Bethany Payton-O'Brien

Bethany Payton-O'Brien

5.0
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 31 years

Military law Lawyer at San Marcos, CA
Practice Areas: Military Law, Litigation

420 N. Twin Oaks Valley Road, Unit 2634, San Marcos, CA

About Bethany

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Military Law 75%

Military law practice, including courts-martial litigation, security clearance appeals, dispute resolution, criminal law, and administrative law (administrative separation boards, nonjudicial punishment, boards of inquiry)

31 years | 1,000 cases

75%
Litigation 25%

Military law practice involving special and general courts-martial litigation, and court-martial appeals

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes

Pro bono

10 %

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 31 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1995

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Bethany Payton-O'Brien, Attorney at Law

420 N. Twin Oaks Valley Road, Unit 2634, San Marcos, CA, 92079

Bethany Payton-O'Brien, Attorney at Law

5401 W. Lawrence Ave, Unit 30204, Chicago, IL, 60630

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Bethany Payton-O'Brien's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

16 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (16) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Professionalism

Posted by Kibwe | March 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Outstanding experience with Beth

Beth is a superb attorney that communicated clearly and effectively throughout the legal process. Her experience and legal proceeding expertise are first rate. I had an outstanding experience with Beth with the most favorable results as possible. Ensure you consult with and hire Beth to protect ...your rights and interests if you find yourself invvolved with the military justice system.

Posted by anonymous | August 22, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Innocent Ingestion

On a drill weekend where I was meritoriously promoted, received Sailor of the Quarter, and where my mentor flew in to tack my rank on, I also popped hot for DAMP. I was spiraled for a month not knowing what to do. A buddy from a previous command gave me the contact for Bethany Payton-O'Brien, and... told me to contact her immediately. In less than an hour I was speaking with Bethany. Bethany was knowledgeable, highly competent, and most of all, she was sympathetic. I followed her directions and trusted the process. She gave me periodic updates and explained each step before moving forward. 4 months later I was cleared of wrongdoing in my case. I can and will recommend Bethany to other sailors who have had their world shaken and do not know where to turn.

Posted by Israel | December 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Appeals

Wrongfully convicted of a Sexual Assault

I hired Bethany as my appellate lawyer after hearing from a friend how aggressive she was at getting things done. While I was in the brig she regularly visited me and gave many legal updates on what was going on. The government loved to stall as much as possible with my case but Bethany continued to ...push back until we got the answers from them. This was a very long process before I got my case overturned but I am thankful that she was in my corner the entire time. Even after I had won my case and technically our contract was over she continued to reach out and help me with the continuous stalling the government was doing. I am completely out of the military now with an honorable discharge and all my benefits restored. As well as the restitution pay they owed me for wrongfully putting me in the brig. If you want a lawyer who fights for you and doesn't stop till she gets her answers then Bethany is the lawyer you want. Lawyers are never cheap but they are usually worth it. In Bethany's case she's worth every penny. My life is back to normal now and I can't express how thankful I am to have Bethany's help getting here.

Posted by Tiffany | September 16, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

PROFESSIONAL, KNOWLEDGABLE, PERSONABLE AND AVAILABLE WHEN YOU NEED HER

I specifically asked for Bethany Payton-O'Brien because of her background as a retired Navy Captain in the Judge Advocate General Corps. I was not disappointed. Bethany spent over 15 hours going through evidence files and was able to corroborate everything that I had said in my statements. She con...tacted me immediately with updates and wasn't shy about giving me solid recommendations with pros and cons. I felt as though she held my hand across the miles walking through the litigation and as a result of her hard work, expert communication and writing skills, we won the case. If I ever face litigation again - I certainly pray that I don't, I will immediately contact Bethany. HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER, 5 STARS AND TWO THUMBS UP.

Posted by anonymous | December 25, 2017 | Military Law

Military Law Attorney

Beth is an excellent military law attorney. I have known her for decades.

