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Philip Douglas Cave
also known as Phil (Viking) Cave, Cave & Freeburg, LLP
About Philip
Biography
I first came to the United States in 1972 from London, England, where I was born and had grown up.
I have been practicing military law for 44 years now doing courts-martial and court-martial appeals and adverse actions like Boards of Inquiry.
I have practiced military law before all the U.S. military courts, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the International Criminal Court.
I am a founding partner of Cave & Freeburg, LLP,
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Military Law
95%
46 years | 2,500 cases
Administrative Law
5%
46 years | 1,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 200-350 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Virginia for 25 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 25 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Licensed in Ohio for 46 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 1979
No misconduct found
Location
Cave & Freeburg, LLP
1629 K. St., NW, Ste 300, Washington, DC, 20006
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Philip Douglas Cave's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 35 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Scott | December 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A serious word of warning
I hired Mr Cave in 2001 for a single dirty urine in 20 years of service, obviously a mistake of some kind and that turned into what ended up in a Courts Martial in Europe and paid him thousands and thousands of dollars. He visited twice and one of those times was for the case that went to trial. He d...
Posted by anonymous | May 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Victorious warrior against the war on warriors
Phil represented me in a BOI that concluded on 09 May 2025. The results were 3-0 no misconduct and 3-0 retain. Full vindication. I am now awaiting a promotion that has been held for three years and will hire Phil again, if required, to secure that promotion and back pay. Phil never kept me wai...
Posted by anonymous | August 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Cannot Ask for a Better and More Experienced Attorney
Mr. Cave helped me with an IG complaint, which could have impacted my active duty career. He provided legal advice and assisted me with the interview questions. Mr. Cave was extremely patient (we worked on the questions for hours), flexible, responsive, meticulous and thorough. The outcome of the inv...
Posted by Donnie | August 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best military defense lawyer in the National Capital Region
Last year, I came under suspicion of a couple of changes that would end my career and end any of my chances of getting hired as a civil servant. That was something I never thought was going to happen during my military career. I was devastated and didn't know what to do; that's when I reach out to ...
Posted by Eric | January 3, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
He saved my honor during an Aritcle 120
As a military male, we know that Article 120's are not infallible. That often in the military they are persuaded by political influence and sometimes are made up. I found myself in a similar situation. Phillip came in on the attack and immediately started attacking the prosecution's handling of th...
Philip Douglas Cave's Lawyer Endorsements
"Phil is quite simply the dean of military justice practice. He has seen every iteration of the system and seen how it has changed to the detriment of the service member. He knows the case law better than any judge, knows how to practice at trial and knows how to win on appeal. He’s where I go when I can’t find the answer anywhere."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Cave is a very talented attorney. I would not hesitate to recommend him to a client in need."
"Phil Cave is a professional attorney of the highest caliber. He is an incredibly brilliant and aggressive courtroom tactician who never forgets that the client's needs come before all other concerns. Phil is a true treasure for those fortunate enough to work with him."
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly endorse Mr. Cave. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help."
"Almost nobody is more enthusiastic about a court fight than Phil Cave. He makes prosecutors cringe because he has all day to take their case apart. I've seen him in action and it works. I endorse this lawyer!"
"Top-notch attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Cave consistently gives analytical answers in this forum. His responses are cogent, concise and practical. He wisely observes, when applicable, if pertinent facts are missing from a question and he notes how such might or might not impact a fuller legal analysis. All in all his responses are helpful, legally accurate, and well-articulated. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Cave went out of his way to assist me in navigating a divorce issue involving a deployed soldier. Mr. Cave is knowledgeable, astute, professional, and also kind."
"I worked with Phil on a Dubay hearing when I was active duty. Of all the civilian attorneys I worked with, Phil Cave was definitely the best. His strategy and preparedness were exemplary and I would work with him again any time."
"I endorse Phil. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Phil is a tremendous trial lawyer and recognized expert on military law. Hard-working and dedicated to each client. I highly recommend Phil."
"Phil is well-respected as a knowledgeable and effective lawyer in our community. He is consistently at the cutting edge of developing law and how to use it in your case. He is a lawyer that other lawyers go to for advice on emerging military law. I fully endorse Phil."
