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About Patrick
Biography
Renowned for his extensive experience in criminal and military law, Patrick J. McLain has been a respected leader in the legal profession since 1990. A retired Marine Corps military judge, he built a distinguished career as a JAG attorney, defending active-duty service members accused of criminal offenses. Today, he continues to advocate vigorously on behalf of military personnel worldwide.
Mr. McLain concluded his government service as a federal prosecutor in Dallas, where he focused on child exploitation offenses, sex crimes, computer crimes, and a broad range of federal criminal matters. His combined experience as both prosecutor and defense counsel provides him with a strategic advantage in the courtroom.
Today, the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, based in Dallas, delivers comprehensive representation in Texas state criminal cases and federal criminal matters nationwide. Over the course of his career, Mr. McLain has handled thousands of cases, earning a reputation for thorough preparation, strategic insight, and tenacious advocacy.
In addition, his dedicated military law practice, with offices across the country, reflects his continued commitment to providing exceptional counsel to service members and civilians alike.
Experience = Results. 25+ years of national criminal law experience and success. Call 214-238-9392
Rely on Experience and Success in Your Time of Need. Call 214-238-9392
Serving All Military Branches - Worldwide Military Law Practice. Call 214-238-9392
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
36 years
Military Law
50%
42 years
Fees and Rates
Licenses
Licensed in Texas for 35 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Patrick J McLain, PLLC
900 Jackson Street, Suite 635, Dallas, TX, 75202
patrickjmclain.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Patrick online.
Patrick J. Mclain's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
86 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (66)
Advocacy (59)
Recommendation (44)
Professionalism (39)
Practice Area Knowledge (32)
Responsiveness (30)
Trustworthiness (27)
Communication Style (25)
Character & Conduct (22)
Staff & Support (20)
General Knowledge (16)
Compassion (14)
Cost of Services (14)
Free Consultations (1)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 22 reviews | Character & Conduct
Posted by Christopher | February 19, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Military Law
If you need representation while serving in the Military look no further.
Mr. McClain represented me on a legal matter in 2022 that had the potential for severe implications to my Military Career. He was steadfast, immensely clear in communication, and pragmatic. The end state is that 2 years later I retired (by choice) honorably with my 20 year Pension intact. There is...
Posted by Bon | October 31, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Dedicated Law firm that delivers peace of mind
I can’t say enough about the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain. From the start, Mr. McLain instills a feeling of confidence that things will turn out alright. On Oct 28th, I was facing 30-37 months, and thanks to his relentless dedication, I ended up with just 3 years of probation. It’s an incredible r...
Posted by Courtney | August 09, 2019 | Hired Attorney
My Hero’s
Patrick and his team are a god send. I came in with a box of paperwork, scared, and desperate. I needed someone to save us, and Patrick and his amazing team have done just that. They are highly professional, and are easy to work with. They get things done, and never felt like they had forgotten us. W...
Patrick Mclain
Replied last August 09, 2019Thank you, Courtney. This was one of the toughest battles in my thirty years. But this case needed to be won, and we won. I wish you all the best in your life to come. Semper Fi, Patrick McLain
Posted by anonymous | September 05, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Military Law
Patrick will fight hard for you
“I hired Patrick to help out with an issue that involved my husband who is stationed in Japan. I was worried, scared and confused, but Patrick and his staff were honest, helpful, patient and kind during this ordeal I was unexpectedly dealing with regarding my husband. Patrick got me information about...
Patrick Mclain
Replied last September 05, 2018Thank you, Stephanie. It was an honor to fight, and win, for your husband. Fair winds and following seas as you move to post-retirement phase of your lives. Semper Fi, Patrick McLain
Posted by Clark | January 22, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Military Law
PEB Formal Hearing for the Navy
I received representation from Patrick for a PEB Formal Hearing in the Navy. I researched a lot of lawyers and their credentials. Patrick and his team was the one that stood out, and honestly best Military Lawyer, in my opinion. His integrity, professionalism and knowledge, is what separates him from...
Patrick Mclain
Replied last January 22, 2018Petty Officer Clark was a very demanding and organized client, and I loved him for it. His drive for excellence, getting it right, and winning by hard work mirrored my approach to the work. He was absolutely getting a raw deal from the Navy and absent a well-prepared attack on what the Navy was doing, his very health was in jeopardy. I was deeply honored to be his advocate, and I very much appreciated the gift of whiskey afterwards as a token of his thanks. Semper Fi, Patrick McLain
Patrick J. Mclain's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Mclain is an exceptional and well-respected criminal defense attorney in Dallas, Texas. His office and staff are friendly and accessible, yet professional."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Capable of handling any criminal case. Very experienced. Previously served as a Marine Corps lawyer for many years, to include serving as a military judge. Also has served as a Assistant U.S. Attorney. Very competent trial attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. You will not go wrong with Patrick."
"Great attorney. He will work tirelessly to get you a great result. Would highly recommend."
"Patrick Mclain is an amazing warrior for his clients. I've seen him work up a case on a number of occasions, and I highly recommend him.His attention to detail and proven success is an inspiration, plus he has the heart of a lion. I would hire Patrick in a minute if I, or a family member or friend, ever needed him."
"Patrick McLain is a committed advocate for his clients. He will work tirelessly on their cases and issue that comes his way. Patrick is a genuine person and lawyer, and is always willing to help. He has plenty of experience in the military justice system, and is a well respected litigator."
"Patrick is a good person and a good attorney. What elevates Patrick above other attorneys is how much he cares about his clients. Nobody cares more about his clients than Patrick."
