Michael E. Lyons

PRO

Michael E. Lyons

also known as Mike Lyons

5.0
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 18 years

Military law Lawyer at Annapolis, MD
Practice Areas: Military Law, Employment & Labor, Family ... +2 more

48 Maryland Avenue, 3rd Floor, Annapolis, MD

Virtual Consultation Available

About Michael

Biography

A former Air Force JAG and national security attorney, Michael E. Lyons represents service members, veterans, and government contractors in security clearance, military divorce, disciplinary, and federal employment matters. Focused on clients and businesses connected to NSA, USNA, and Meade.

Employment law for the national security community — safeguarding clearances, careers, and reputations. Focused on unique issues confronting NSA, USNA, and Ft Meade personnel. Call to protect your employment and re-employment rights.

Military divorce done right — because understanding your benefits takes more than family law experience. Call to learn why military divorce is different.

Helping defense and intelligence contractors build, protect, and grow their government business.

Litigation for service members and federal employees — recovering back pay, rank, benefits, and respect.

Experienced military defense for courts-martial and discharge proceedings — restoring fairness, rank, and reputation.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Military Law 30%

Patriots Law Group, led by former JAGs, defends service members in investigations, Article 32 hearings, courts-martial, NJPs, adverse actions, appeals, discharge upgrades, and security clearance cases—protecting your career, reputation, and future.

16 years

30%
Employment and Labor 25%

We represent small businesses and government contractors near Fort Meade and NSA, offering big-law skill at local-attorney rates. Our team handles employment, compliance, and business law matters with emphasis on USERRA and reservist issues.

18 years

25%
Family 20%

We focus on military divorce and family law. As a former JAG, I specialize in military pensions, SBP, Tricare, and security clearance issues for my firm’s military divorce clients and for other family attorneys seeking military benefit expertise.

18 years

20%
Litigation 15%

We handle business and contract disputes in Virginia, Maryland, Texas, and DC, delivering the experience and sophistication of major firms with the personal attention and efficiency of a local practice. We resolve contract, partnership, and civil lit

18 years

15%
Government Contracts 10%

We represent small businesses and government contractors near Fort Meade and NSA, offering big-law skill at local-attorney rates. Our team handles employment, compliance, and business law matters with emphasis on USERRA and reservist issues.

6 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 395-525 per hour

Contingency

33%-40%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 1 year

State: Texas

Acquired: 2024

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 16 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2010

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Maryland for 18 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Patriots Law Group

48 Maryland Avenue, 3rd Floor, Annapolis, MD, 21401

patriotslaw.com/

Patriots Law Group

5819 Allentown Road, Suitland, MD, 20746

patriotslaw.com/

Patriots Law Group

8253 Backlick Road, Suite M, Lorton, VA, 22079

patriotslaw.com/

Patriots Law Group

1919 Oakwell Farms Parkway, Suite 253, San Antonio, TX, 78217

patriotslaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Michael online.

Michael E. Lyons's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

18 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 18 reviews

Posted by Debra | October 03, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Experts in Military Matters - Yes, please!

Finding Mike was such a relief. I had been searching and searching for legal counsel that fit my unique situation that included retired military and federal benefits. To have my regular family law attorney do that research would’ve cost me thousands of dollars, but Mike knew everything off the top of... his head and was willing to work with my other attorney to help get my case settled quickly, efficiently, and economically. Both Mike and Gabby‘s “desk side manners“ were great - calming and reassuring - which really helped on the emotional side.

Posted by Rich | August 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

The Patriot

Michael is consistency exemplified. He doesn't fold under pressure, and looks at everything from a position of balance. Many times during my case, I got frazzled, but Michael was always there to keep me centered. The best part, he still made me feel like my ideas mattered. We won the case and the re...st is history.

Posted by Ms.Branch | September 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Humanity is still ALIVE

I was going through a really bad divorce , which included the works! Adultery, custody , child support , ect. Mr. Lyon and Ms. Molly understood the challenges I faced with the results that I wanted , and was always very transparent with me down to the cost , and possible results of my case. These tw...o as a team and individually are unstoppable . Mr. Lyon/Ms. Molly heard my concerns , recognized the challenges and found solutions to EVERYTHING ! Mr. Lyons professionalism is impeccable in and outside of the court and he really made me feel like more than just a client and that’s something that’s hard to find now of days. Thank you Mr. Lyon and Molly for everything that you and your firm has done for me . If I’m ever put in this situation again ( hopefully not ) Patriot Law is the First and Last firm I will call. You understood the assignment , and killed it. I am forever grateful.

