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About Michael
Hard Hitting Aggressive Representation. We Defend Serious Criminal Cases Worldwide.
Michael Waddington is a criminal defense lawyer and the author of the bestselling book, The Art of Trial Warfare. He defends cases in military courts worldwide. He also defends military personnel that are under investigation and have not yet been charged. He specializes in defending serious criminal cases including sex crimes, war crimes, violent crimes and white collar crimes.
Mr. Waddington has been reported on and quoted by hundreds of major media sources worldwide and has provided consultation services to CNN Investigative Reports, 60 Minutes, Katie Couric, ABC Nightline, the BBC, German Public Television, CNN, CBS, the 2010-211 Golden Globe winning TV series “The Good Wife” and other various international media outlets.
He appeared in a major CNN Documentary, the 2009 “Killings at the Canal” and some of his cases have been the subject of books and movies, including the Academy Award Winning Documentary “Taxi to the Dark Side,” the book, “The ‘Good Soldier’ on Trial,” and Brian De Palma’s “Redacted,” (De Palma also directed “Scarface” and “Carlito’s Way”).
From 2013-2016, Mr. Waddington wrote chapters in the American Bar Association (ABA) books, “The State of Criminal Justice.” This annual publication examines major issues, trends and significant changes in the criminal justice system and is one of the cornerstones of the ABA’s Criminal Justice Section’s work. This publication serves as an invaluable resource for policy-makers, academics, and students of the criminal justice system.
In June 2007, Mr. Waddington wrote an article on Court Martials and military law for the New Jersey State Bar Magazine, in the magazine’s first-ever edition focusing on Military Law and issues relevant to military personnel and veterans. This journal is the leading legal news magazine for New Jersey lawyers, judges, and lawmakers.
Mr. Waddington served two tours as an Army defense lawyer, worked as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, and as an Army Chief of Military Justice.
Mr. Waddington provides criminal defense & trial consultation services in serious cases worldwide. In the summer of 2008, he acted as the chief trial consultant and legal strategist for 3 Israeli clients charged in Tokyo, Japan in the largest drug importation case in Japanese history. He also represents and advises American contracting companies that support the U.S. military overseas regarding criminal prosecutions, investigations and UCMJ actions.
Practice areas
- Military law: 100%
Mr. Waddington handles serious and high profile criminal cases worldwide. He has tried jury trials on 3 continents and provides services as a trial consultant in serious criminal cases.
19 years, 3,000 cases
Languages spoken
Spanish, French, English
Photos and videos
Contact
Gonzalez & Waddington LLC
15800 Pines Blvd, Suite 301
Pembroke Pines, FL, 33027
Website
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| GA | Active Member in Good Standing | 2006 | 10/31/2019 |
| SC | Good Standing | 2005 | 03/07/2013 |
| NJ | Active | 2000 | 04/11/2019 |
| PA | Active | 2000 | 10/27/2019 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| The Art of Trial Warfare 2 years on Bestseller List | Amazon.com | 2016 |
| Quilly Award | National Academy of Best Selling Authors | 2013 |
| Army Commendation Medal | U.S. Army | 2006 |
| Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy | Army Judge Advocates General's Corps (JAG) - Criminal Law Advocacy Course | 2003 |
| Army Achievement Medal | U.S. Army | 2003 |
| Global War on Terrorism Medal | U.S. Army | 2002 |
|---|---|---|
| Honors in Trial Advocacy - Integrated Trial Advocacy Program | Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law | 1999 |
| Army Service Ribbon | U.S. Army | 1993 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Partner | Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC | 2006 - Present |
| Assistant U.S. Attorney | Department Of Justice - - Special Assistant US Attorney (SAUSA) | 2004 - 2005 |
| Lawyer | Army Judge Advocate General Corps | 2001 - 2006 |
| Legal Counsel | GN Diamond | 2000 - 2001 |
| Legal Clinical | Philadelphia Public Defender | 1999 - 1999 |
| Legal Intern | US Army Department Of Defense | 1999 - 1999 |
|---|---|---|
| Research Assistant | Temple University Beasley School Of Law | 1997 - 2000 |
| Legal Intern | Philadelphia District Attorney's Office | 1997 - 1998 |
| Clerk | Sharlock Repcheck & Mahler, P.C. | 1996 - 1997 |
| Clerk | Gismondi & Margolis, P.C. | 1995 - 1996 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| American Board of Criminal Lawyers | Fellow | 2013 - Present |
| National Academy of Best Selling Authors | Member | 2013 - Present |
| National Association of Court Martial Lawyers | President | 2010 - Present |
| American Bar Association | Member | 2009 - Present |
| National Association of Military Defense Lawyers | Founding Member | 2006 - Present |