"I endorse this lawyer. Diligent, intelligent advocate held in the highest regard."
"This will be your attorney. Knowledge of the UCMJ coupled with a personal navy background are important but client satisfaction and results are his hallmark. Just read his reviews! Schedule a consultation and than hire him. KUDOS"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"While I have never personally met Mr. Cave, I have seen his frequent insights on Avvo, and generally agree with his methodology and advice."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
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Experience
Honors
1997
Meritorious Service Medal, Navy
1994
Meritorious Service Medal, Navy
1991
Southwest Asia Service Medal, Navy
1991
Kuwait Liberation Medal, Navy
1985
Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy
Work Experience
1980 - 2000
Commander, U.S. Navy
1967 - 1972
Constable, Metropolitan Police Force
1965 - 1967
Cadet, Metropolitan Police Force
Associations
2012 - Present
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, InternationalMember
2006 - Present
American LegionMember
2000 - Present
National Institute of Military JusticeDirector
2000 - Present
Judge Advocates AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Charges dismissed
All charges were dismissed as a result of the motion. No trial, no federal conviction, no dismissal from the service.
AFCCA says not enough evidence
Charges dimissed with prejudice.
Acquittal
Full Acquittal on All Charges. No Federal Conviction, NoDismissal, Retirement Preserved.
U.S. v. O-4, Quantico Marine Corps Base
Charges Dismissed. No Federal Conviction, No Dishonorable Discharge, Retirement Preserved.
Excellent result
Minor conviction
Charges dismissed
The result is that the Marine cannot be prosecuted!
Acquittal-one of our most impactful cases
The members of the officer/enlisted panel found the client not guilty after just six hours of deliberations.
Acquittal
Despite the five-page charge sheet the panel took just over an hour to deliver a Not Guilty verdict!
Charges dismissed
Dismissed charges.
Acquittal
Consequently, an enlisted panel acquitted the Soldier of all charges of rape and sexual assault!
Charges dismissed
Charges dismissed just before trial.
Federal Court case
Pleaded guilty and sentenced to the minimum allowed by law
Acquittal
Not Guilty of All Sexual Assault and Sex Charges, No SOR, No Dishonorable or Bad Conduct Discharge, Retirement Preserved
Acquittal
Not Guilty of All Charges, No Federal Conviction, No Punitive Discharge, Retirement Preserved.
Charges dismissed
All charges were dismissed as a result of the motion. No trial, no federal conviction, no dismissal from the service.
Acquittal
ot Guilty finding by a panel of members (jury). Because of the not guilty finding there is no federal conviction, no SOR, and his retirement preserved.
Prosecution prevented
No charges.
Sex assault by medical provider charges dismissed
Charges dismissed and no further adverse actions
Sex assault charges dismissed
Dismissal of charges with no further adverse actions
Sexual assault acquittal
Full acquittal
Sex trafficking -- full acquittal
Full acquittal
USvE-7
Good outcome to a difficult case.
Domestic violence--mixed results
Mixed findings and exceptional sentence.
Alternate disposition
Alternate disposition
Reversed on appeal
Conviction reversed on appeal.
Good result for child sexual assault allegations
13 years confinement.
A good result
Mixed findings and exceptional sentence.
USvE1
Guilty plea to minor offenses
Conviction reversed
Conviction reversed.
Case reversed for insufficient evidence
Conviction reversed.
No retrial and honorable discharge
Honorable discharge
Appeal won, no retrial
Reversed on appeal.
Not guilty
Full acquittal
Sex offense charges dismissed just before trial
Charges dismissed.
Spousal sexual assault
Charges dismissed
Reversed on appeal
Reversal on appeal
USvO3E
Acquittal on contested charges
Not guilty of sexual assault
Mixed findings
Not guilty of sexual assault
Mixed findings
US v. E-6
Not Guilty
US v. Garcia
Not Guilty
US v. Plant
Relief on appeal
US v. Plant
Relief on appeal
Appeal won
Charges dismissed
USvPlant-appeal case
Charge dismissed
USvMarine E-5
NJP/Article 15.
USvArmy O2E
Not guilty
Multiple Art. 120s
Not guilty
USvArmy E-5
Discharge in lieu of trial.
