I have spent more than two decades in uniform. First, as an enlisted soldier and non-commissioned officer, where I learned firsthand what it meant to lead from the front, take care of my soldiers, and navigate the layers of bureaucracy that shape military life. Later, as an officer in the JAG Corps, where I realized that my ability to make a difference extended beyond my unit to the broader force. My decision to become an attorney wasn’t just about practicing law — it was about continuing to serve, advocating for servicemembers, and ensuring that the system that governs them operates fairly and justly.
A Perspective Shaped by Experience
Long before I entered a courtroom as a defense counsel, I had already spent years navigating the complexities of the military system. As an NCO, I dealt with administrative actions, disciplinary measures, and the often-frustrating chain of command dynamics that can make or break a soldier’s career. I saw good leaders fight for their troops and bad leaders abuse their authority. I saw servicemembers get caught up in processes they barely understood, with little recourse or guidance. I learned how the Army works — not just in theory, but in practice, from the ground up.
That experience shaped the way I approach my work as a JAG officer. I don’t just see regulations on a page — I see how they are applied, misapplied, or ignored entirely. I understand how decisions made at one level can ripple through a soldier’s entire career, sometimes with life-altering consequences. That perspective makes all the difference when advising a client or challenging a flawed process.
Lessons from the Front Lines of Policy Reform
The military’s bureaucracy is difficult enough to navigate for those who have spent years within it. It is nearly impenetrable for those on the outside. That reality became painfully clear when I found myself challenging the military’s discriminatory HIV policies — first as a plaintiff, then as an advocate. What began as a personal fight for my own career turned into a broader battle for systemic change, forcing me to learn the intricacies of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR), the Special Selection Board (SSB) process, and the intersection of military law with the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
Most servicemembers — and even many attorneys — never deal with these systems firsthand. I did. I saw how they functioned, where they failed, and how they could be used to protect the rights of those who had been wronged. That experience has given me insight that few others have, allowing me to advocate more effectively for clients facing similar administrative and legal hurdles. I don’t just tell my clients to trust the process — I explain how it works, where the pitfalls are, and what strategies will give them the best chance of success.
Trial Defense Service: The Fight for Fairness
Serving as a Defense Counsel in the DC National Guard has reinforced everything I knew about military service — both its strengths and its flaws. The work is more than just case management and trial advocacy. It is about problem-solving, about finding creative ways to protect soldiers who often feel powerless in the face of the system. Every case presents a new challenge, whether it’s an unjust administrative separation, a command-directed investigation that lacks evidence, or a soldier facing career-ending disciplinary action for a momentary lapse in judgment.
What I have learned in this role is that justice in the military is not automatic. It requires advocacy. It requires an understanding of not just the law, but of military culture, command dynamics, and the unspoken rules that dictate outcomes. Soldiers come to me because they need someone who understands their struggles, who speaks their language, and who is willing to fight for them.
Bridging the Gap Between Military and Legal Leadership
The transition from the battlefield to the courtroom is not as unlikely as it seems. The best military leaders are not those who give orders, but those who understand their people, anticipate problems, and find solutions under pressure. The same is true in legal practice. Whether negotiating a case, advising a client, or challenging an unjust policy, the skills honed through military service — discipline, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate in high-stakes environments — are invaluable.
For me, military service has never been about rank or position. It has been about responsibility. As an NCO, that meant taking care of my soldiers. As an officer, it meant making decisions that affected lives and careers. As an attorney, it means ensuring that the law is applied fairly, that servicemembers have a voice, and that those who serve are not left to navigate the system alone.
That mission hasn’t changed. The battlefield may be different, but the fight remains the same.
About the Author: Nick Harrison has extensive knowledge and experience in various aspects of business law. He is skilled in helping clients navigate the complexities of business formation and incorporation, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements, and providing guidance on corporate governance and nonprofit management. He has provided valuable legal counsel to clients in difficult financial situations and he is well-equipped to provide comprehensive legal support for a range of business-related issues.