| State Bar of Georgia | Member | 2006 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Bar Association | Member | 2005 - Present |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2002 - Present |
| Pennsylvania State Bar Association | Member | 2000 - Present |
| New Jersey State Bar Association | Member | 2000 - Present |
| Georgia State Bar Association, Military Law Section | Member | 2006 - 2007 |
| Augusta Bar Association | Member | 2006 - 2007 |
| Augusta Bar Young Lawyers Section | Member | 2006 - 2008 |
| South Carolina Bar, Military Law Section | Member | 2005 - 2007 |
| American Bar Association, Litigation Section | Member | 2004 - 2006 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com | Kick-Ass Closings: A Guide to Giving the Best Closing Argument of Your Life | 2018 |
| American Bar Association publication | Book: The State of Criminal Justice 2018 | 2018 |
| Amazon Publishing | Trial Warrior’s Book of Wisdom: A Compilation of Quotes for Success in Law and Life | 2017 |
| American Bar Association publication | Book: The State of Criminal Justice 2017 | 2017 |
| American Bar Association publication | Book: The State of Criminal Justice 2016 | 2016 |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Book: Pattern Cross-Examination for Sexual Assault Cases: A Trial Strategy & Resource Guide | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Publishing | Book: The Art of Trial Warfare: Winning at Trial Using Sun Tzu's The Art of War | 2016 |
| American Bar Association publication | Book: The State of Criminal Justice 2015 | 2015 |
| ABA publication | Book: The State of Criminal Justice 2014 | 2014 |
| CreateSpace, Inc. | Book: Google+ for Business Owners | 2013 |
| Lawyer Marketing Series | Book: Google+ for Lawyers: A Step by Step User's Guide | 2013 |
| CelebrityPress | Book: Dare to Succeed | 2013 |
| American Bar Association publication | Book: The State of Criminal Justice 2013 | 2013 |
| Amazon Publishing | Book: Upgrade Your Army Discharge: A Brief Legal Guide | 2011 |
| New Jersey Lawyer Magazine | Courts Martial: Process and Procedure | 2007 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| National Trial Lawyers: Trial Lawyers Summit | N/A | 2016 |
| Evaluating Truthfulness | N/A | 2016 |
| NACDL Seminar Defending the Unthinkable: Zealous Advocacy in Sexual Assault and Child Victims Cases | N/A | 2013 |
| National Association of Trial Lawyers: Trial Lawyers Summit | N/A | 2013 |
| NACDL Seminar DWI Means Defend With Ingenuity: "Winning at Every Level" | N/A | 2011 |
| NACDL Sex Crime Defense Seminar: Confronting the Mob Mentality - Defending Sex Cases | N/A | 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| NACDL Advanced Criminal Law Seminar | N/A | 2010 |
| NACDL Criminal Defense Midwinter Seminar | N/A | 2006 |
| US Army JAG School Criminal Law Advocacy Course | N/A | 2003 |
| US Army JAG School Tax Course | N/A | 2002 |
| US Army JAG School Basic Course | N/A | 2001 |
| Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law | JD | 2000 |
| Duquesne University | BA | 1997 |
| Universidad de Alicante, Spain | N/A | N/A |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| National Trial Lawyers Summit | Appealing to Diverse Juries Without Building Walls | 2017 |
| National Trial Lawyers Summit | A Trial Warrior’s Journey | 2017 |
| NACDL Forensic Science Conference in Las Vegas | Using Forensic Science to Create Reasonable Doubt in Sexual Assault Cases | 2017 |
| National Trial Lawyers Summit | The Art of Trial Warfare | 2016 |
| CLE Conference | Dealing With the Media: Protecting the Rights to a Fair Trial | 2013 |
| Army Defense Lawyer CLE Conference | Attacking Witness Credibility & Rules of Evidence | 2006 |
|---|---|---|
| DoD Federal Police Officer Training Program | Federal Criminal Procedure | 2005 |
| National Defense Lawyer CLE Conference | Witness Impeachment | 2004 |
| National Military Lawyer CLE Conference | Urinalysis Defense: Defending a Drug Use Case | 2003 |
| IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program | Income Tax Prep | 2002 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Naples Italy Navy Court Martial for Sexual Assault | NOT GUILTY OF ALL CHARGES. |
| United States v. TSgt at Travis Air Force Base, CA | Not guilty of All Charges |
| United States v. SGT at Fort Bliss, TX | All charges dismissed after Article 32 |
| United States v. MSG M. at Fort Sam Houston, TX - El Salvador | Not guilty of All Charges |
| United States v. Petty Office G - Rota Navy Base, Spain | Not Guilty Of All Charges |
| United States v. TSgt M. - Minot AFB, ND | Not Guilty Of All Charges |
|---|---|
| United States v. A1C K - McGuire AFB, NJ | Not Guilty of All Sex Charges. Guilty of Underage drinking. |
| United States v. A1C T. - Eglin AFB, FL | All charges dropped at preliminary hearing |
| United States v. SGT D. - Fort Irwin, CA | All charges dropped at preliminary hearing |
| United States v. LCpl L. - Quantico Marine Base, VA | Not Guilty Of All Charges |