Active duty E-7
Clearance retained
Coast Guard E-5
Page 7 counseling, and forced retirement
Colonel (O-6)
Article 15, nonjudicial punishment
US v. Army E-6
Substantially less punishment than Art. 15.
US v. Army O-1
So far so good.
Marine pending adverse administrative actions
Resolved w/Page 11, and rehabilitative transfer.
Marine pending adverse administrative actions
Resolved w/Page 11, and rehabilitative transfer.
U.S. servicemen arrested for public indecency
Article 15, nonjudicial punishment
US Army E-6
Written counseling and retention
US v. Army E-3
Mixed findings, good sentence
A limited engagement
PTA
Security clearance
Clearance granted
US v. Army E-1
Mixed findings, good sentence
US v. Contractor
Clearance granted.
USMC E-4
Return to duty
US v. Navy E-5
Reversed on appeal; and charges dismissed.
Navy E-5
Uncertain at this time
USAF O-3
Article 15
US v. Navy E-5
Not guilty
US v. Army E-6
Not guilty
US v. USAF E-5
Charges dismissed
US v. Navy E-4
Charges dismissed
US v. Army E-5
Not guilty
US v. Army E-5
Not guilty
US v. Air Force E-6
Not guilty
US v. Navy E-6
Ultimately not guilty, on appeal
US v. Air Force E-4
Not guilty
US v. USMC O-3
Not guilty
US v. USMC E-7
Not guilty
US v. Air Force E-6
General discharge, and retirement.
US v. Contractor
Clearance granted.
US v. Contractor
Clearance granted.
o-3 Show Cause BOI - no misconduct, retain
No misconduct, retention
Navy O-6
Retired in grade
US v. Army E-5
General Court-Martial charges dismissed, summary court-martial on unrelated charges.
Army E-7
Mixed findings, good sentence
Education
1988
George Washington University National Law Center
LLM - Master of Laws
1983
Armed Forces Staff College
Diploma
1979
Case Western Reserve University
JD-Juris Doctor
1976
Wright State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1968
Metropolitan Police Training School
1967
Metropolitan Police Cadet Corps
Diploma
Speaking Engagements
2023
U.S. Relations with the ICC
International Criminal Law
2023
Panel of Experts
U.S. Relationship with the International Criminal Court.
2022
Military Law Committee
Prosecution of military retirees
2021
Town Hall
Ethics of Go-Funding and Similar Financing of Court-Martial Defense Counsel
2021
Monthly Expert Commentary
Military Law for the Not Dumb.
2021
Military Law Section, Texas State Bar Association
Military law
2019
Seminar in Military Justice
Summary Courts-Martial
2014
PAD PreLaw Moot Cts
Moot Courts
2014
Military Editors Reporters Conference.
Military Law and Media.
2014
Global Conference on Military Justice Reform
Military Justice Reform
2013
US Commission on Civil Rights, Report and Briefing on Sexual Assault in the Military
Military Sexual Assault cases
2013
PAD-Int Moot Court
Moot Court
2013
Military Justice Seminar
Guest speaker
2012
“Fixing a Broken System: Rape and Sexual Assault in the Military”
Sexual Assault in the Military
2010
Military Editors & Reporters Conf.
Military law and media
2010
Cox Commission 2009
Military Law reform
2001
Cox Commission
Military Law reform
1998
London Conference on Continuity and Change in Military Justice
Mliitary Law
1998
ABA Annual Conference
Courts-martial and the Media
Publications
2024
2024
2023
Georgetown Journal of National Security Law & Policy
Military Retiree Court-Martial Jurisdiction: Trials and Tribulation
2022
Virginia Lawyer
Can a military retiree be court-martialed?
2021
Yale Law Review Forum
Equal Supreme Court Access for Military Personnel: An Overdue Reform.
2021
Naval Institue Proceedings
Retired Servicemembers and Military Justice: Separating Fact from Myth.
2014
Text, by LEXISNEXIS
Military Court Rules of the U.S.
2012
JURIST Sidebar
How Public of a Trial: US v. Bradley Manning
2009
JURIST Paper Chase
Wrangling over Khadr's counsel shows discretionary power of military judges
2009
ABA PREVIEW of Supreme Court Cases
Coram Nobis: A Writ Too Far?
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