About the Law Office of David S. Hendrickson
When your career, rank, and freedom are on the line, results matter.
No two military cases are the same. Outcomes turn on the facts, the command climate, the forum, the evidence, and—most critically—the decisions made early in the process. Your choice of representation matters. Who you trust to fight for you directly shapes the trajectory and outcome of your case.
Marine Corps Roots
Enlistment and Infantry Service
David S. Hendrickson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1997. He served as an 0311 Infantry Rifleman, ultimately concluding his enlisted service honorably as a Platoon Sergeant in the infantry.
Iraq Deployment and Combat Action Ribbon
In 2003, Mr. Hendrickson deployed to Iraq with the First Marine Expeditionary Force during Operation Iraqi Freedom I. During a continuous combat campaign lasting over a month, he led a fire team through numerous engagements under combat conditions. For his actions, he was personally awarded the Combat Action Ribbon and the Navy and Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation.
Those experiences shaped his understanding of military leadership, discipline, stress, and command authority—insight that now directly informs how he defends service members facing military justice and adverse administrative actions.
From the Battlefield to the Courtroom
University of Utah
After completing his enlisted military service, Mr. Hendrickson attended the University of Utah, initially with the goal of becoming a Marine Corps pilot. While studying Political Science, he discovered a talent for advocacy and persuasion that redirected his career path toward the law.
Law School and Trial Advocacy
Upon graduation, he declined a guaranteed Marine Corps aviation contract and instead attended law school at Western State University College of Law in Orange County California, where he earned academic honors, including awards in trial advocacy. He also competed in moot court, earning multiple awards and placing nationally in 2008.
Success as an Army Judge Advocate (JAG)
Mr. Hendrickson later accepted a commission with the United States Army and served as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army JAG Corps.
Military Justice Litigation
During his time as a JAG, he focused primarily on military justice litigation and adverse administrative actions, serving in exceptionally busy jurisdictions, including, Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos), Korea, Japan, and Okinawa.
Trial Record and Acquittals
He handled courts-martial and complex administrative matters across multiple theaters, developing a reputation for thorough preparation, strategic litigation, and effective trial advocacy. His acquittal record at courts-martial and success rate in adverse administrative actions earned him recognition as a trial lawyer capable of handling the most serious and complex cases, including homicide-level offenses.
A Team Builder, Team Leader, and Trial Winner
Mr. Hendrickson has now helped thousands of clients in nearly every type of military case. As a civilian, he has achieved numerous full acquittals, case dismissals, and board retentions in every branch of service all over the world. He is now recognized as a top-100 trial lawyer by the National Trial Lawyer’s Association.
His approach to court martial defense is to build teams for success. Every case is different and requires a uniqe approach. Finding the best people for the job is critical for a successful defense. This includes obtaining the best legal assistants, investigators, and subject matter experts for each case, and maximizing their capabilities to bring a blistering defense against the government. Mr. Hendrickson has many happy clients.
