Patrick Joseph Hughes

PRO

Patrick Joseph Hughes

also known as Pat

5.0
Rating: 8.9

Licensed for 15 years

Employment and labor Lawyer at Lorton, VA
Practice Areas: Employment & Labor, Military Law, Litigation, Discrimination

8253 Backlick Rd., Ste. M, Lorton, VA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Patrick

Biography

Serving military, veterans, federal employees, and their families. Call now for a consultation.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Employment and Labor 40%

Attorney Hughes understands the environment of the Federal sector and will handle your case when you are treated wrongly. Whether your security clearance is at risk or your employer is mistreating you, he knows what to do to pursue relief.

11 years | 200 cases

40%
Military Law 30%

Attorney Hughes has been helping members of the DoD and their families since 2010. He handles all types of military matters, including discipline under the UCMJ, security clearance issues, Board for Correction applications/discharge upgrades, etc.

15 years | 1,000 cases

30%
Litigation 20%

Attorney Hughes began litigating matters on active duty in the military courts, as well as defending the Air Force in large money civil federal matters. Since his separation from active duty in 2017, he has been litigating across DC, MD, and VA .

15 years | 100 cases

20%
Discrimination 10%

Having previously defended the Air Force in discrimination cases before the EEOC, whether it is due to disability, race, gender, or any other protected class, Attorney Hughes understands and can help you in your discrimination claim.

11 years | 100 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 375-948 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025

Licenses

Licensed in Maryland for 8 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 2017

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Virginia for 9 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 2017

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 10 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2015

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in New York for 15 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2010

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

Patriots Law Group of Lyons & Hughes, PC

8253 Backlick Rd., Ste. M, Lorton, VA, 22079

patriotslaw.com/

Patriots Law Group of Lyons and Hughes, P.C.

5819 Allentown Road, Suitland, MD, 20746

patriotslaw.com/

Patriots Law Group of Lyons & Hughes, PC

1919 Oakwell Farms Parkway, San Antonio, TX, 78217

patriotslaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Patrick online.

Patrick Joseph Hughes's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

19 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (19) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by anonymous | November 05, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Best legal team I've ever worked with

I worked with Patrick on what I used to call an insurmountable legal battle. Somehow, through skill, knowledge, and patience, him and his team overcame this trouble and won. It was the best money I've spent. Throughout the process they communicated frequently, providing updates on the situation w...hich they translated into my limited vernacular. You should absolutely hire them.

Posted by Tony | November 05, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Class Action

Exceptionally Professional!

I was one member of many plaintiffs who were part of a very difficult class action suit involving the U.S. Defense Finance & Accounting Dept. Although the case went on for an extended period, Patrick and his team were steadfast on the case. Most importantly, I was always able to communicate with Patr...ick and his team at anytime throughout the process. I received email responses within less than 24 hours, if not immediately. I always felt they were on the job working the case. The outcome was stupendous. We couldn’t have expected such a great win without the arduous work and efforts of Patrick and his team.

Posted by Tim | November 04, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Successful outcome in a complex situation.

I hired Pat Hughes from Patriot Law Group while serving on active duty. The situation I was wrongly placed in was very complex. I was placed in the position of “proving my innocence”, which seemed impossible. Pat prioritized my case and kept me informed every step of the way while he successfully ...litigated against multiple DOJ attorneys . I highly recommend Pat and Patriot Law Group to uniformed service members in need of attentive and professional legal representation.

Posted by B | October 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

This man saved my life and my sons. If you're military or a vet and wondering if this is the man for your needs...stop looking.

