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Ernesto C. Gapasin Jr.
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About Ernesto
Biography
At Gapasin Law LLC, Ernesto Gapasin applies more than two decades of courtroom experience to defending military personnel in courts-martial and separation proceedings. A persistent litigator whose work has drawn national and international media coverage, he combines disciplined courtroom skills with an uncompromising commitment to ethical advocacy—earning multiple Top 100 Trial Lawyer recognitions and NTLA inductions and a nomination as a BBB Torch Award finalist. After transitioning from active duty rather than accept a mandatory promotion that would limit his courtroom role, he opened Newsom & Gapasin and continued practicing worldwide under Gapasin Law LLC. Mr. Gapasin has tried high-profile cases across the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and numerous overseas postings, and he prioritizes winning at trial while vigorously protecting clients through motions for sanctions, dismissal, or relief from unlawful command influence. He emphasizes zealous, independent representation—unbound by a chain of command—to secure the best possible outcomes for service members.
With 27 years of experience in military law, I have defended service members worldwide in courts-martial and separation boards, securing strong results. Clients trust my proven advocacy, deep system knowledge, and I obtained testimonials from service members whose careers and futures were protected.
When your military career, benefits, and freedom are at risk, you need experienced defense focused exclusively on military law. We defend service members in courts-martial and separation boards with strategic, aggressive advocacy designed to protect your record, your rights, and your future.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Military Law
100%
26 years | 1,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2026 2022 2021
...
+
2
Licenses
Licensed in Missouri for 22 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Licensed in Nevada for 26 years
State: Nevada
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
GAPASIN LAW LLC - Military Law and Defense
(877) 833-8265
Fax
405 N. Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO, 65806
gapasinlaw.com/Gallery
Ernesto C. Gapasin Jr.'s Reviews
Avvo Review Score
52 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by anonymous | April 20, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Outside the Box Thinking
Mr. Gapasin had a logical, analytical, and outside the box thinking when reviewing my case. This mindset was instrumental in winning my case. I was falsely accused of an Article 120 and had no clue how to even start to defend myself. The first lawyer I retained failed to capture crucial evidence in a...
Posted by anonymous | April 16, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Military Law
Found Not Guilty of 14 Charges UCMJ
After having multiple sexual assault and maltreatment charges referred to court martial, I sought out Mr. Ernesto Gapasin. Although it was only three months until the trial, he took on my case and started working tirelessly. Mr. Gapasin was very good at communicating what he was working on and really...
Posted by anonymous | April 01, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Military Law
Not Just a Great Attorney, A Good Friend
I was facing a Separation Board. Ernesto communicated effectively with me and with the JAG lawyers. He executed his duties seemlessly. Although he could not promise a specific outcome he always came up with ideas and avenues to approach the board. During the board he had quick thinking and was prepar...
Posted by Mark | June 28, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
21 Court Mart
Mr. Gapasin worked with me for almost year. He was very straight up and explained the seriousness of my charges. He executed my case flawlessly.
Posted by anonymous | November 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Military Law
#1 Military Defense Counsel
I was facing serious charges of UCMJ Article 120 for sexual assault and rape. It was an extremely long process that lasted years. I retained Ernesto and he immediately began working my defense and was very upfront about the conviction I could be facing. Ernesto was with me every step of the way and w...
Ernesto C. Gapasin Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"Truly phenomenal trial attorney. I have known and tried cases with Ernesto for nearly five years and can say without hesitation that he is one of the finest criminal defense attorneys I have ever seen. He thoroughly investigates his cases, uses advanced strategy and litigates to win. Gapasin's trial record speaks for itself. If you are facing serious court martial charges, Gapasin can level the playing field."
"Ernesto is a fantastic courtroom savvy litigator. I was opposing counsel on a case against Ernesto in Korea and he proved to be a superb advocate for his client. With years of experience representing service members, Ernesto is certainly one of the best. I give him my highest endorsement."
"Ernesto is an enthusiastic and proactive attorney who aggressively represents his clients in all military matters. I endorse this lawyer."