See All Client Reviews

Bethany Payton-O'Brien's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Bethany
Don C. King headshot
Don King

Military law lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"OUTSTANDING ADVOCATE! I've known and worked with Beth for over twenty years, to include serving as co-counsel on a murder trial. I've worked with her when she was a prosecutor, a defense counsel, a military judge and an appellate judge. She's one of the most passionate, most knowledgable, most skilled attorneys practicing military law! Her breadth of experience, coupled with her tenacity and willingness to do battle on behalf of her clients, makes her my "go-to" choice for anyone needing this type of assistance."

Colleen Marie Glaser-Allen headshot
Colleen Glaser-Allen

Military law lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I've known Beth for over 20 years. We first met as opposing counsel back in Norfolk, Virginia. Although I was a defense counsel and she was a prosecuting attorney; it was clear that justice was her objective and we became close professional colleagues despite our opposing sides. Although our positions have changed over the years including tours as trial and appellate judges; two things that have never changed are her legal prowess and integrity. Beth is a talented litigator who knows a military courtroom and the courts-martial process. And she never wavers from doing what is right and providing the best representation for her client -- it is part of her DNA. Both these attributes made her formidable in her naval service and will serve her well as a civilian attorney."

I. Charles McCullough, III headshot
I. Charles McCullough,

Military law lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Co-worker

"I strongly endorse Beth. She is a skilled litigator with an encyclopedic knowledge of military law."

Donald Raymond Ostrom headshot
Donald Ostrom

Military law lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Bethany was trial cousel on a number of cases against me in 2005-2006 while practicing military law in the Southeast. I have seen her in motions practice, direct and cross examination, and sentencing arguments. In each area she was supurb. She was extreemely tenatious and agressive, but wise enough to apply this to the right issue and at the right time. She was also open, receptive, and took the time to consider any and all matters I presented in mitigation and extenuation for my clients. Her knowledge of the law is exceptional and I cannot think of a better counsel to have worked against."

Kevin Richard O'Neil headshot
Kevin O'Neil

Military law lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Co-worker

"Bethany Payton-O'Brien is an exceptional attorney with superior expertise in military criminal and administrative law. She passionately and professionally protects the rights of her clients. I highly recommend her to anyone facing a military law matter."

Diane L. Lamarand headshot
Diane Lamarand

Military law lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Co-worker

"Bethany is a leader in her field. In addition to her skills as a litigator and trial attorney she also has many years of experience in a diverse number of critical and complex areas. She also practices with the highest degree of professionalism and ethics."

Bruce Edward Macdonald headshot
Bruce Macdonald

Unknown lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I have known Beth Payton-O'Brien for over 18 years, and had the pleasure of working with her throughout her outstanding Navy career as a judge advocate. Beth consistently demonstrated the ability to analyze important legal and policy issues related to military justice, and provide recommendations that were always well thought out, principled and fair. Her superb work ethic, unsurpassed professional expertise and committed leadership consistently produced outstanding results for the many service members she served. A superb litigator, Beth is a stellar advocate for her clients. I most strongly recommend her to any one who has military law issues and wants a zealous advocate by their side. Bruce MacDonald Vice Admiral, JAGC, USN (Ret.) Former Judge Advocate General of the Navy"

David Peck headshot
David Peck

Military law lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Beth in numerous capacities throughout my 20-year career as a Navy Judge Advocate. She was one of my supervisory attorneys at the beginning of my career and I tried cases in front of her during her tenure as a Military Judge. Beth was highly regarded throughout the JAG corps as an expert in many areas of military law, but particularly as a zealous advocate and litigator, and a Military Justice expert."

Eugene H. Robinson, Jr. headshot
Eugene Robinson,

Military law lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have worked with Beth in several capacities: initially, I was one of her supervisory judges; then she was an appellate judge reviewing my trial level decisions; and finally, we were peers as senior trial level judges. Regardless of the capacity, she has always been a consummate professional well-versed in the law! I often sought her sage advice on difficult issues. Highly recommended on any matters related to military justice!"

Adam Jay Jaffe headshot
Adam Jaffe

Litigation lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She knows the rights of the accused and can analyze a situation clearly and succinctly in a manner that any client can use to help aid their cause."

Sean Christopher Timmons headshot
Sean Timmons

Military law lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Bethany is an extremely intelligent attorney with a keen wisdom concerning all matters related to military law. As a former Judge in military courts Bethany brings a unique sage knowledge to her practice which will go a long way to helping everyone she represents. I highly endorse this attorney in the strongest possible manner as her tremendous experience is simply unmatched."

Ryan Jason Sears headshot
Ryan Sears

Military law lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Beth is a fantastic litigator with a peerless knowledge of, not only the military justice system, but also of the mindset of military juries and commanding officers. This unique understanding makes her an exceptionally effective litigator and she has my strongest endorsement in the field of military law."

Mathew B Tully headshot
Mathew Tully

Litigation lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Bethany is the consummate professional. She is highly ethical, tenacious, and a brilliant attorney."

Paul C LeBlanc headshot
Paul LeBlanc

Military law lawyer | Oct 04

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have known Beth for 25 years, most recently as fellow military judges. She is a dedicated, focused attorney. Her reasoning and research is laser-focused. She quickly identifies issues and a resolves them in the best interest of her clients. Beth's ethics are above reproach and I would highly recommend her to any potential client."

View All Endorsements
Tami Lynn Mitchell headshot
Tami Mitchell

Military law lawyer

Don C. King headshot
Don King

Military law lawyer

I. Charles McCullough, III headshot
I. Charles McCullough,

Employment and labor lawyer

Adam Jay Jaffe headshot
Adam Jaffe

Admiralty and maritime lawyer

Ryan Jason Sears headshot
Ryan Sears

Military law lawyer

Sean Christopher Timmons headshot
Sean Timmons

Military law lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2020

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Legion of Merit, United States Navy

2013

Legion of Merit, United States Navy

2010

Meritorious Service Medal, United States Navy

2007

Navy Commendation Medal, United States Navy

2006

Navy Commendation Medal, United States Navy

2005

Navy Commendation Medal, United States Navy

2002

Navy Commendation Medal, United States Navy

1999

Navy Commendation Medal, United States Navy

1997

Navy Achievement Medal, United States Navy

Work Experience

2013 - 2017

Senior Military Judge, Navy Marine Corps Trial Judiciary

2010 - 2013

Senior Appellate Judge, Navy Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals

2008 - 2010

Military Judge, Navy Marine Corps Trial Judiciary

2005 - 2007

Senior Prosecutor, Region Legal Service Office Southeast

2002 - 2005

Staff Judge Advocate, Commander, Submarine Group TWO

1999 - 2002

Staff Judge Advocate, Commander, Navy Region Northwest

1997 - 1999

Prosecuting Attorney, Trial Service Office East

Associations

2019 - Present

San Diego County Bar Association

Member

2015 - Present

Military Officers Assoc of America

Member

2013 - Present

National Association of WomenJudges

Military Courts Committee

1995 - Present

Chicago Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

US v. Barry, as Military Judge

Conviction

US v Campbell as Appellate Judge

Published opinion

US v Lang, as Prosecutor

Conviction and Adsep

US v Olafson, as Prosecutor

Conviction and prison

U.S. v Shaw, as Defense Counsel

Full Acquittal

See More Legal Cases

Education

2017

National Judicial College

Certificate of Judicial Studies

2008

California Western School of Law

LL.M - Master of Laws

1994

DePaul University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1989

Wayne State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2017

Academy on Military Law and Justice Military Law

2015

Military Law and Practices Military Law

2011

Trial Skills

Military Law

Publications

2008

Federal Criminal Defense Journal Guns Don't Kill People

Languages

English

Activity

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