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

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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

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Eric Michael Kopka's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

154 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 36 reviews | Criminal Defense

Posted by Colton | June 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

A Game-Changer in My Military Legal Battle

My case was highly unusual and deeply challenging. I was facing one count of sexual harassment and one count of harassment, and unfortunately, I received little to no support from the military. I felt completely in the dark about the status of my case and what to expect going forward. That changed th...e moment I hired Mr. Kopka. From the outset, Mr. Kopka brought clarity, structure, and unwavering support to my situation. He kept me fully informed about every development in my case and helped shift the way I was being treated by the military. It was clear that having a strong and experienced attorney like Mr. Kopka on my side made a significant impact. Beyond his legal expertise, Mr. Kopka provided genuine personal support during one of the most difficult times in my life. He took time out of his busy schedule to speak with me when I was struggling emotionally, offering reassurance and helping me stay focused and strong. Mr. Kopka stood by my side in court and, most importantly, delivered real results. The charges against me were reduced from sexual harassment and harassment to a two charges of fraternization. Instead of facing a court-martial, I received a non-judicial punishment (NJP), which was a much more favorable outcome. In my experience, military lawyers who know of Mr. Kopka consistently express great respect for his work—many say that if they ever needed representation, he would be their first call. If you're in need of a military defense attorney, I cannot recommend Mr. Kopka highly enough. He will fight for you with integrity, professionalism, and dedication every step of the way.

Posted by anonymous | February 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Exceptional Representation: A Testimonial to Mr. Kopka's Expertise

I wholeheartedly endorse the legal services provided by Mr. Kopka and his team. As a former client, I had the privilege of working with Mr. Kopka during a challenging period in my military career. I was facing allegations of violating Article 92 of the UCMJ and administrative separation stemming from... a positive urinalysis test. Separation would have ended my eight years in the Marine Corps and resulted in the forfeiture of my benefits. I knew I was innocent and immediately began looking for military lawyers. After consulting with Mr. Kopka and his team, I knew that hiring him would be the most successful course of action. Throughout the entire process, Mr. Kopka and his team demonstrated a thorough understanding of military law, and a genuine care for my case. Their expertise and guidance were instrumental in navigating appropriate responses to the allegations and preparing for the separation board hearing. Mr. Kopka's team displayed exceptional professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail in every interaction. They maintained open and transparent communication throughout the entire process, providing timely updates and addressing my concerns. During the separation board hearing, Mr. Kopka's advocacy skills and presentation were outstanding. He presented a compelling and well-reasoned case on my behalf, demonstrating thorough understanding of the facts and military law. I was impressed by his situational awareness and critical thinking. It was clear to me that he understood the social tempo and environment of the room which made a significant impact on the outcome of my case. The board found no basis to the allegations against me which is testament to Mr. Kopka's expertise and dedication. I highly recommend him and his team to anyone facing similar challenges in the military justice system. In my opinion, Mr. Kopka and his team are exceptional attorneys who possess the skills, expertise, and personal qualities necessary to provide outstanding representation to their clients. I strongly endorse Mr. Kopka and his team to anyone in need of a skilled and dedicated military defense attorney. Their exceptional service, expertise, and commitment to their clients are truly unparalleled, and I have no doubt that they will continue to provide outstanding representation to their clients in the future.

Posted by Karin | September 09, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Successful retention of service at administrative separation board after court martial conviction

My really good friend was falsely accused and convicted at a court martial because he had poor legal representation from the military. I encouraged him to seek a civilian lawyer who specializes in military law. Eric Kopka and his firm was highly recommended by another good military friend of mine wh...o had used him and had a favorable outcome. My friend hired Eric and his team to represent him at his administrative separation board. Eric and his team had three months to prepare for the board in hopes that they could appeal to the members for a possible favorable discharge or best case, retention of service in the USMC. Eric’s preparedness, attention to every detail and superior military wisdom not only proved my friend was innocent on all accounts but was able to be retained for service even after the conviction. I highly recommend Eric and his firm. It was the best decision made to hire him. If you’re looking for military representation there is no doubt in my mind that Eric is the best candidate.

Posted by anonymous | November 30, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Defense in regards to positive urinalysis

Mr. Kopka was hired as my defense attorney after I was charged with violation of Article 92 UCMJ. After reviewing my case Mr. Kopka was able to construct a defense which was submitted to my command for review, the result of which was a ruling of Innocence and all charges being dismissed. I nearly los...t my career and Mr. Kopka was able to save it with no repercussions on my end. He is incredibly professional and I cannot state enough how glad I am that he took my case.

Posted by anonymous | August 06, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Brilliant Litigator

Eric Kopka is a true master of his profession. I am a CWO5 with over 30 years in the Marine Corps. I tested positive on a uranalysis for an accidental ingestion of my wife's prescription medication. Along with a 6105 Counseling, a Board Of Inquiry (BOI) was convened that could have resulted in ret...irement with an Other than Honorable Discharge (OTH) and reduction of rank to CWO4. If it had not been for Eric Kopka' s diligence, preparedness, and prowess in the court room, my 30 year career would have ended in embarrassment and under a cloud of scrutiny and my reputation tarnished. Eric went down every "rabbit hole" to ensure that we were prepared for the BOI. He systematically dismantled the Prosecuting Attorney's case as he presented the facts and scenario of the how this happened. I strongly recommend Eric and his team to anyone that is facing legal action under the UCMJ. His decades of experience, attention to the details, and skills as a litigator were exactly what was needed to represent me in court. I am very thankful that I was able to hire Eric Kopka.

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

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