"It is easy to say that a lawyer "cares" about his clients, but I have met very few that care as much as Patrick does. It is this passionate for his clients along with his unmatched knowledge and skill that make him an exceptional attorney."
"I've worked with Patrick for a number of years. He is a very hard worker, and a strong and compassionate advocate. He takes pride in his work and law practice. He is able and willing to put in the time to properly represent his clients. Patrick will not be "pushed around" by the government. He stands up for his clients. His study and application of the law is meticulous. I consider Patrick to be one of the most effective and knowledgeable advocates in the United States. He pays attention to the details of his cases. Most important, Patrick listens to and works to understand his clients. I highly recommend him."
"Patrick McLain is one of the best criminal-defense lawyers in Texas if not the entire United States. He is dedicated to his clients and justice and works tirelessly to ensure that his clients are represented not just adequately but superbly. I am fortunate to know him. I recommend him without reservation."
"If you need a leader, partner and savior in your foxhole, NO ONE is better than Pat. Really. Go see him at a speaking engagement. Learn from him at a course he is teaching. Work a case with him (no one volunteers more time for the good of the order) and you will find yourself lacking the proper superlatives yourself. I know dozens and dozens of lawyers across the nation who value Pat's legal mind as much as I do. He is simply "that guy" when it comes to focusing on the mission and achieving the just result. No question I refer cases to him. Few lawyers have the same level of skill, education and experience as Pat, and none of them are more enjoyable to work with."
"Mr. Mclain appeared in my court several times. Each time, he was the most prepared, most zealous, and most professional advocate in the courtroom. I fully endorse Mr. Mclain and would trust him with the most complex of criminal law matters."
"I highly recommend Patrick Mclain. Any attorney who attends the Trial Lawyer's College is a lawyer who really cares about his profession, his continued training, and his clients. Patrick is an exceptional human being as well as attorney. Honest and down to earth."
"I endorse this lawyer. I met Patrick at the Trial Lawyer's College. He is passionate about defending the rights of his clients and will stop at nothing to see that justice is done."
"I endorse this lawyer. Pat McLain is a brilliant trial lawyer. Combines Texas-tenacity with Irish wit. Highly recommend for anybody in Texas whose Constitutional rights need protecting."
"I endorse this lawyer. Patrick is one of the very best criminal defense lawyers in the Country."
"An outstanding attorney and advocate who is second to none."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. This is a passionate, prepared and fearless advocate. There are few like him and that is sad. He fights for his client's as if fighting for family members. I call him a friend but I can guarantee you that if I found myself falsely accused of a crime he would be on speed dial. I highly recommend this accomplished attorney and trial lawyer and warrior."
"I endorse this lawyer. You won't find a better, caring lawyer. His skills are excellent. He is also a friend and great person."
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Experience
Honors
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2002
Outstanding Career Judge Advocate, Judge Advocates' Association
2002
Meritorious Service Medal, U.S. Marine Corps
1999
Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Marine Corps Trial Judiciary
1996
Navy Commendation Medal, U.S. Navy
1993
Navy Commendation Medal, U.S. Marine Corps
1991
Navy Achievement Medal, U.S. Marine Corps
1987
Navy Achievement Medal, U.S. Marine Corps
1986
Navy Achievement Medal, U.S. Marine Corps
Work Experience
2003 - 2004
Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas
1999 - 2002
Judge Advocate, U.S. Marine Corps
1996 - 1999
Military Judge, Piedmont Judicial Circuit
1993 - 1996
Senior Trial Counsel and Command Services Officer, Naval Legal Service Office Northwest Pacific
1990 - 1993
Senior Trial Counsel and Senior Defense Counsel, Legal Service Support Team Delta
1987 - 1990
Trial Counsel, U.S. Marine Corps
1982 - 1987
Officer, U.S. Marine Corps
Associations
2014 - Present
Litigation Counsel of AmericaMaster
2013 - Present
Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense LawyersLifetime Member
2004 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2004 - Present
Dallas Criminal Lawyers AssociationMember
2004 - Present
Dallas Bar AssociationCLE Committee Member
2003 - Present
Marine Corps LeagueLife Member
2000 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationPast President, Dallas Chapter
2000 - Present
American Inns of CourtMaster
2000 - Present
National Rifle AssociationLife Member
1990 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
1990 - Present
Judge Advocates AssociationBoard of Directors
1987 - Present
Boy Scouts of AmericaTroop and Pack Committee Chairman
1977 - Present
Knights of ColumbusThird Degree
Sample of Legal Cases
U.S. v. Lieutenant Commander Matthew Diaz, JAGC, USN
Releasing the names of the Guantanamo detainees
Education
2012
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College
Grad course completion
1990
University of Texas School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1980
University of Dallas
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2010
Navy and Army Defense Counsel Training
Military Law
2007
Defending Complex Criminal Cases
Expert Witnesses
2005
NITA Southern Regional Program
Trial techniques
2004
Trial Techniques Program
Trial Advocacy
2002
Trial Defense Advocacy Course
Evidentiary Foundations
Publications
2008
Fourth Annual Federal Criminal Law Seminar
Sentencing Advocacy
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I am not understanding how they are trying to chapter this SSG I know for DWI he has not been convicted yet?
13 Mar 2015
Q&A
How long can they investigate online solicitation of a minor charge after da rejects charge?
14 Dec 2014
Q&A
Can the U.S. Military charge a spouse via the UCMJ but send her to civilian court at the very same time and have a military DA?
11 Dec 2014