Biography
Patrick J. Hughes: Virginia Attorney Specializing in Federal Employment Law, Security Clearance, Military Administrative Law, and Military Pay Cases
Patrick J. Hughes is a highly regarded attorney specializing in federal employment law, security clearance issues, military administrative law, and military pay cases. As a lead attorney at Patriots Law Group, Patrick brings extensive experience in handling complex legal matters for military personnel and federal employees, providing expert representation in both federal and military courts.
Patrick's legal career began after his admission to the New York State Bar and admission into the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG). As a JAG officer, Patrick developed a deep understanding of military administrative law, military pay issues, and the unique legal challenges faced by service members. His military background has given him invaluable insight into the complexities of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), administrative separations, discharges, and appeals. Pat separated from active duty in 2017 and now represents service members and veterans to defend their rights and recover wrongfully withheld benefits.
In addition to military administrative law, Patrick is highly skilled in federal employment law, representing federal employees and service members facing employment disputes, disciplinary actions, and appeals within the federal system. He also provides expert counsel on security clearance matters, helping clients navigate the challenging process of obtaining or defending security clearances crucial to their careers.
One of Patrick's most notable recent successes involved representing over 40 Army reservists in a multi-plaintiff case regarding incorrect Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payments. Patrick led the legal team that fought the withholding of dual BAH entitlements for reservists serving contingency operations in Europe. Through his diligent work and deep knowledge of military pay regulations, Patrick secured a multi-million-dollar recovery for the reservists, ensuring they received the back pay they were owed. Further, he secured the complete removal and correction of all military discipline and adverse career impacts related to the BAH issue.
Bar Admissions:
- Virginia
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Military Experience: As a former JAG officer, Patrick has extensive experience in military administrative law, including handling Article 15s, administrative separations, and military discharge upgrades. His in-depth knowledge of military regulations allows him to offer unparalleled legal representation to service members in military and federal courts.
Areas of Expertise:
- Federal Employment Law (Federal employee disputes, disciplinary actions, and appeals)
- Security Clearance Law (Clearance applications, revocations, and appeals)
- Military Administrative Law (Article 15, administrative separations, and discharge upgrades)
- Military Pay Cases (Back pay, BAH disputes, retirement, and special pay claims)
Patrick J. Hughes is dedicated to ensuring that military personnel and federal employees receive the legal representation they deserve. Whether it's fighting for fair compensation in military pay cases or defending security clearances, Patrick brings his deep understanding of military and federal law to every case he handles.
If you are facing a federal employment issue, security clearance matter, or military pay dispute, Patrick J. Hughes is ready to provide expert legal representation and ensure your rights are protected.