Karen Hecker, Esq. Senior Military Defense Attorney
Before retiring in 2025, Karen Hecker spent for 21 years as an Associate General Counsel with the Department of Defense Office of General Counsel. In that position, she managed and worked on major litigation involving the Department and its senior officials. This included issues relating to international law, personnel, fiscal and health policy and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Karen also spent 24 years as an Air Force Judge Advocate, retiring in 2017 as a Colonel after serving on active duty and in the Reserves. During her military tenure, she served 3 years as a trial defense counsel, which included duty representing cadets as the Military Cadet Counsel at the United States Air Force Academy. She then spent 8 years as an appellate defense counsel, representing military members before the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals and the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. After 5 years at two operational bases as the Staff Judge Advocate and the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, Karen served as a judge on the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals for 3 years. She finished her Air Force career as agency counsel on cases before the Air Force Board of Corrections for Military Records and during Officer Grade Determinations. [need to find list of awards].
Karen rejoins the firm where she practiced from 2001-2004. As a senior litigation attorney, Karen brings a wealth of experience, competence, and a desire to serve the clients of the firm.
In her free time, Karen enjoys boating on the Chesapeake Bay and volunteering with a local animal rescue.
