$ 375-948 per hour
PRO
Patrick Joseph Hughes
also known as Pat
Virtual Consultation Available
About Patrick
Biography
As a principal attorney at Patriots Law Group, Patrick J. Hughes (“Pat”) delivers seasoned legal counsel to military personnel and federal employees in complex federal employment, security clearance, and military pay cases. A former Air Force JAG and current Lieutenant Colonel in the Reserve component, Pat’s in-depth understanding of military administrative law and federal employment regulations uniquely positions him to advocate for service members both in court and before agencies like the EEOC and MSPB. Since co-founding Patriots Law Group in 2017, Pat has successfully guided clients through adverse administrative actions, BAH disputes, and security clearance proceedings, including a recent multi-million dollar win for Army reservists involving withheld housing payments. He is highly regarded for his track record of correcting career-impacting military discipline and delivering favorable outcomes for his clients. Pat’s dedication is reflected in his prior distinction as the Air Force’s top-ranked Area Defense Counsel and his ongoing commitment to protecting the interests and careers of those who serve our nation.
Serving military, veterans, federal employees, and their families. Call now for a consultation.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Employment and Labor
40%
11 years | 200 cases
Military Law
30%
15 years | 1,000 cases
Litigation
20%
15 years | 100 cases
Discrimination
10%
11 years | 100 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025
Licenses
Licensed in Maryland for 8 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 2017
No misconduct found
Licensed in Virginia for 9 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2017
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 10 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2015
No misconduct found
Licensed in New York for 15 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
Patriots Law Group of Lyons & Hughes, PC
(301) 375-2422
Mobile
8253 Backlick Rd., Ste. M, Lorton, VA, 22079
patriotslaw.com/Patriots Law Group of Lyons and Hughes, P.C.
(301) 375-2422
Mobile
5819 Allentown Road, Suitland, MD, 20746
patriotslaw.com/Patriots Law Group of Lyons & Hughes, PC
(301) 375-2422
Mobile
1919 Oakwell Farms Parkway, San Antonio, TX, 78217
patriotslaw.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Patrick online.
Patrick Joseph Hughes's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
19 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 6 - 7 of 7 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Eric | June 09, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Contracts & Agreements
Excellent Outcome
As it is in some cases, I didn’t have an attorney on speed dial. That said, as a veteran it was the title “Patriot Law” that struck a cord with me. After my initial consultation with Patrick and Molly I was convinced that I was at the right law firm. My case involved a contractual dispute with my apa...
Posted by Daniel Stancin | June 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Military Law
Saved my Career
Mr. Hughes was a professional, highly intelligent and motivated Area Defense Counsel. He acted as my attorney during an evaluation board. He took a difficult case in an area that was not his expertise and made it his expertise, creating a potent defense. His efforts and guidance helped me get thr...
Patrick Joseph Hughes's Lawyer Endorsements
"I've known Pat and his sterling reputation since 2012 when we were serving on active duty in the Air Force. He brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished military career where he consistently ranked top among his peers. I highly recommend him for representation in any matter involving military law, labor and employment law, and criminal defense."
"I have worked together with Pat on cases as well opposed him in the courtroom. I have the utmost professional respect for Pat as a tireless advocate who always strives to produce the best results for his clients. I highly endorse Pat as a highly-skilled attorney whose advocacy skills set the bar for our profession."
"Pat is a fierce litigator. I worked with him for more than two years and he was continuously recognized as one of the best litigators in whatever group he was in. For example, he was rated the in the top three for closing arguments in our class at the Air Force JAG School, and continued to excel after we graduated. During the time we were stationed together, he set the pace for litigation. In addition to being a great attorney, Pat has a competitive drive to win that I think is invaluable in criminal defense. His competitive spirit directly contributes to his tenacity in the courtroom, and any client would be well-served by his legal expertise and dedication to his work."
"I served with Pat in the US Air Force JAG Corps and quickly realized he is by far one of the best military defense attorneys around. Obviously, others noticed his trial skills too because he was ranked #1 of 64 Area Defense Counsels (military defense attorneys) in the Air Force. After his highly successful term as a defense counsel, he then became a top-notch litigator for the Air Force's military administrative litigation branch. I would HIGHLY recommend Pat to anyone involved in a court-marital, discharge upgrade, NJP/Captain's Mast, security clearance review, military pay case or grade based determination review. Read his full profile at www.patriotslawgroup.com and I trust you will find him perfectly qualified to handle your military law matter."
David Cisek
Military law lawyer
Molly Cioffi
General practice lawyer
Matt Osborn
Military law lawyer
Matthew Hughes
Litigation lawyer
Antoinette O'Neill
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Lyons
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2023
Recognized as Elite Attorney in Maryland, National Trial Lawyers - Top 100
2019
Chosen for NTL Top 40 Under 40 Lawyers in Maryland, National Trial Lawyers Criminal Defense - Top 40 Under 40 Lawyers in Maryland
2016
Civil Litigation Division Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, United States Air Force
2016
Ranked # 1 of 53 Promotion Eligible Captains by AFLOA Commander, United States Air Force
2015
Charleston Defense Region Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, United States Air Force
2015
Ranked # 1 of 84 Area Defense Counsels, United States Air Force
2014
Charleston Defense Region Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, United States Air Force
2013
Charleston Defense Region Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, United States Air Force
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Co-Founder, Patriots Law Group of Lyons and Hughes, P.C.
2021 - 2024
Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, USAF JAG Corps
2017 - 2021
Appellate Defense Counsel, USAF JAG Corps
2011 - 2017
Litigation Attorney, United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps
Associations
2017 - Present
Maryland State Bar AssociationMember
2017 - Present
Virginia State BarMember
2010 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Wheeler v. United States of America
Order and Opinion in Favor of Plaintiff
Finney, et al. v. Clark Realty Capital, et al.
Settled
Wolfing, et al. v. United States of America
Full Monetary Relief for All 41 Clients
United States v. SrA W.
Not Guilty
United States v. TSgt K.
Not Guilty
Education
2010
Catholic University of America, School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2025
Veterans Affairs and Military Law Section Event
Collateral Consequences: What Every Criminal Defense Attorney Needs to Know About Security Clearances
2018
Prince George's County Annual Probate, Estate, Trusts, and Elder Law CLE
Estate Planning - Military's Handling of Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Proxies
Publications
2015
United States Air Force - Air Mobility Command
Accused and Counsel, Please Rise: An Area Defense Counsel's Perspective on Sexual Assault in the Military
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a employer run background check and gets results?but can also use maryland case search to show cases
12 Nov 2025
Q&A
What options would I have if i feel I’ve been discriminated against by a financial institution?
02 Nov 2025
Q&A
Can I be fired for a comment if no policies or warnings were given?
01 Nov 2025