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David Mark O'Dea

David Mark O'Dea

Military defense lawyer based in Washington D.C.
  • Military Law
  • District of Columbia, Georgia, Virginia
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Lawyer Rating and Reviews
Legal Knowledge
5.0/5.0
Legal Analysis
5.0/5.0
Communication Skills
5.0/5.0
Ethics and Professionalism
5.0/5.0
Rating: 10 Lawyer Rating - 10 out of 10
David O'Dea is a rare combination of elite trial skill, sharp legal instincts, and unwavering professionalism. His ability to isolate legal issues, analyze complex problems, and communicate with clarity makes him one of the most effective and respected attorneys I’ve worked with.
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Biography

David M. O’Dea is a founding partner of O’Dea Schneider PLLC, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm focused on military defense and federal litigation. A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Dave brings deep experience in military justice, national security law, and complex litigation.

Before founding the firm, Dave served as a trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice in both the Civil Division and the National Security Division. Prior to DOJ, he was a leading litigator in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, where he led the Army’s Complex Litigation Team and prosecuted major criminal cases. As Branch Chief of the General Litigation Section, he supervised teams handling FOIA and Privacy Act matters, constitutional claims, and high-value contract disputes.

Dave’s career spans numerous trials, class actions, and major criminal investigations. He has also trained hundreds of attorneys in advanced trial advocacy and litigation strategy.

Practice Area
Military Law
Video Conferencing
  • Zoom
  • Microsoft Teams
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Book online at osfedlaw.com
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
District of Columbia
District of Columbia Bar
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Georgia
State Bar of Georgia
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Virginia
Virginia State Bar
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Languages
  • English
Professional Experience
Department of Justice
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United States Army
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Education
Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School
LL.M. (2013)
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Georgia State University College of Law
J.D. (2008)
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Awards
Legion of Merit
U.S. Army
Outstanding Trial Advocate Award
The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School
Expert Military Justice Practitioner - 3P Skill Identifier
U.S. Army
Professional Associations
District of Columbia bar
Member
- Current
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Virginia State Bar
- Current
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Georgia State Bar
- Current
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About Our Practice FAQs

Military Law

Q: What kind of legal matters does O'Dea Schneider PLLC handle?
A: We specialize in military and federal defense. Our core practice areas include: Court-Martial Defense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ); Adverse Actions such as GOMORs, Article 15s, and show-cause boards; Military Records Corrections and Security Clearance Defense before administrative boards and federal agencies.
Q: Who do we represent?
A: We represent: Active-duty service members; Veterans; Federal employees and contractors. Our clients face high-stakes legal challenges that can impact their careers, reputations, and futures. Our office is located at: 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1025, Washington, D.C. 20006 We represent clients worldwide and offer secure virtual consultations for those stationed remotely or overseas.
Q: What makes our firm different?
A: Our attorneys are former federal prosecutors and senior military lawyers. We’ve led complex prosecutions, advised commanders in combat zones, and litigated national security cases. We know how the government builds its case because we used to build them.
Q: Have you (David Mark O'Dea) served in the military or as a JAG officer, and in which branch if so?
A: I was commissioned as a U.S. Army officer in 2001 and first served as a Military Police officer, deploying to both Guantánamo Bay and Iraq. Selected for the Funded Legal Education Program, I attended law school from 2005–2008 and entered the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, serving exclusively in litigation roles until retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2022. I ultimately became Chief of the Army’s Complex Litigation Team and Branch Chief of General Litigation at LITDIV. I have tried numerous complex cases, including major crimes, and training hundreds of Judge Advocates in trial advocacy. Following military service, I worked as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil and National Security Divisions.
Certifications
Expert Military Justice Practitioner (ASI 3P)
U.S Army
Websites & Blogs
Website
OSFEDLAW.COM
Website
YouTube Channel
Website
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Contact & Map
O'Dea Schneider PLLC
1717 Pennsylvania Ave NW, STE 1025
Washington, DC 20006
US
Telephone: (202) 559-8588
Notice: osfedlaw.com
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