Eric Michael Kopka

Eric Michael Kopka

5.0
Rating: 7.8

Licensed for 20 years

Military law Lawyer at Jacksonville, NC
Practice Areas: Military Law

825 Gum Branch Rd Ste 117, Jacksonville, NC

About Eric

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Military Law 100%

20 years

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 15 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2010

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Rhode Island for 20 years

State: Rhode Island

Acquired: 2005

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Eric M. Kopka

825 Gum Branch Rd Ste 117, Jacksonville, NC, 28540-6268

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Eric Michael Kopka's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

154 Client Reviews

Showing 16 - 20 of 23 reviews | Trustworthiness

Posted by Adam | August 29, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Great Attorney

I was facing a Summary Court Martial and possible administrative separation after 15 years in the Marine Corps. Mr Kopka was very honest and up front with best and worst case scenarios which could happen due to the legal issues I had. Fortunately, Mr Kopka was able to help me secure the best possib...le out come for my case. Mr Kopka and his office worked tirelessly on my case and were available whenever I needed them. I always received an immediate response from Ms Duverger, the paralegal and felt completely comfortable and confident in their ability to handle my case. Mr Kopka is very familiar with legal and law enforcement personal (along the East Coast) which helps him to fully understand the situation of a case and provide the best legal options to his clients. Thanks to Law Office of Mr Kopka, I will be able to finish my Marine Corps career with an HONOR!

Posted by Richard | July 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

my son and the USMC

I hired Mr. Kopkas firm to represent my son when he got in trouble while enlisted.I had no previous knowledge how the marines judicial system worked and put all my trust in this firm to help save my sons career with the military.They did not .I have never written a review and fell compelled to let ot...her people know how I feel about their performance on this case.I was not informed on any progress at any time and when I called their office had a hard time getting any info or even a courtesy call back.I honestly feel they wanted to get paid and did not put any effort into my sons case.I wish I hired another attorney maybe we would have had a better outcome .I am sorry I had to leave this review and I thought long and hard about doing so,

Posted by Geoff | March 24, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Law Office that COMPLETELY cares

My legal troubles began in the summer of 2015. It was once I realized the severity of the situation that I began to seek council from an attorney. I hired Mr. Kopka and his office, and it was the correct decision. What began as an accusation turned into what I feared could be potential jail time. Eri...c and his office was there every step of the way, advising me on what I needed to do, where the case was at, and what could/would potentially happen next. The federal prosecutor eventually decided not to pursue charges which I firmly believe Eric was instrumental in. The command was not ok with not doing anything so I was informed I would be heading to an administrative separations board. The office didn't skip and beat and began preparing for our day in court. Eric's conviction and determination remained and I am proud to say that I can continue my service honorably. Watching what Eric does in the a courtroom is inspiring. My life, and the lives of my family was on the line and Eric Kopka was ABSOLUTLELY the man that I wanted representing me that day. If I ever need any legal advice or assistance in the future, Eric will be my first call.

Posted by anonymous | August 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Eric Kopka is the top option

I was told by very knowledgeable individuals that Eric Kopka was THE best in the Lejune area and that is exactly what he proved to be. After being placed in a poor situation by my command, I lost their backing where I should've been supported. Feeling isolated, I read reviews such as these and discov...ered situations like this are unfortunately common. My situation was not looking good. It was refreshing, and necessary, to have someone that could approach things from a non-influenced point of view and provide an honest assessment. If you take Eric on it will feel good to have a professional in your corner and you need it. Eric proved to be an expert in both legal and administrative matters, as well as in the detailed processes every step of the way. He knows units and leaders within the Marine Corps, as well as the politics that drive command decision making. Eric will be straight forward and tell you your options and most likely outcomes. He will demonstrate his detailed understanding of the system when he provides his recommendations on how to handle your situation. I assure you he will have an understanding you do not possess. When you combine your knowledge of the situation with his expertise he will generate options that to your surprise may very well reverse your current likely outcomes. That is exactly what happened with my situation. Eric is relentless in your cause, supportive, personable, and no nonsense. If you care about your career or reputation Eric is the way to go. True professional.

