Bill Meili

Bill Meili

also known as William C. Meili

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 44 years

Military law Lawyer at Southlake, TX
Practice Areas: Military Law

1205 S. White Chapel Blvd., Suite 100, Southlake, TX

About Bill

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Military Law 100%

Board of Inquiry (BOI)/Show Cause Defense and Unqualified Resignations (UQR). We help save and prolong military careers through our BOI/Show Cause defense, and we help military professionals - obligated or not - exit service honorably and timely.

45 years

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 40 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1985

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 44 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 1981

Retired

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of William C. Meili & Associates

1205 S. White Chapel Blvd., Suite 100, Southlake, TX, 76092

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Bill Meili's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

94 Client Reviews

5 star (94)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Mike | January 19, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Unqualified Resignation (UQR) - Bill's counsel has made a huge difference in my life

I was, and in some ways am still, going through a time of uncertainty in my life and military career. In order to navigate that well, I realized that I needed both legal advice and wisdom in how to know and take the next right step. As Fate would have it, I called Bill for an unqualified resignation ...(UQR) consultation, and our conversation led me to believe that Bill was the right person to help me navigate life in that moment. Each conversation since that first call has reinforced the value of Bill’s counsel. Not only does he have a significant amount of military legal experience, and contacts, to draw upon for technical matters, he also has significant life experience and wisdom. He is very personable and empathetic; during our initial conversations, he accurately gauged that an in-person meeting would help me feel most comfortable, and he offered and coordinated that meeting. His communication style and compassion helped me stay hopeful throughout the process, knowing that I had a kind and caring guide regardless of what happened in the future. His use of humor and levity helped counter the weight of the unknown, and it helped me keep perspective on the situation rather than getting lost in my fears. He has heart; in the course of working together, Bill has gone above and beyond in taking care of me. His regular check-ins further reinforced his care and concern about my well-being. All in all, I am grateful for Bill’s presence in my life; it has made a huge difference.

Posted by Patrick | January 6, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Won’t let S-1 get away with ignoring your UQR PACKET!

Bill was a fantastic help with my UQR packet — especially with the added complication of the government shutdown. He gave great coaching throughout the process, including pre-meeting sessions to make sure I was prepared for each milestone/hurdle/signature counseling session. He also went line by line... to help me build my packet to optimize wording, which actually raised comments that my packet was one of the best my administrative chain of command had seen. You need to understand that NO ONE is going to help you get out of the military. Having Bill on your side ensures that your paperwork stays at the top of the pile and won’t slip through the cracks. I would highly recommend Bill’s services, especially if you happen to be assigned as MAP (IYKYK) and not savvy in dealing with the red tape of administrative actions requiring several signatures. I can’t say enough how much of a weight is lifted off when you know that someone who knows the game is persistently making phone calls on your behalf! I was fortunate enough to have a chain of command that was supportive once we got things going, but have witnessed the nightmare this process can be with others. Fun fact: I got referred to Bill from a colleague that went through about an 18-month grind and expressly regretted not going with him…

Posted by anonymous | September 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Mr. Meili is more than just an attorney—he is a compassionate human being who genuinely cares about others.

I had always dreamed of joining the military, but soon after taking the oath I realized how hard it would be to balance my service with work and family responsibilities. Panic set in as I read terrifying stories online about resigning an oath. Desperate, I searched for help—which only increased my an...xiety—until I came across Mr. Meili. Shortly after I called his office, he personally returned my call, and that single conversation changed everything. His calm demeanor, clear direction, and steady guidance helped me navigate the difficult road ahead. He did not just offer legal advice—he became a mentor and, I dare say, a friend. Through his stewardship, I gained a clear understanding of the military and was able to continue my service without fear. He presented me with options, calmed my anxiety, and gave me the opportunity to serve—the very thing I had always wanted—without constant worry, knowing he was there if any challenging situation arose. For my three years in service, Mr. Meili went above and beyond—he even called me once a month before drills to check in. I am deeply grateful to him. He is exactly the person you want by your side when facing complex challenges involving the military and personal or family life issues. He will not fail you.