Posted by anonymous | October 28, 2020 | Contracts & Agreements

Auditor

The consultation that we had with Michael Lysons was beyond insightful. He placed our mind at ease and provided outstanding customer service. We were able to discuss a lawsuit pertaining to a breach in contract for one of our residential properties and he efficiently answered all of our questions and... helped us identify the best plan moving forward. Highly recommend!

Posted by Frida | July 27, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Landlord & Tenant

Real Estate Law

Molly was great in helping me resolving a very difficult and emotional tenant situation. She was superb and went above and beyond. I feel honored to recommend her to landlords.

See All Client Reviews

Michael E. Lyons's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Matt Osborn headshot
Matt Osborn

Family lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have known Mike since 2011 both on active duty and now in civilian practice. He is extremely well-respected in the local community and works diligently to assist his clients, while still making them feel comfortable and at ease. I highly recommend this attorney."

Michelle E Gregory headshot
Michelle Gregory

Military law lawyer | Jan 09

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Mike has years of experience in varied practices, from the private sector to the military. Whenever I had questions about anything - whether it was family law, military law, landlord/tenant, anything - Mike had the answers; if he didn't, he'd work with me until we found them. Mike is determined, knowledgeable, and a tough negotiator, and at the same time he is affable and awesome to work with. His wealth of knowledge makes him an ideal attorney for any number of issues."

Patrick Joseph Hughes headshot
Patrick Hughes

Litigation lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is a savvy litigator with an ability to comprehend complex matters and present them in simple terms. He handles a wide variety of legal matters including personal injury, construction litigation, family law, contracts, criminal law, etc. You name it, he likely does it, with great thoroughness and preparation."

Turner Harrison Sothoron headshot
Turner Sothoron

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Lyons is intelligent, friendly, patient and courteous. He is the attorney I refer to for criminal, family and estate planning advise. I have known him for many years and would recommended him to my closest friends and family. If you want an experienced attorney who will fight for you, then Michael is your guy!"

View All Endorsements
David M. Cisek headshot
David Cisek

Military law lawyer

Antoinette Quinn O'Neill headshot
Antoinette O'Neill

Criminal defense lawyer

Matt Osborn headshot
Matt Osborn

Military law lawyer

Patrick Joseph Hughes headshot
Patrick Hughes

Military law lawyer

Turner Harrison Sothoron headshot
Turner Sothoron

Workers compensation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2012

Bronze Star, U.S. Army

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Managing Partner, Patriots Law Group of Lyons & Hughes, P.C.

2014 - 2017

Managing Partner, Law Office of Michael E. Lyons, P.C.

2010 - 2014

Judge Advocate (Lawyer), U.S. Air Force

2007 - 2010

Litigation Attorney, Law Office of Ralph W. Powers, Jr., P.C.

Associations

2025 - Present

Anne Arundel County Bar Association

Member

2025 - Present

Howard County Bar Association

Member

2025 - Present

Calvert County Bar Association

Member

2025 - Present

Montgomery County Bar Association

Member

2025 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association

Chair, Veteran Affair and Military Law Section

2017 - Present

Prince George's County Bar Association

2015 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

Rosa Watson vs. Kathy Louise Brown Personal Representative of the Estate of Wayne McGahan

Verdict for client.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2024

Wharton School of Business

Wharton Advanced Digital Marketing and Growth Strategies

2023

Towson University

B.S. - Economics

2007

University of Baltimore School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2025

2025 Maryland State Bar Association Legal Summit - Ocean City, Maryland

Law of War - US v. Hamdan Case Discussion

2024

September 2024 Inns of Court for Southern Maryland Meeting

Ukraine & The Law of Armed Conflict

2024

May 2024 Howard County Bar Association - Criminal Law Section

How to Avoid Collateral Damage In Cases Involving Service Members

2024

March 2024 St. Mary's County Bar Association Training

How to Avoid Collateral Damage In Cases Involving Service Members

2024

January 2024 - Calvert County Bar Association Meeting

How to Avoid Collateral Damage In Cases Involving Service Members

2024

Flight KM Training

Legal Assistance Primer: Key Military Divorce Issues To Consider

2024

Anne Arundel County Bar Association Section Meeting

Military Divorce: Battle Planning for Military Clients

2017

2017 Annual Seminar

Military Testamentary Instruments

Publications

2017

2017 Prince George's County Probate, Estate, Trust & Elderlaw Program Materials Military Testamentary Instruments

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution