However, he fought for me tooth and nail even though his caseload was very high at the time. It seemed he devoted every ounce of effort to find me justice and in the end, because of his efforts, I was fully acquitted of several charges.
I will never forget that feeling for as long as I live. Upon the announcement of the verdict I nearly collapsed. My career, my life, my future was completely in his hands and he took it as seriously as I did. He is an articulate pitbull in the courtroom. I highly recommend his services if you expect to have any chance of seeing the justice you truly deserve.

-Corporal, USMC

"Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me"

Mr. Hodge was relentless in hi...

Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me . . . and absolved me of any wrongdoing under the UCMJ.
-Corporal, USMC

"His dedication to me as a client was unprecedented."

Josh is a hard nosed and dedic...

Josh is a hard nosed and dedicated attorney that will stand by you every step of the way in your defense. His dedication to me as a client was unprecedented.
-Staff Sergeant, USA

"I would hire them again in a heartbeat."

Gerry and Josh are absolute pr...

Gerry and Josh are absolute professional monsters in the courtroom. I would hire them again in a heartbeat and wouldn’t want anyone else in my corner!
-Private First Class, USA

"I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding."

Mr. Hill tore apart the govern...

Mr. Hill tore apart the government's theory piece by piece . . . I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding.
-Petty Officer Third Class, USN

"I would not want my fate in anyone else’s hands."

Gerry Healy is an outstandi...

Gerry Healy is an outstanding attorney. In the courtroom he is confident, knowledgeable, and aggressive. I would not want my fate in anyone else’s hands.
-Airman First Class, USAF

Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with extensive backgrounds in administrative law, command investigations, and overseas military operations. We understand the pressures of serving in Japan and the weight these actions carry.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have helped servicemembers across Japan overturn adverse findings, correct inaccurate records, and prevent escalations that threatened long-term careers. Our disciplined approach emphasizes clarity, fairness, and actionable legal strategy.

Dedicated Support for Servicemembers in Japan

You receive direct access to an experienced attorney rather than being handed off to a case manager. We provide reliable communication across time zones and steady guidance through every stage of your administrative challenge. We offer mission-focused advocacy that safeguards your standing and preserves your career.

JAG Defense Attorney Serving Japan FAQs

Can administrative actions affect my ability to reenlist?

Yes. Adverse counseling, reprimands, or investigation findings may limit reenlistment or career progression. Early defense reduces long-term impact.

Will my command see my statements if I submit a rebuttal?

Yes. All responses become part of the official record. A well-crafted rebuttal strengthens your position and may prevent escalation.

Can I challenge inaccurate or unfair administrative paperwork?

Absolutely. Strong evidence, clear explanation, and proper formatting often change how a command evaluates your record.

Do Article 31(b) rights apply during administrative questioning?

Yes, whenever you are suspected of misconduct. Improper advisement of rights can weaken the government’s case.

When should I contact a JAG defense attorney?

Immediately upon learning of an investigation, receiving adverse paperwork, or being asked for a statement. Early representation strengthens your defense.

Protect Your Record and Your Military Future

Administrative actions overseas are serious, but you do not have to face them alone. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.