"Ernesto is a superb military justice practitioner. Few lawyers have his wealth of military justice experience and his knowledge of the ins and outs of the system and where to go to get results. I wouldn’t hesitate to have him represent me."
"Ernesto is the hardest working military defense counsel I know. I have had the privilege of seeing first hand his zealous approach to defending his clients. If you are facing a court-martial, you should call Ernesto."
"Top-notch attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer for his dedication to the community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent lawyer who is highly respected in the community!"
"Mr. Gapasin is one of the brightest lawyers I know practicing military criminal defense. He has a nationwide reputation as a hard hitting defense lawyer who is relentless in his representation of his clients."
"Ernesto is ever the tactician. More importantly, Ernesto is not afraid to push the limits in order to get the best results for his clients. He is a great attorney who always relates well to his juries."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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"Ernesto is a dedicated attorney, who aggressively advocates for his clients. He is detailed-oriented, and has a wide breadth of knowledge and experience in various military law matters. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse Ernesto. He is a renowned lawyer and advocate."
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Experience
Honors
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2012
Meritorious Service Medal, U.S. Army
2010
Army Commendation Medal w/ 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, U.S. Army
2007
Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, U.S. Army
2003
Tower of Strength Award, State Bar of Nevada
Work Experience
2023 - Present
Senior Counsel, Tully Rinckey, PLLC
2012 - 2023
Managing Partner, Gapasin Law Group, LLC
2005 - 2012
Judge Advocate General, United States Army, J.A.G. Corps
2002 - 2004
Associate, Lewis & Shreve
1999 - 2001
Associate, Rawlings, Olson, Cannon, Gormley & Desruisseaux
1998 - 1998
Summer Associate, Rawlings, Olson, Cannon, Gormley & Desruisseaux
1997 - 1997
Clerk Intern, Eighth Circuit Federal District Court
Associations
2012 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2010 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2010 - Present
Missouri State Bar, Military Law CommitteeMember
2004 - Present
Missouri State BarMember
2003 - Present
United States Supreme Court BarMember
2001 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth CircuitMember
1999 - Present
Nevada State BarMember
1999 - Present
United States District Court for the District of NevadaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
U.S. v. E-7
Not Guilty to all charges and their specifications.
U.S. vs. O-2
Not guilty to rape.
U.S. v. E-3
Dismissed without prejudice.
U.S. v. E-5
Not guilty to all charges and specifications.
U.S. v. E-4
Dismissed without prejudice.
U.S. v. E-6
Virtual acquittal, only received a letter of reprimand.
U.S. v. E-5
Partial acquittal, resulting in no discharge and no sex offender registration.
U.S. v. E-7
Negotiated result, allowing client to retire after 22 year career at just 1 rank reduction.
U.S. v. E-6
Virtual acquittal resulting in a sentence of no punishment.
U.S. v. O-3
Not guilty to all charges and specifications.
U.S. v. E-4
Negotiated plea resulting in lesser confinement.
U.S. v. E-6
Not guilty to all charges and specifications.
Education
2005
Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army
Commission
1999
University of Missouri - Columbia School of Law
Juris Doctor
1996
University of Notre Dame
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2012
Offsite Training, Springfield, Missouri
Ethics for the Military Law Office
2011
Annual CONUS Trial Defense Service Conference, Tampa, Florida
Cross-Examination in Sexual Assault Cases
2010
USATDS Pacific Rim Regional Conference, Seoul, South Korea
Innocence Lost: Cross-Examining Child Victims
2009
USATDS, Pacific Rim Regional Conference, Dongducheon, South Korea
The Art of Taking Depositions
Publications
2002
Communique (Clark County Bar)
The Changing Supreme Court
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Seeking advice and/or referrals to legal counsel for very complex case. Thank you in advance for any information.
26 Dec 2023
Q&A
Will an OTH discharge affect my ability be accepted to medical school?
23 Dec 2023
Q&A
Are my rights being violated by a female watching a male take a urine test?
23 Dec 2023