United States

Patrick J. Hughes

“The only way to truly advocate for your clients is to know and understand them and their issue. Being a part of the same family, I can think of no better community of people I would rather represent than current and former DoD members and their families.”

Biography

Patrick J. Hughes: Attorney Licensed in Virginia, Maryland, DC, and New York Concentrating in Federal Employment Law, Security Clearance, Military Administrative Law, and Military Pay Cases

Patrick (“Pat”) is a highly regarded attorney focusing his practice areas in federal employment law, security clearance issues, military administrative law, and military pay cases. As a lead attorney at Patriots Law Group, Pat brings extensive experience in handling complex legal matters for military personnel and federal employees, providing representation in federal courts and before administrative forums such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).

Pat’s legal career began after his admission to the New York State Bar and commissioning into the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. Now a Lieutenant Colonel in the Reserve component of the Air Force, he developed his career as a JAG officer, gaining a deep understanding of military administrative law, military pay issues, federal employment law, and the unique legal challenges faced by service members and DoD employees. His military background has given him invaluable insight into the complexities of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), administrative separations, and the entitlements issues that can arise while serving. Pat separated from active duty in 2017 when he formed Patriots Law Group with his former active-duty friend and colleagues, Mike Lyons, and now represents service members and veterans to defend their rights and recover wrongfully withheld benefits.

In addition to military administrative law, Pat has in-depth knowledge and experience in federal employment law, representing federal employees and service members facing employment disputes, disciplinary actions, and appeals within the federal system. He also counsels his clients on security clearance matters, helping clients navigate the challenging process of obtaining or defending security clearances crucial to their careers with the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) and organizations within the intelligence community.

One of Pat’s most notable recent successes involved representing over 40 Army reservists in a multi-plaintiff case regarding the denial of Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payments. Through his diligent work and deep knowledge of military pay regulations, Pat secured a multi-million-dollar recovery for the reservists, ensuring they received the back pay they were owed. Further, he secured for his clients the removal and correction of military discipline and adverse career impacts related to the BAH issue.

Before leaving active duty, the Air Force ranked Pat the # 1 of 84 area defense counsel globally, and the # 1 of 53 JAG officers eligible for promotion to Major within the Air Force Legal Operations Agency.

Bar Admissions:

Virginia
Maryland
The District of Columbia (DC)
New York
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
U.S. District Court for DC
U.S. District Court for Maryland
U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia
Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals
Army Court of Criminal Appeals
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
Supreme Court of the United States

Areas of Practice:

Federal Employment Law (Federal employee disputes, disciplinary actions, and appeals)
Security Clearance Law (Clearance applications, suspensions, revocations, and appeals)
Military Administrative Law (Adverse Administrative Actions, Article 15s, administrative separations, discharge upgrades, and applications to boards for correction)
Military Pay Cases (Back pay, BAH disputes, retirement, and special pay claims)

Pat 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, Pat brings his deep understanding of military and federal laws and regulations to every case he handles.

If you are facing a federal employment issue, security clearance matter, or military pay dispute, Pat is ready to provide zealous and professional legal representation and ensure your rights are protected.

Testimonials

PATRIOTS LAW GROUP HAVE ABSOLUTELY GONE BEYOND ANY EXPECTATIONS

The attorneys at Patriots Law Group have absolutely gone beyond any expectations we could have ever had. We worked along side Mr. Patrick Hughes and it goes without saying his professionalism and attention to detail are second to none. He went into great detail with each aspect of our case and treated me as an equal rather than just a client. He was extremally knowledgeable of legal proceedings and knew just how to break them down for the average person. I highly recommend Mr. Hughes or any of the attorneys of the firm to help with any and all legal assistance.

El Mano L.

MOST COMPETENT PROVIDER OF MILITARY-SPECIFIC LEGAL REPRESENTATION

Patriot’s Law is the most competent provider of military-specific legal representation available. I’ve watched other law firms fall short time and again throughout my career. Patriot’s is the only firm (in my experience) that consistently wins. In addition to the multi-million dollar relief recently achieved on behalf of Reserve Component members assigned to U.S. Army Europe, Patriots has also scored separate, individual victories for four of my peers in the last six years. Retain them with confidence! -LTC William C. Schneck (U.S. Army Reserve)

LTC William S.

UTMOST PROFESSIONALISM AND 11O% ENGAGEMENT

PLG represented my case with utmost professionalism and 110% engagement. Attorney Hughes, in an extremely small amount of time developed a complete understanding of my case, and immediately applied the best course of action in accordance with EEOC Laws and Regulations. His personal engagement, tenacity, and knowledge in this field of law gave me the confidence that I had the best Lawyer on my side. He meticulously evaluated every aspect of the situation and applied the most advantageous course of action consistent with all existing laws and regulations. Again, Atty. Hughes instantaneously grasped the whole concept of my case, and thus enabled him to better represent me. Moreover, as a fellow Veteran, he ensured that “justice is served” for a brother in arms. I believe GOD sent him to me during the most challenging time in my career, to find justice as a result of abusive leadership in the Federal Government. I and my wife will forever be indebted to him. Attorney Hughes, Thank You very much for all your support. May GOD continue to bless you with good health and strength so that justice is afforded to people like me.

Noel B.