Posted by Patrick | August 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Saved not only my reputation and career, also my life

What began as the worst experience I have faced in my career as a Marine, where it felt as though my chain of command, by unit as a whole and ultimately the Marines were failing to have my back. Every "open door policy" opportunity ended with a slammed door in my face, and I spent the following 12 da...ys in the Brig... Is when I first Met Eric Kopka. His confidence and knowledge of the UCMJ Judicial System was far above the "legal representation" that is provided to you by your base legal rep. His knowledge, determination, and drive, backed by his dedicated team of hand selected, highly intelligent individuals helped to put me at ease. Truly following through on what he says he will do for you, and providing guidance and direction to you, with a No-Nonsense attitude. Developed a trust that allowed me to live my life. He knew down to the minute what was going to take place, and when. He did not provide empty promises, he ferociously attacked the Prosecution and had tertiary plans to his back up. Anything that they had up their sleeves were snuffed out before being brought to light. His abilities far out performed my expectations, and If I were to have remained on Active duty and needed to seek counsel or retain an attorney for any reason, Eric is the man for the job, no questions asked. I highly recommend him for any questions pertaining to counsel, and you're an absolute fool for having anyone else represent you. He completely controls the room, and it is nearly comical to sit back and watch everything unfold to the "T" as he described it would. Many may say they are the best at what they do, the thing is with Eric he is humble and has ability to assess the severity of your charges, prepare you for the worst, promise he will do all he can for you, and follow through. Do not waste your time with nickle and dime Lawyers, or entrust your life/career with someone who is "assigned" by the same individuals who are placing you in confinement. Do yourself a favor, Retain Eric Kopka and his trustworthy team IMMEDIATELY. It was by far the correct, and best choice I have made. "Thank you" does not feel as though it is enough. If I had to relive everything again, I would have full confidence in Kopka and his team. I highly recommend him.

See All Client Reviews

Eric Michael Kopka's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Eric
Jeffrey Raymond Liebenguth headshot
Jeffrey Liebenguth

Military law lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Eric and I both served in the Marine Corps together. His reputation is that of a fierce litigator who fights for his clients. I fully endorse this lawyer."

Joe Kyle Jones headshot
Joe Jones

Military law lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Eric on several cases and can tell you that his attention to detail, work ethic, and passion to get his clients the best results are exceptional. He is great in the courtroom and an overall great guy. Eric has my strongest recommendation."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Aaron Gregory Meyer headshot
Aaron Meyer

Military law lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I worked under Eric Kopka in 2008. He is great in the courtroom, intelligent, and can cut through to what matters in the case. Eric is a guy people want to be around. I fully endorse him to expertly handle any military matter."

Matthew Vernon Silva headshot
Matthew Silva

Military law lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"This is my go-to guy for military affairs. I am an attorney and I represent many marines in criminal matters. Naturally, civilian criminal cases have military ramifications. If you need a military lawyer, you can trust Mr. Kopka to do a fantastic job!"

Christopher James Welch headshot
Christopher Welch

Military law lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"My partner Jason Harris and I regularly collaborate with Eric Kopka's office on matters for clients needing both civilian and military representation. Whenever a client needs a referral for base legal work, we send it to Mr. Kopka and his law office."

James B. Blanton headshot
James Blanton

Military law lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Eric is a talented, hard working attorney. Whether you face trial by court-martial or administrative separation, you need his experience. I am a USMC veteran, a former federal prosecutor and a former state prosecutor. I know the power and resources that the government has at their fingertips. If I were facing an issue involving misconduct in the military, I would hire Eric....no question."

Alexander Royce Wilschke headshot
Alexander Wilschke

Unknown lawyer | Jan 24

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ryan H Heatherman headshot
Ryan Heatherman

Unknown lawyer | Jan 09

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Jeffrey Raymond Liebenguth headshot
Jeffrey Liebenguth

Military law lawyer

Matthew Vernon Silva headshot
Matthew Silva

Criminal defense lawyer

Aaron Gregory Meyer headshot
Aaron Meyer

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan H Heatherman headshot
Ryan Heatherman

Unknown lawyer

James B. Blanton headshot
James Blanton

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.8 (Very Good)

Honors

N/A

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal x2, United States Department of Defense

N/A

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, United States Department of Defense

N/A

Iraqi Campaign Medal, United States Department of Defense

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Legal Service Support DOIC and Civ Law Officer-East, United States Marine Corps Reserve

2012 - Present

Owner, Eric M. Kopka & Associates, Attorneys at Military Law

2002 - Present

Judge Advocate (Active Duty and Reserve Combined), United States Marine Corps

2010 - 2012

Partner, Taylor & Kopka, Attorneys at Military Law

2009 - 2010

Associate, Vaughan E. Taylor & Associates

Associations

2009 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

Education

2005

Roger Williams University, Ralph R. Papitto School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2000

Union College (Schenectady, NY)

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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