Firm News Archives

Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC Welcomes Annie W. Morgan, Esq. as Senior Military Defense Attorney

Posted on November 8, 2024November 11, 2024 by Becky Haugen

Press Release

Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC Welcomes
Annie W. Morgan, Esq. as Senior Military Defense Attorney

Washington, D.C., November 8, 2024 – The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, a premier military law firm specializing in defending service members’ rights across all branches of the U.S. military, is thrilled to announce the addition of Annie W. Morgan, Esq. to its distinguished team of legal experts. Ms. Morgan joins the firm as a Senior Military Defense Attorney, bringing over fourteen years of expertise in military and national security law, including five years’ experience litigating some of the most high profile national security cases in U.S. history. .

Ms. Morgan’s career includes notable positions in the United States Department of Defense, the Department of Treasury, and academia, where she has earned a reputation for her commitment to the U.S. Constitution, human rights, and the rule of law. In her most recent role as an Attorney Advisor at the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), Ms. Morgan safeguarded the financial system against illicit threats, providing legal counsel on matters related to anti-money laundering, national security, and financial regulations.

Previously, Ms. Morgan served as a Defense Attorney within the Military Commissions Defense Organization, where she represented the alleged mastermind of the USS Cole bombing. Mr. Abdul Al-Rahim Al-Nashiri, against capital charges. In defense of Mr. Al-Nashiri, Ms. Morgan has appeared before the War Courts convened in Guantanamo Bay, the Court of Military Commissions Review, the D.C. Circuit Court, and international tribunals. Ms. Morgan has been lauded for her commitment to representing clients in challenging cases, her command of complex international law issues, her expertise handling classified materials, and her novel trial strategy. Her work before the military commissions has been featured in the New York Times, the Nation, MSNBC, and in a host of legal blogs and podcasts. Most notably, Ms. Morgan’s historic examination of the architect of the CIA’s torture program and her successful argument in the first-ever motion to suppress evidence obtained or derived from the torture of Guantanamo detainees, has received national attention.

Ms. Morgan also served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, where she served as atrial defense counsel, representing servicemembers across Europe and the Middle East, an appellate defense, where she appeared before the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and a civil litigation attorneys, where she handled some of the most complex litigation involving military service members in federal court. During her time as a trial and defense counsel, Ms. Morgan is responsible for shaping military law, successfully exposing prosecutorial misconduct in United States v. Bowser, doggedly challenging unlawful command influence in United States v. Boyce, and arguing against unlawful and overbroad orders in United States v. Pugh. Ms. Morgan has a demonstrated commitment to advancing the rights of military personnel and veterans worldwide.

“We are honored to welcome Annie to our team,” said David P. Sheldon, founding attorney of the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC. “Her impressive track record, deep understanding of military and constitutional law, and fierce advocacy for justice will make her an invaluable asset to our firm and to our clients.”

Ms. Morgan holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in National Security Law from Georgetown University Law Center, where she graduated with distinction. Additionally, Ms. Morgan holds a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from the George Washington University School of Law. Ms. Morgan is a non-resident expert in national security at the Eisenhower Institute in Washington, D.C. and an adjunct professor of political science and public policy at Gettysburg College. As a recognized expert in the field, Ms. Morgan is a frequent guest lecturer at academic institutions including Georgetown University Law Center, American University School of Law, University of Illinois School of Law, and Stanford University. Ms. Morgan has been invited to lecture at the American Bar Association’s annual Women in White Collar Luncheon, which was attended by the Honorable Merrick Garland. Her legal scholarship includes publications on national security law and human rights, notably her work in Georgetown’s Journal of National Security Law & Policy.

Annie W. Morgan’s appointment underscores the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC’s commitment to providing top-tier legal representation to service members and their families. With her addition, the firm further strengthens its capacity to advocate for justice on behalf of those who serve our nation.

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC

Based in Washington, D.C., the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC is a nationally recognized military law firm dedicated to defending the rights of service members in all branches of the U.S. military. With a team of highly skilled attorneys, the firm handles court-martial cases, appeals, administrative separations, and other complex military law matters, championing justice for those who protect our country.

For more information, please contact:

Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC
(202) 546-9575
www.militarydefense.com

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Article: IRR National Guard Know Your Rights: Delay and Exemption Boards

Posted on October 1, 2024October 23, 2024 by Becky Haugen

In the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) or National Guard marking your time? Activation and deployment orders — know your rights or go at your own peril

By David P. Sheldon

October 1, 2024

With the potential call up of tens of thousands of those of you who have been marking time in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), the National Guard or the Army Reserves for almost a decade now, one needs to act carefully to ensure that you consider your options. You may have established a career, a family, and the responsibilities that come with those things when suddenly you are faced with activation and deployment orders. Your world just blew up. Now what?

Recent events in the Middle East portend activation and deployment orders for thousands, if not a 100,000 service members by the end game. Individuals who have served in the National Guard or Reserves may do so believing their commitment will likely remain restricted to weekends or a few weeks a year. While activation and deployment orders are always possible, these soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen may not be prepared, especially those who serve in the IRR, to activate and deploy.

Reservists and members of the National Guard should certainly take note and, of course, have a plan in place, especially if they are not in a position to deploy because of work and/or family obligations. But Congress has also allowed for service members to request delay and exemption from orders, through the delay and exemption board. But you must meet the statutory and regulatory bases. And, like everything, timing is critical.

It is important for Reserve and Guard members to understand the time frames in which they may request a delay or deferment in reporting, or an exemption from active duty, since untimely requests may not be processed, and even timely requests can be severely truncated by not understanding the rules and regulations that govern delay and exemption boards. It is also important to have an understanding of the differences between the types of requests and how they may affect a Reserve or Guard member.

