Working With the Best
A tad over 20 years ago, one of my most valued mentors told me that the secret to both happiness and success is to surround yourself with talented, quality people. In assembling the team at The Mayer Group, I’ve endeavored to do just that. In assembling my team, the first person I hired was Amy… Read More
Office Update
It is always a privilege to represent service members and veterans. It is particularly invigorating when I have the opportunity to visit them at their duty station for a hearing or board. Here are a couple of notes from my recent travels across the midwest. 1. The Army Trial Defense Service does a fantastic job…. Read More
Social Media: A Cautionary Tale
Just a reminder to everyone out there: be careful on social media. It can cause irreparable damage to your career, your case, your potential for obtaining a discharge upgrade, your future relationships, and a whole lot more. Most military lawyers will tell you the same thing. Be careful out there. Once you post something, it… Read More
Where is Congress Going With This
More changes are being proposed for the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and it has military lawyers and court-martial practitioners scratching their heads. It is confusing and, more importantly, unenforceable in certain key ways. I guess that, when in doubt, make something up that sounds like you’re doing something good. Maybe? For more information, check… Read More
Bad Idea Files: Video Evidence
Here is a cautionary tale that most military attorneys would say stands for several basic principles. First, don’t make statements to others about your wrongdoing. Second, don’t make up a lie about your wrongdoing. Third, you especially should not lie about your military service–especially claiming combat service that you do not have. Fourth, you should… Read More
Facts and Process
The law is definitely about facts. Clients know this and no lawyer would ever deny the same. However, it is just as much about process (and often more about process than facts). Clients often fail to recognize this, which is understandable considering their focus and emotional attachment to the facts. That’s where lawyers are valuable…. Read More
Navy FOIA Program
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a tool used by military lawyers frequently on behalf of their clients. During appeals, where discovery requests are limited or not allowed, it can be an invaluable tool when assisting with administrative actions, discharge upgrades, or other non-court-martial actions. Yet, even those requests can be imprecise and subject… Read More
The Fight Is Far From Over
If you thought the senate would give the latest round of changes to the UCMJ some time to take hold, you thought wrong. Over the next couple of months, a battle will be waged between those who support the changes proposed by Senator Claire McCaskill (former prosecutor and District Attorney) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (champion… Read More
Reserves as a Safety Net?
Staying on active duty is tougher now that it ever has been. With drawdowns in every branch, many who were once competitive for promotion and advancement are rethinking their career prospects. Luckily for many, Reserve and National Guard options expand whenever the active components contract. If you are facing release from active duty, be sure… Read More
Interesting Human Interest Article on Ft. Bragg Court-Martial
Today, I ran across an interesting human interest story on the court-martial of Brigadier General Sinclair at Ft. Bragg, NC. Taken at face value, it is an interesting look into the human side of the trial and the effect it has had on the parties involved. Military lawyers continue to watch this unfolding trial with… Read More
