About Me: Cody Harnish
As a dedicated civilian defense counsel, my path has been shaped by a profound commitment to safeguarding the liberties and careers of military service members. My firsthand experience with the overwhelming might of the United States government against individuals fueled my transition from an Army officer to a civilian defense attorney specializing in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
In my tenure as a Trial Defense Counsel in the Army, I observed a critical truth: most assigned to this role are not volunteers but are rather directed into it ("volun-told"). While some adapt naturally, others find it challenging. The transitory nature of this position, typically spanning just two years before moving to a less related and more manageable role, often leaves clients without the expert legal representation they desperately need.
My own initiation into the Army’s Trial Defense Services as a First Lieutenant was daunting. Despite the training and support, I was acutely aware that my clients deserved more than a lawyer still learning the ropes. This realization was a turning point for me.
Military service members facing trials and investigations require seasoned experts who understand the nuances of military law. The fleeting tenure of military counsel, who often develop substantial expertise before being reassigned, undermines this need. If the role of a Trial Defense Attorney in the Army were a dedicated career path, my story might have been different.
My passion for trial law and unyielding commitment to service members drove me to fight for an extended tenure in military defense, surpassing the usual term. However, the inevitable rotation to a non-trial role loomed. This was a turning point. My heart was in trial law, and I was determined to continue my mission.
Resigning from the military and establishing my own firm was a decisive step in fulfilling my lifelong calling. Now, as a civilian defense attorney, I continue to champion the rights of those who defend our nation. My firm, exclusively representing military personnel, is a testament to my dedication to this cause.
The evolving military justice landscape, often more focused on metrics than on the rights of service members, further underscores the need for experienced defense attorneys. I have witnessed inexperienced military lawyers in powerful prosecutorial positions, sometimes taking shortcuts at the expense of justice. This reality strengthened my resolve to make a difference outside the military system.
My experience has also included seeing service members represented by civilian counsel who lack a deep understanding of military culture and legal nuances. Professional ethics restrained me from intervening, but it was challenging to witness.
Today, as a civilian defense attorney, I bring my expertise, understanding of military culture, and unwavering dedication to every case. My mission remains the same: to defend those who defend America, now across all military branches. It's more than a career - it's my passion and my honor to provide exceptional representation to service members
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