The process varies depending on the military department involved, although if denied, generally appeals are available. Having an experienced attorney from the get-go can be critical since members may not be aware of exactly what information they need to provide before a request is considered. Although the process begins with a phone call or a form which may seem simple enough to complete, it is important to know what information a board is looking for in order to provide the strongest application possible. If past conflicts have taught us anything, it is that National Guard members and reservists need to be prepared. Timing is critical. The bottom line is that before you call the number on your orders to the delay and exemption board, let alone submit the form that governs, consult the rules and regulations that apply — or, better yet — call a qualified legal counsel that can assist you in making the very best case for a delay and exemption of your activation and deployment.

News: Pardon Gives Relief to Thousands of Military Service Members

Posted on June 28, 2024July 12, 2024 by Courtney Jacobs

APA News

LGBTQ Military Veteran’s Pardoned

BY ZEKE MILLER
Updated 6:22 PM MDT, June 26, 2024
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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden pardoned potentially thousands of former U.S. service members convicted of violating a now-repealed military ban on consensual gay sex, saying Wednesday that he is “righting an historic wrong” to clear the way for them to regain lost benefits.

Biden’s action grants a pardon to service members who were convicted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice’s former Article 125, which criminalized sodomy. The law, which has been on the books since 1951, was rewritten in 2013 to prohibit only forcible acts. (Read Full Article)

Linda Tiller Joins Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC

Posted on March 29, 2024April 2, 2024 by Becky Haugen

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC is proud to announce that Linda Tiller has joined the firm as a Senior Litigation Paralegal. Linda recently retired from working for the Department of the Navy. She worked for the Judge Advocate General, Appellate Defense Division where she worked extensively in appellate litigation before the Navy Court of Military Review, Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and the U.S. Supreme Court. She later worked for the Navy Surgeon General’s Legal Team where she worked on ethics reviews and FOIA requests. She was offered a position in Navy Litigation where she was a paralegal to 30 attorneys, supporting litigation for contract appeals and civilian personnel cases. She supported government appeals before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals and the United States Court of Federal Claims.

Linda received numerous accolades and awards. She is most proud of her Navy-Marine Corps Unit
Commendation Award as well as her Civilian Meritorious Service Commendation. In her spare time, Linda enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and 4 grandchildren. She supports local sports teams, attending games and traveling and volunteering for the American Cancer Society.

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon is excited Linda has joined forces to support the entire firm in defending uniformed and non-uniformed military personnel and civilians.

Read Full Bio

What You Need to Know: Soldiers worry that ROTC admin error could upend retirement plans

Posted on January 8, 2024 by Becky Haugen

The U.S. Army Cadet Command’s inspector general published guidance noting that federal law “strictly prohibits” members of G2GADO and other ROTC initiatives from counting the years they spent as cadets towards their official time in service. (Army Times)

Read Article: Soldiers worry that ROTC administrative error could upend retirement plans.

Air Force Sergeant’s Family Brings Medical Malpractice for Wrongful Death of Airman

Posted on December 19, 2023July 26, 2024 by Becky Haugen

Press Release: Air Force Sergeant’s Family Brings Medical Malpractice for Wrongful Death of Airman

Law Offices of David P. Sheldon PLLC

100 M St SE, Suite 600

Washington, DC 20003

(202) 546 9575

www.militarydefense.com

read the claim

On December 1, 2023, under the Military Claims Act (NDAA), the firm filed a claim on behalf of the family of an Air Force Sergeant, who tragically lost his life due to poor care and medical negligence.

This case involved our client’s husband, an active-duty Tech Sergeant serving in Korea, who was experiencing severe chest pains while carrying out his duties on base. The Airman went to the emergency room to find out why he was experiencing such extreme pain. Though he had all the signs of onset heart disease, the medical doctor who provided care not once, but twice, failed to thoroughly investigate his symptoms or refer him to a cardiologist. The medical providers attributed his symptoms to mere heartburn. Just days later, the Airman tragically collapsed and died of avoidable cardiac arrest. This left our client with unimaginable grief, questions, and cries for justice.

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon has worked tirelessly to correct this injustice by filing a claim against the United States Army Claims Service for personal injury or death caused by the Department of Defense healthcare provider. The firm retained three renowned experts on behalf of the client, had the client’s spouse evaluated and the medical experts provided a medical opinion, which recommended that the DoD medical provider failed to meet the requisite standard of care for emergency room physicians and negligence was irrefutable. The Army has acknowledged the validity of our client’s claim and upon adjudication our client is eligible to recover damages up to $15,500,000.

The Law Office of David P. Sheldon has critical experience in these newfound issues. The firm has helped countless dedicated nonuniform and uniform military, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force officers obtain the legal relief they deserve. If you are a uniformed servicemember, and a victim of personal injury or death caused by a DoD health care provider, we are here to help.

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A soldier died of cancer at 26. Her family says the Army is to blame.

Posted on November 30, 2023August 29, 2024 by Becky Haugen

This article was published by Army News regarding Officer Martinez and the family’s fight to medical malpractice lawsuits against the Defense Department.

Read Army Times Article.

In The News: Navy Officer Convicted in ‘Dateline’ Death Gets More Time for Appeal

Posted on November 14, 2023 by Becky Haugen

Navy officer convicted in ‘Dateline’ death gets more time for appeal

By Hope Hodge Seck Nov 13, 03:00 AM

A Navy lieutenant sentenced last year to life in prison for the 2015 murder of his wife has gotten permission from an appellate judge to file an extended appeal in the case, one that has spanned international borders over nearly a decade.

Read Full Article Published by Navy Times

A junior officer convicted of killing his wife is being allowed to file an extended appeal in his years-long case. (DOD)