I met Patrick in 2014 during a 3 year investigation for sexual assault. He came highly recommended so I chose him to be on my team. Patrick walked into a unique situation. Two years prior a woman falsely accused me of sexual assault. I enjoyed the pleasure of my name in the news and on the internet a...nd still it's on the internet. Very hard to get rid of. I sat in jail for three weeks before finally getting bond granted and three weeks later the charges were dropped and later expunged. One would think great but not so. OSI took the case and decided to run their own investigation. As Patrick took on the case ( he was highly recommended by his own peers) he had to play catch up pretty quick. There was even a time when the military dropped the charges only to bring them back the following week. You can understand the frustrations of this case. As Patrick and co-counsel prepared for the trial we found out my ex wife was going to also file false charges in hopes of gaining full custody of our son. Patrick took on the part of the defense against the ex wife. I won't deny it looked bad since at the time we were looking at false allegations going back seven years and how do you defend something that didn't happen with no proof of it never happening? Well Patrick took it head on and started to see the case build by looking at my family court case. Speaking with a previous ex husband and seeing how the stories lined up. As trial began to get close I was asked to look for any previous emails I would have had with the ex. Not being to email savvy I thought all previous emails were lost. But they were not. The trove of information that fell on Patricks lap allowed him to open a major defensive case. At trial the initial accuser never showed even though later we would have proof that both women knew of each other and were talking to one another through twitter. During this time frame leading up to trial I will admit I called him so many times he was tired of hearing from me but took the calls and calmed me down when I thought it was the end of the world again. He took calls from family members and reassured them the best he could. He went above and beyond the call of being "just a counselor" and wore many hats. So trial comes during a snow storm and extreme cold causing the trial to be delayed a day. The ex wife did show up for trial and took to the stand to testify. The story she gave would make Tom Clancy weep. Yet Patrick stood by very calmly taking notes and listening to the testimony. During this time we found out the ex wife put our son in a psych ward under false pretenses of he tried to harm himself. I will get back to my son in a moment. Now the time came for Patrick to do his thing that he was well known for and respected by his peers. He stood up and went to the podium and began reading emails one after another. The ex wife had no idea what was happening but soon the look on her face and the answers she provided everyone could tell she had perjured herself on the stand for the whole morning. She would never be able to reestablish herself as being an honest victim, and the OSI agents and other experts would testify against her story. Saturday was the last day of trial and we had to wait for Judge to make his ruling. We went back to the make shift office and I had to sign papers incase I was found guilty. We were back in the court room in less than an hour. Finding of the court: NOT GUILTY! I had to sit back down but then had to stand up again right after and almost pulled the table on me when I tried to stand. Now you ask me how did he save my life...if I was found guilty I would not be here today typing this or breathing. As we all know the phrase in the military about dishonor I will leave it there. He saved my son though and that I can never forget or repay. After the court case was over I sought out my son by calling Dr offices and facilities in PA. I was able to track him down and file for emergency custody.

Posted by Col M | September 28, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Passionate, Intelligent Attorney, Simply the Best

I met Pat Hughes a couple of years ago while a senior commander and under investigation for an inappropriate relationship. He came highly recommended as defense counsel and I selected him from 3 military attorneys that were offered. To say I was lucky in my selection is a vast understatement. I co...ntacted Pat only for advice on how to answer questions during the investigative interviews. Pat went above and beyond from day one. He listened to my story, gave me advice, but asked that I hold overnight while he thought through my defense. The next day, I not only got the great advice I was seeking, but a prepared statement for me to tweak and take with me to provide to the investigator. Without dragging out the story, nor going into more detail, Pat defended me and saved my career. Unfortunately, my investigation was found substantiated, but Pat's defense and Memorandums for Record prevented it from ever drifting into the criminal realm. Not only did Pat prepare my defense in the form of several Memos for Record, he also rebutted the findings of my case after it was substantiated. My administrative punishment was a GOMOR (General Officer Letter of Reprimand) and an Unfavorable Information File. Pat's relentless efforts and memos had my GOMOR and UIF rescinded in less than 6 months. I've never heard of that happening so quickly, as a UIF is usually open for two years. Again, his drive, passion, and art as an attorney had my UIF removed quicker than I've ever heard. Just helping me through the trying investigation and findings would have been enough, but Pat further engaged when my record was meeting a board and typed a 10-page attorney memo to explain to the board how I was wronged and my case was legally insufficient. The time he spends on his clients and his cases, can't be matched. Finally, Pat is one of the few people I know, not just attorneys, but people, who will drop whatever they are doing to help you out. As his client, I could call him at anytime, day or night, and know he was there for me. Further, after calling, Pat always responded with whatever was needed. Whether it was simply listening, immediate phone calls, or a typed memo, Pat was and is always available to provide his outstanding services. I can't say enough good things about Pat Hughes, as an attorney and caring person. I can't imagine a better attorney in any aspect of defense or civil law and I will go to no other for legal advice. You can't put a price on the legal services that Pat Hughes provides. He is, quite simply, the best!

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Patrick Joseph Hughes's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Patrick
Matt Osborn headshot
Matt Osborn

Employment and labor lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Co-worker

"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."

Matthew E. Hughes headshot
Matthew Hughes

Appeals lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Michelle E Gregory headshot
Michelle Gregory

Litigation lawyer | Jan 09

Relationship: Co-worker

"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."

Michael E. Lyons headshot
Michael Lyons

Military law lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Co-worker

"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."

View All Endorsements
David M. Cisek headshot
David Cisek

Military law lawyer

Molly Cioffi headshot
Molly Cioffi

General practice lawyer

Matt Osborn headshot
Matt Osborn

Military law lawyer

Matthew E. Hughes headshot
Matthew Hughes

Litigation lawyer

Antoinette Quinn O'Neill headshot
Antoinette O'Neill

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael E. Lyons headshot
Michael Lyons

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.9 (Excellent)

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 Association

Member

2017 - Present

Virginia State Bar

Member

2010 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

New York State Bar Association

Member

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

See More Legal Cases

Education

2010

Catholic University of America, School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2003

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

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

Languages

English

Activity

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Avvo Rating Levels
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