Stephen Hayes Carpenter Jr.

About Stephen Hayes Carpenter Jr.

Since 2008, Stephen has dedicated his practice solely to defending active-duty personnel against courts-martial, separation boards, and other disciplinary actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). In 2020, prestigious legal organizations such as "Lawyers of Distinction," "Elite Lawyers," and "Premier Lawyers of America" acknowledged Stephen as one of the country's foremost court-martial defense attorneys. He is renowned for leading nationally in positive client feedback in "military law" on Avvo.com.

Fluent in German and holding an EU passport, Stephen navigates travel between Europe and the United States with ease, even amidst COVID-19 travel restrictions. His defense work has taken him to numerous military bases and installations throughout the Continental United States and even to Japan, showcasing his extensive reach in military defense. Stephen's contributions to military justice literature began in 2002, with publications covering a wide array of topics, including a military justice primer, PTSD in the military, the ethical dilemmas of torture memos, and the defense of LGBTQ+ soldiers, among others.

His academic contributions extend to serving as an adjunct law professor in trial advocacy at the University of Washington School of Law. Stephen has also shared his knowledge in oral advocacy with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, American Bar Association, and even high schools. The U.S. Department of Justice recognized his proficiency in criminal trial advocacy following his training at the National Advocacy Center in South Carolina. Starting October 2020, Stephen will lead the Washington State Bar Association’s Legal Assistance to Military Personnel (LAMP) Section, further cementing his commitment to military legal assistance. Outside the courtroom, Stephen cherishes time with his children.