| United States v. SGT D. - Fort Irwin, CA | Not Guilty Of All Charges |
| United States v. MGyst W. - Parris Island, SC | Not Guilty Of All Charges |
| United States v. A1C H. - Dover AFB, DE | Not guilty of rape, Not guilty of burglary, guilty of false official statement. No jail time. |
| United States v. SGT R - Fort Hood, TX | Not Guilty Of All Charges |
| United States v. LT A. - Norfolk Navy Base, VA | All charges dropped at preliminary hearing |
| United States v. CPT L. - Army SF Group, Okinawa, Japan | Not Guilty Of All Charges |
| United States v. SFC D. - Fort Lee, VA | Partial acquittal, no jail time, no discharge |
| U.S. v. Naval Academy Midshipman | Charges dismissed |
| United States v. SPC S. - Hawaii | Acquitted of murder |
| United States v. SPC H. - Fort Campbell, KY & Iraq | Negotiated plea that saved life. |
| United States v. SGT Y. - Fort Campbell, KY | Declined to prosecute, charges dismissed |
| US v. Driver | Full Acquittal |
Humble, Elite, and Unconquered
Posted by anonymous
Fri Dec 09 2016
The best General for battle!
Posted by Zane Josi
Thu Aug 18 2016
Attorney endorsements
(757)Ernesto Gapasin, Military law Attorney on Oct 1, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Mike is one of the best in the business. I had the opportunity to work with him on a court-martial in Japan. The accused was an officer charged with 16 offenses under the UCMJ. This officer was acquitted of all charges and their specifications. It was great working with Mike.
Timothy Bilecki, Military law Attorney on Jan 2, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have had the pleasure of personally working with Mr. Waddington, he is an aggressive and fearless trial lawyer who provides outstanding representation to his clients. He has the experience, dedication and backbone to take on the toughest cases and win. His case results speak for themselves.
Robert Capovilla, Military law Attorney on Oct 15, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
The best military defense attorney in the business. Hard working, talented, honest, and at the very top of his game. If I needed a military defense attorney, I would call Michael.
Mickey Williams, Military law Attorney on Sep 28, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike's got a fantastic reputation in the military justice community. He's a great lawyer, great author, and a great guy.
Daniel Webb, Social security Attorney on Aug 9, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Todd Wells, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 31, 2018
Relationship: Other
Michael is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Scottie Leming, Family Attorney on Mar 1, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this attorney, who provides so generously to the AVVO community and gives sound legal advice.
Rahul Aggarwal, Real estate Attorney on Feb 28, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services.
Robert Wolf, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 25, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Tim Curtin, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 26, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Todd Bresney, Personal injury Attorney on Sep 17, 2017
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Joey Tellez, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 29, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Oscar Ramirez, Employment and labor Attorney on Jun 19, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Waddington is professional, bright and finds creative solutions to complex legal problems. I endorse this lawyer.
Patrick Barry, Medical malpractice Attorney on Jun 14, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Andrew Nickolaou, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 13, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Fiza Syed, Family Attorney on Apr 26, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Gary Anderson, Mesothelioma and asbestos Attorney on Apr 11, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Michael Waddington has demonstrated a high level of talent and devotion to his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him.
Gail Barsky, Personal injury Attorney on Mar 30, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. This lawyer has proven to be hard-hitting and extremely aggressive. You want this lawyer on your side.
Alexander Kraff, Personal injury Attorney on Mar 13, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Michael S. Waddington
Bradley Johnson, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 8, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this Michael. He knows how to win.
Michael Bloom, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 8, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
I endorse this attorney. Michael is an outstanding litigator and well-respected military law attorney and trial lawyer.
Cost
- Hourly Rates$500-$750/hour
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