Posted by Rob | March 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent ex-JAG Lawyer, U.S. Army HPSP Withdrawal and UQR

Bill helped me through one of the most challenging decisions and processes I've faced in my life. I will spare some of the private details, but suffice it to say that he is a very amiable and specifically qualified former JAG for people who are facing the need to withdraw from military service by mea...ns of unqualified resignation (UQR). For me, it was my enrollment in the Army's HPSP program for medical students, which was, to put it lightly, not working out for me. I have great respect for those in uniform, and I did aspire to be among the ranks, but things change and things happen, and I needed help communicating that to Big Army. The process was, again, to put it gently, arduous and difficult to navigate or comprehend. Nonetheless, with Bill on my side, I was able to understand who to speak to and what types of communication were likely to get my circumstances (my "packet") in front of the right people for a decision to be made about whether or not I could be dismissed from this HPSP program. To anyone in a similar circumstance, my only advice is to stay 100% truthful, be proactive, and give Bill a call.

Posted by anonymous | March 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Mr. Meili Is The Attorney You Want in Your Corner

It was clear that Mr. Bill Meili was more than just a top-tier attorney when he got me what I needed in my case. I was about to join the military as an officer when life caught me off guard. I had already given my oath, but-- my family circumstances changed, my father got terribly sick, and I need...ed a way out. That’s when I found Bill. After contacting several attorneys, I finally found the right person, and I’m truly fortunate I did. Bill's a true strategist and a truly committed advocate in an otherwise scary and nervewracking process. It takes courage to go through the many awkward and uncomfortable conversations with your leaders to begin the discharge process, but he was there for me every step of the way. He never left me hanging. He understands the mission in every case, no matter the circumstances. Thanks to all his experience and his commitment to getting results, he secured my honorable discharge in under six months—an outcome I wasn’t sure was even possible when I first started down this road. But what really sets Bill apart is how he gets it done. Military separation isn’t just a legal battle; it’s an emotional one, filled with doubt, uncertainty, and more bureaucracy than I could have ever imagined. Bill doesn’t just fight for you—he keeps you grounded, focused, and optimistic. And that kind of support is truly invaluable when the stakes are high, especially in the types of cases he handles. If you’re feeling stuck, like your situation is doomed, or if you need someone who actually knows how to navigate this system and get results, call Mr. Meili. I can say with proven confidence—he’s the one you want by your side. Thanks for your incredible work, Mr. Meili! My father and I send our sincere regards to you.

See All Client Reviews

Bill Meili's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Bill
Stephen P. Karns headshot
Stephen Karns

Military law lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am very pleased to give Bill my highest endorsement. I have known Bill for ten years and I can think of few other attorneys who are as appreciated by their clients and well-respected by their colleagues. I would trust him with the most difficult of cases because I am familiar with the great results he gets for his clients. He is a true professional, embodying the best qualities that attorneys should have, and because I hold him in the highest personal and professional regard, he gets my unqualified endorsement."

Elizabeth Jo McShan headshot
Elizabeth McShan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bill Meili is an excellent attorney who truly cares about his clients. He is an experienced, well-respected attorney and skilled negotiator. He does everything in his power to ensure the best results and truly cares about the clients and their future, not just the case at hand. When people request a referral for an attorney for criminal, juvenile, or military matters, Bill Meili is the first person on my list."

Richard Alan Hutto headshot
Richard Hutto

Military law lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Bill Meili is one of the most dedicated and effective attorneys I have met in my 32-year legal career. I have interacted with him frequently in the past 14 years, seeing him as a legal advisor at hearings, serving against him as opposing counsel, and working with him on military law cases. Bill thoroughly researches the issues in whatever case he is handling and determines the best course of action to pursue. He is equally adept at both negotiating a matter and zealously representing his client at trial. He is a straight shooter—his honesty and integrity are well respected among military attorneys. Bill gives his all to his clients, making them feel as though a successful resolution of their case is the most important thing in his life. I heartily recommend Bill to anyone who needs a military or criminal law attorney."

Willis Ma headshot
Willis Ma

Juvenile law lawyer | Nov 21

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse Bill and would trust him if he represented my family on any legal issues. He is competent at what he does. He has a great reputation in the legal community. He genuinely cares and wants to help the people he represents. He will fight for justice even when it means going against the odds. I wholly believe in his experience and heart as an attorney."

George Glenn Galloway III headshot
George Galloway

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known and worked with William "Bill" Meili for several years and have been very impressed with his knowledge, experience and commitment to helping clients. Bill takes and in-depth and practical approach to resolving his client's case. What has impressed me most about the way Bill works is his ability to get to know the people involved and work on a relationship level with the people, which brings a different dimension to his work product. For anyone looking to find an knowledgeable and seasoned attorney that goes beyond just "working a case", and who doesn't when they are facing life changing allegations, then Mr. Meili is a great choice for representing you or someone you know."

