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

95 Client Reviews

Showing 26 - 30 of 43 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | May 15, 2020 | Military Law

Involuntary Separation for Unsatisfactory Performance -- Army

My son had recently graduated from College and was in the Army Reserves. His degree was in International Studies and he found an opportunity in China that he wanted to pursue. This was clearly going to conflict with his monthly weekend drills, so he talked to the right people in his unit (he thou...ght) to find out the process to get properly released for overseas employment and possibly transferred to the IRR. We realized fairly quickly that what we thought was going to be a fairly straight forward process was going to be frustrating and difficult. After two months and not making any progress, we started our search for a lawyer who could help us when we received notice that our son was being considered for involuntary separation with an Other than Honorable (OTH) discharge. The first lawyer with military experience we called referred us to Bill Meili. On my initial call to Bill he sensed our frustration. He was patient and understanding, giving us plenty of time to discuss our concerns and give us his feedback. Within a few days we had a face to face consultation with Bill. It did not take long to appreciate the depth of experience and knowledge Bill has in military matters. As a former JAG officer, he knows how to navigate the vast military bureaucracy, and with his previous military and civilian legal experience, he is very good at developing the best plan to achieve a desired outcome. He was also honest in setting what our expectations should be. By the end of this meeting I already felt a strong level of trust in Bill. That consultation led to a favorable outcome. We were able to get the involuntary separation action withdrawn and my son’s transfer to the IRR approved. Over the course of several more consults, we appreciated Bills’ knowledge and expertise, and his unwavering commitment to our family. He was professional, precise and he delivered. I highly recommend Bill Meili for anyone needing legal help with a military matter. He is extremely good at what he does.

Posted by anonymous | May 10, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law

e-qip consultation for security clearance application

Hi, I hired Bill as a consultant to go over my sf-86 application submission. He helped me address areas of concern and how to discuss these items(s) on the application. I would hire him again if I needed to, and would recommend his services to others.

Posted by Jonathan | July 31, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Unqualified Resignation/Promotion/Educational Loan Reimbursement

As an AMEDD officer attached to the APMC I needed help with several issues that I was having great difficulty solving on my own. As a full time civilian physician and part time soldier with a busy work and family schedule I found that I did not have the time, knowledge, or contacts to successfully a...dvocate for myself to resolve my issues. I had just returned back from my second deployment and was ready to move on from military service after completing all my obligations. Bill understood my needs and was able to help me resolve all my outstanding issues prior to getting an honorable discharge from Army. He displayed genuine concern and empathy for my situation. Bill is very personable and was a pleasure to work with. He maintained excellent communication with me every step of the way, while eloquently dealing with the Army on my behalf. Bill was true to his word from the moment I reached out to him for help. I am very proud of military service and am thankful for the opportunities the Army provided for me. Bill helped me leave the service feeling honorable and grateful while having been able to secure additional educational loan reimbursement, as well as resolve a long overdue promotion to Major. I would recommend Bill’s services to anyone. He is an outstanding professional and even better person. If you have any issues that you believe Bill may be able to assist you with, I recommend reaching out to him. He responded quickly and professionally. Thanks Bill! Jonathan

Posted by anonymous | June 26, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

DASEB for a request to transfer the GOMOR to my restricted portion of my AMHRR

I have never written a review but I think it is a privilege to share my experience working with COL(R) William (Bill) Meili. If you are at this point searching for a military lawyer, I imagine how confused you must be. It is difficult putting your career in the hands of someone you don’t know. I was ...in the same situation. As an Officer, I needed a lawyer to help me fight a GOMOR and stumbled upon COL Meili’s profile. I took the chance and made a call that has dramatically changed my situation. He is easily the most intelligent and hardworking military lawyer you’ll ever encounter. COL Meili is a professional with genuine concern for his clients. Consider this, what is the cost of a good lawyer representing you versus your entire career life on the line? I am in no way a paid spokesperson for COL William Meili. This review is written based on first-hand experience of a good lawyer.

Posted by Ben | January 20, 2019 | Military Law

Security Clearance Consultation

I spoke with Bill the week before Christmas in regards to my military security clearance taking longer than expected to be granted. He was incredibly helpful in explaining the process and outlining my options for making official inquiries into the progress and remaining time left. He was able to answ...er my questions and gave me reasonable expectations of what services he could provide. At no time did I feel pressured to use his services and he made sure to inform me of any foreseen limitations his services had with my case as well. Ultimately I decided that my case at this time, through his insight, was stuck in the backlogged bureaucracy of security clearances and that our best option was to wait for the time being. However, if my issue is not resolved in a timely fashion Mr. Meili will be my first choice in assisting with the resolution.

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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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution