Don C. King

PRO

Don C. King

5.0
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 30 years

Military law Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Military Law

1455 NW Leary Way, Seattle, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Don

Biography

Military attorneys and paralegals with over 100 combined years of active duty legal experience. There is no legal or security clearance issue that we have not fought. And because experience matters, we win--often.

Whether you are an active duty member, the parent of an active duty member, a veteran, or a civilian with security clearance issues, HIRE EXPERIENCE. We're here to help.

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Military Law 100%

court martial, appeals, security clearance suspension or revocations, administrative separation hearings, military records corrections discharge upgrades and pardons, nonjudicial punishment, NJP, military disciplinary actions.

31 years | 3,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 120 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2026 2025 2024
...
+ 3

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 4 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2021

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Oregon for 30 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 1996

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

King Military Law

1455 NW Leary Way, Seattle, WA, 98107

kingmilitarylaw.com/

King Military Law

501 West Broadway Suite 800, San Diego, CA, 92101

kingmilitarylaw.com/

King Military Law

701 Palomar Airport Rd Suite 300, Carlsbad, CA 92011, Suite 300, Carlsbad, CA, 92011

kingmilitarylaw.com/

King Military Law

999 Waterside Dr., Suite 2525, Norfolk, VA, 23510

kingmilitarylaw.com/

King Military Law

50 N. Laura St, Suite 2500, Jacksonville, FL, 32202

kingmilitarylaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Don online.

Don C. King's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

95 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 21 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Robert | February 20, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

When Your Career Is on the Line, Choose the Best

As a senior enlisted service member (E-7) with over 18 years of naval service, I recently faced one of the most difficult and stressful periods of my career, an administrative discharge proceeding due to disciplinary action. Having never been in any kind of legal trouble before, the pressure and unce...rtainty were overwhelming. From the very first conversation, Don C. King and his partner Angela demonstrated not only exceptional legal expertise, but genuine care and commitment. Mr. King did far more than simply represent me, he stood beside me. He took the time to understand my career, my character, and what was truly at stake for me and my family. His performance during my administrative separation board was nothing short of outstanding. He was prepared, strategic, confident, and relentless in advocating on my behalf. Watching him work was reassuring in a moment when everything felt uncertain. He carried burdens that I didn’t even realize I was carrying and allowed me to focus on staying composed and present. What impressed me most was that his support extended beyond the professional. He understood the emotional toll this process takes and made sure I never felt alone in it. If you are facing any type of legal issue especially one that threatens your career, reputation, or future, I can say without hesitation that you want Don C. King in your corner. He is hands-down one of the best in the business. I am deeply grateful for his representation and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of strong, dedicated legal counsel.

Don King

Replied last February 22, 2026

Hey Chief! Thanks so much for your kind review. It was such an honor getting to know you. We can’t tell you how much all of us here at KML appreciate you trusting us to do battle for you. And battle is precisely what this was. The Navy threw everything it had at you, and you still prevailed--such a testament to your stellar career and your dedication to your Sailors and your command. Thank you also for the shout-out to Angela! Greatly appreciate that! All of the paralegals here are exceptional professionals who care for our clients as if they were family. They work aggressively and for long hours on their behalf, but often go unrecognized. Thank you so much for recognizing Angela’s efforts! And thanks also for mentioning the emotional toll this can take — that will help others be aware and prepare, and to know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Again, congratulations on a win you so richly deserved! And thanks for taking the time to share your experience with others. Stay in touch, and please let us know if there is ever anything more we can do for you. Don, Angela, and the KML Team

Posted by BC | July 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Litigation

Best in the business.

Professional, tenacious, knowledgeable, and genuine. Mr. King and KML are devoted to justice. They have what it takes to get the best outcome. From start to finish they are by far the best people in the business. They brought an end to a six year period of litigation. Bringing peace and assurance to ...my family. Thank you Mr. King, KML, and everyone who was on the team.

Don King

Replied last July 19, 2025

Hey Ben! Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with KML. It was an honor assisting you and your family through this very tough time. We're as grateful as you that it ended with a complete exoneration and for good. Go forth and conquer, my friend, and stay in touch and reach out if you ever need us again. Don

Posted by John S. | April 07, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

“Thank God I had Mr. King”

When my case was over, I thought “Thank God I had Mr. King”. PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE: Although resume speaks for itself, his experience and expertise really shine when you see him in action. a. During the preparation, it seemed like he was always thinking three steps ahead. Also, h...e TENACIOUSLY FOUGHT for the Navy to release certain written materials to me until finally, the day before my board, they gave in. This information, which he insisted on me having access to, became the KEY contributor to me be cleared of the two most serious charges. b. In the courtroom, I felt like I had a pit bull sitting beside me. There were many factual errors in both my investigation package and in what the prosecutor said, and Mr. King did not let them get away with one thing. And if Mr. King felt that the prosecutor was doing something wrong regarding legal procedure, he would pounce on that immediately also. When Mr. King and the prosecutor would then explain their legal points of view to the senior member of the board, Mr. King almost always won. REMEMBERS YOU’RE A PERSON: a. My investigation took a long time, and sometimes months would go by without my hearing anything from the Navy. But Mr. King would call me every few weeks, even if there was no news about my case, just to see how I was doing. That sounds minor, but I was depressed and stressed out, so it meant a lot to know that someone involved in my case remembered I was alive. b. Although my BOI cleared me of the two most important charges, not everything went the way I wanted it to. Mr. King had the expertise to know that there was a good change this could happen; and he had the foresight, compassion, and personal skills to get me mentally prepared me for this ahead of time. GOES THE EXTRA MILE: a. Because of my depression I got behind on things, and a week before my board I gave Mr. King some materials that I should have brought to his attention far before. Understandably, Mr. King was not overjoyed to be getting so much information at the last minute, and I believe that the great majority of attorneys would have said (and quite rightfully) “I’m sorry, but a week before the board is just too late for me to look at all this”. But Mr. King didn’t let me down, and the work Mr. King did with those materials in that week was instrumental in me being cleared of the two most serious charges. b. This extra effort, when he could have just blown me off, was especially noteworthy because I know that this unexpected task had to have become a tremendous inconvenience for him (although he never complained to me about how much of an inconvenience, either then or later). (1) It involved calls to multiple people, and usually multiple calls to each of them. (2) He had the additional burden of doing all of this from the other side of the world; and so he had to take into account time zone changes/protecting his sleep but also the sleep of those he was trying to reach in the United States, etc. (3) He had to work over the weekend. c. I think most other lawyers would have said to themselves: “I’m in Europe, it’s the weekend, and this client could have given me this stuff weeks ago. To ____ with him”. But Mr. King jumped on these materials and took care of me. There is a saying “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when you don’t have to”. That’s Mr. King. OFFICE STAFF: Process paperwork correctly, return promptly; easy to reach; answer calls and emails promptly; polite. Noticeably more professional than staff for other lawyers I talked to. FINAL COMMENT: DO NOT TRUST NCIS. Shockingly incompetent and sloppy. As a result, an accusation that NCIS could have cleared me of when made (and in about an hour) did not get cleared up until 3 years later. Without Mr. King fighting for me, I would have been sunk.

Don King

Replied last April 15, 2025

Thanks for the kind words, John. We sure appreciate you sharing your story with others. Your case was a long, hard grind and a perfect example of how broken our system is. From easily proven false allegations to assumptions of guilt to unnecessarily erecting walls that you had to surmount to defend yourself--you faced all they could throw at you and fought back--and WON! All of us here at KML are sorry that you had to go through this but proud of the way you fought back and elated that you won! Hopefully, your story will be read by others who may be in similar circumstances and give them hope when things look bleak. Thanks again, John. Please stay in touch! Don

Posted by Chris | October 30, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Professional, Knowlegeable, Responsive! He cares about your case!

I am an officer who was facing an allegation of assault after a self-defense incident occurred in my hometown during a road rage altercation. A crazed woman approached my vehicle with my children in the car, spit at me when my window was down, and I repelled her advance with OC ("pepper") spray. The... county did not press charges, but the Navy became aware of the incident and decided to continue with NJP. Throughout the process, Don's guidance was a source of immense relief and reassurance. He helped me navigate the options of either taking this to potential court-martial or accepting NJP and vowed to advise me in whichever route I took. I ended up electing to accept NJP and focused on moving on from the military and readying myself and our family for the next chapter in life since I was approaching one year until I could retire. Don, whom I deeply respected and trusted, was right there at every step to provide advice and guidance on how to navigate NJP, and he helped me craft statements that followed the report of NJP, the adverse FITREP, the response statement to my LOR, etc. Eventually, my case was recommended for a no-show cause (no board of inquiry) by my ISIC, first flag, and finally PERS. I am deeply grateful for the help and guidance that Don provided me along the way, which I believe was instrumental in this outcome. I highly recommend Don and his team for representation if you're facing a legal case within the military's legal system. While DSO provided me with some advice, it was Don's personalized guidance that truly made a difference. Unlike the junior JAGs who rely on scripts and Google, Don's experience and expertise shine through in his advice and representation, making it a valuable investment in your case.

Don King

Replied last October 31, 2024

Thanks, Chris. All of us here at KML sure appreciate you trusting us and also for taking the time to tell others your story. It was an honor walking you and your family through this and I'm glad the Navy agreed to forego any additional administrative measures, even though that's often an "automatic" step for senior officers. We pride ourselves on being "unconventionally aggressive" and pursuing options that other firms might find a waste of time. Your case is a good example of why we do that. However, I'm sure the main reason the Navy "did the right thing" is your stellar record of dedication and service, coupled with the circumstances of the case that you describe above. While I'm excited for the future you have, I'm disappointed that these circumstances cost the Navy a man of your skill, experience, and character. Definitely the Navy's loss. Best of luck to you as you start the next chapter, Chris! Thanks again for trusting us and for the review, and please stay in touch.

Posted by anonymous | September 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Best Fighter When you are Scared and Need Defense

Don is a fierce fighter that will you put you and your family at ease when you are uncertain about your future and career. Knowledge and experience. When you need a defense, get the best that has been doing it for decades. Only option. Hire the best.

Don King

Replied last September 24, 2024

Thanks for dropping a note! So glad we could help.

See All Client Reviews

Don C. King's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Don
Paul C LeBlanc headshot
Paul LeBlanc

Military law lawyer | Nov 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've known Don for over 25 years. He is a dedicated and aggressive lawyer for his clients. He is fair and thoroughly prepared for any situation. His knowledge of military and administrative law is voluminous."

Bethany Payton-O'Brien headshot
Bethany Payton-O'Brien

Military law lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Don King is AGGRESSIVE and EXPERIENCED, and just the lawyer you need for a military legal matter. I have known him for almost 25 years and have worked with him on a number of legal cases over the years. Hire him now!"

View All Endorsements
Paul C LeBlanc headshot
Paul LeBlanc

Military law lawyer

Bethany Payton-O'Brien headshot
Bethany Payton-O'Brien

Military law lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers Invitation, National Trial Lawyers

2009

Outstanding Judge Advocate, Judge Advocates Association

2007

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America

1996

Trial Advocacy Award Winner, American Trial Lawyers Association

Work Experience

1996 - 2020

Military Attorney, U.S. Navy Jag Corps

Associations

2020 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2020 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Military Law

2000 - Present

Oregon State Bar

Military Law Section

2000 - Present

Oregon State Bar

Criminal Law Section

Sample of Legal Cases

U.S. v. Shaw

Full acquittal

See More Legal Cases

Education

2019

Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army

Appellate Judge

2013

Judge Advocate General's School, U.S Air Force

Advanced Ethics Counselor

2010

Naval Justice School

National Security Litigation

2009

Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army

Military Judge

2002

Naval Justice School

Advanced Trial Litigtion

1999

Naval Justice School

Basic Trial Advocacy

1997

Naval Justice School

Basic Trial Litigation

1995

University of Oregon School of Law

J.D.

Speaking Engagements

2014

Advanced National Security Litigation Course

National Security Litigation

2013

Defense Counsel Assistance Course

Defense Counsel Litigation Skills

2011

Naval Justice School

Advanced Trial Advocacy

2006

Basic Lawyer Course

Trial Advocacy

Publications

2014

Deskbook for use by Navy and Marine Corps defense attorneys U.S. Navy Criminal Defense Counsel Deskbook

Activity

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Avvo Rating Levels
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