Michael Chad Kotwal headshot
Michael Kotwal

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bill is an outstanding attorney who blends a wealth of litigation experience in both criminal and military law with a personality that inspires confidence and trust in both clients and other attorneys."

John Drake McLauchlan headshot
John McLauchlan

Unknown lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Bill Meili for over 20 years both as opposing counsel when he was a prosecutor and as a fellow lawyer in the defense bar. He is highly skilled and a man with a great deal of integrity and compassion."

Lynn Waller Kelly headshot
Lynn Kelly

Military law lawyer | Feb 04

Relationship: Co-worker

"Bill and I were prosecutors in the same office in the early 90's. He is brilliant, hard-working, personable, creative, and effective. I wholeheartedly recommend Bill as an excellent attorney who cares deeply about his clients."

Elena Cardona headshot
Elena Cardona

Military law lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I wholeheartedly endorse Bill Meili as one of the finest attorneys I have had the pleasure of knowing. He works extremely hard for his clients and cares about them as he would a member of his own family. If someone I knew needed an attorney in the field of military law I would make sure they called Bill first."

Carole A. Cross headshot
Carole Cross

Military law lawyer | Jul 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Bill Meili as an experienced professional who understands the military and his client's needs from a unique position of having served, advised and litigated. He is a zealous advocate with the right mix of practicality and ethics."

Joseph L. Jordan headshot
Joseph Jordan

Military law lawyer | Jul 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Mr. Meili when I was in the Army Reserves, while attending Law School. I knew him then as COL Meili. He is the consumate professional. He is very experienced in military law. He critically analyzes every case. He has excellant client handling skills."

Nicholas Grant Smith headshot
Nicholas Smith

Military law lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Morrison Cooper headshot
John Cooper

Military law lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Friend

"Bill Meili has been a trusted friend of mine for 15 years. I have worked with and for him on various criminal, juvenile, and military law matters, and sought his advice many times. He is wise, intelligent, skilled, and committed to advocating effectively for his clients. He keeps his clients informed and communicates with them before, during, and after the case. He is especially good at negotiating difficult legal situations to a favorable result for his clients, but is prepared to fight tenaciously in a contested hearing or trial when necessary. He achieves excellent results."

Michael W. Eaton headshot
Michael Eaton

Military law lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Bill for many years, and he is a great lawyer. he keeps his client's interests at heart, and goes the extra mile to do what's best for the client. I wholeheartedly endorse him."

View All Endorsements
John Drake McLauchlan headshot
John McLauchlan

Juvenile law lawyer

Elizabeth Jo McShan headshot
Elizabeth McShan

Family lawyer

Stephen P. Karns headshot
Stephen Karns

Military law lawyer

Michael W. Eaton headshot
Michael Eaton

Business lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Client's Choice, Avvo

2016

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2007

Legion of Merit, United States of America -- U.S. Army

2000

Meritorious Service Medal, U.S. Army

1980

Book Award - Evidence, American Jurisprudence

1967

Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America

Work Experience

1993 - Present

Attorney - Owner, Law Offices Of William C. Meili & Associates

1987 - 1992

Assistant District Attorney, Dallas County District Attorney's Office

1987 - 2007

Colonel, Judge Advocate General Reserve, United States Army Reserve

1982 - 1987

Captain, United States Army

Associations

2014 - Present

Dallas Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

National Eagle Scout Association

Member

1987 - Present

Reserve Officer's Association of the United States

Life Member

1985 - Present

State Bar of Texas

Member

1981 - Present

Dartmouth Lawyers Association

Member

1996 - 2003

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

1981 - 2005

American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Felony DWI with Professional License and Career Implications

Favorably resolved without a final, felony conviction.

Officer Promotion Passover -- GOMOR in Performance Section of OMPF

Reprimand Removed and Client Promoted

Juvenile Assault -- Family Violence

Case Dismissed (Non-Suited)

See More Legal Cases

Education

1981

College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1975

Dartmouth College

AB

Speaking Engagements

2014

2014

Real Talk Texas -- Radio Show, Dallas

Saving Military Careers and Military Law

2002

2002 Criminal Law Seminar

Ethics in Criminal Law: Ten Tips for Avoiding the Most Common Grievances

Publications

2002

Criminal Law Seminar Corpus Christi Bar Association Ethics in Criminal Law: Ten Tips for Avoiding the Most Common Grievances

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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