Defense Services Organization

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The Marine Corps Defense Services Organization (DSO) is a global criminal defense law firm comprised of more than 70 Marine judge advocates and legal service support staff who are passionate about defending Marines at courts-martial, boards of inquiry, and administrative separation boards. We put our clients first – above our own careers, the interests of the command, and Marine Corps. We leverage our years of experience in fighting – and winning – hard battles against the government to help achieve the best possible results for our clients. While no attorney can guarantee you a result, if you are a Marine accused, there is no better team in your corner than the DSO.

We are Marines - Judge Advocates and Legal Services Specialists - who are dedicated to defending our fellow Marines and Sailors, by providing them legal counsel in any matter required by statute, regulation, or otherwise authorized. We are zealous advocates for our clients, serving independently of the local chain of command and under the supervision of the Marine Corps Defense Services Organization. We zealously represent each and every client within the guidelines of the law, consistent with our professional ethics, and in accordance with our rules of practice. We selflessly perform our duties with the utmost integrity, motivation and pride, without fear of reprisal, or expectation of professional or personal gain. In the same spirit as “Taking Care of Our Own,” we are: “Marines Defending Marines.”

_{Note: Our services are limited to advising and representing uniformed servicemembers facing—or potentially facing—judicial action (court-martial), non-judicial punishment, and/or adverse administrative actions (administrative separations, boards of inquiry, etc.).  We do not represent dependents of uniformed service members and we do not represent uniformed servicemembers in civilian courts.  We also cannot assist with debt relief, divorce, child custody, landlord-tenant matters, contracts, etc.; please see your local Legal Assistance office.}

Go here if you need to speak to an attorney.

The Defense Services Organization (DSO) is dedicated to "Marines Defending Marines!" The DSO provides unparalleled defense services globally to Marines and Sailors facing disciplinary and other adverse actions by zealously safeguarding the rights and promoting the interests of those who safeguard the Nation. The organization provides uniquely tailored Department and Service-level policy advice and exhaustively advocates for service members through creative problem solving and authentic relationships built upon a common profession—the profession of arms.

The DSO strives to be the premier provider of defense services to Marines and Sailors across the globe. The DSO is also a leader in policy development within the military Services and is respected and trusted by both Marines and Sailors as well as Marine Corps and Navy leadership. The organization’s primary objectives are: 1) to provide zealous, ethical, and effective legal representation in administrative and criminal matters; 2) to provide highly competent policy and individual legal advice; and 3) to ensure the efficient and effective management of the organization of skilled attorneys and legal service specialists. 

The DSO provides a unique value to the Marine Corps—tailored advice and effective legal representation for the Total Force. As a global law firm, the DSO leverages an extensive network of resources to service clients in any clime and place, ensuring comprehensive support without financial cost to the client.

_{NOTE: The DSO HQ does not provide routine walk-in consultation services. If you need legal advice about an allegation of misconduct or criminal investigation, please contact your servicing branch office below.}

National Capital Region

• MCB Quantico
  (includes Embassy Marines, Reservists, and Marines in a Training or Education status who are not located in the vicinity of a major Marine Corps installation listed below)

Eastern Region

• MCB Lejeune
• MCAS Cherry Point
• MCRD Parris Island
  (includes Eastern Recruiting Region Marines and Marines with CENTCOM/MARCENT)

Western Region

• MCB Camp Pendleton
• MCAGCC 29 Palms
• MCAS Miramar
  (includes Western Recruiting Region Marines)
• MCAS Yuma

Pacific Region

• MCB Camp Foster
• MCB Hawaii
• MCAS Iwakuni

Go here if you need to speak to an attorney.

Telephone
(703) 697-3634

Mailing Address
Office of the Chief Defense Counsel of the Marine Corps
701 S. Courthouse Road, Building 12, Suite 1L275
Arlington, VA 22204-2482

Directions to the DSO Headquarters

• From I-395 North or South, take Exit 8A and merge onto VA-27 West/Washington Blvd

• Merge onto VA-244 W/Columbia Pike via the ramp to Bailey's Crossroads

• Turn right onto S. Courthouse Rd

• Turn right into NSF Arlington and present ID

• Continue straight and park in the large parking lot on the right

• The DSO Headquarters is in the southwest corner of the ground floor of the large main building immediately next to the gate