LtCol Gary S. Barthel, USMC (Ret.)
Expert Legal Analyst
Military & Civilian Legal Systems
Expert Consultant • Advisor • Contributor
LtCol Gary S. Barthel, USMC (Ret.)
Expert Legal Analyst
Military & Civilian Legal Systems
Expert Consultant • Advisor • Contributor
LtCol Gary S. Barthel, USMC (Ret.)
Expert Legal Analyst
Military & Civilian Legal Systems
Expert Consultant • Advisor • Contributor
LtCol Gary S. Barthel, USMC (Ret.)
Military Expert Advisor
Gary Barthel is a highly recognized expert advisor and consultant with nearly four decades of military and legal experience. Retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, owner of consulting firm Military Expert Advisor and Managing Partner of the Military Law Center, Inc., he brings more than 38 years of military and legal experience—including time as a Federal Prosecutor, Defense Counsel, and Staff Judge Advocate—with over two decades of civilian practice. Gary holds an LL.M. in Military Law from the U.S. Army JAG Legal Center & School. His insight is sought nationwide by law firms and media to evaluate complex military and civilian concepts.
watching Barthel in Court
is tantamount to attending
a masters class in trial advocacy.
watching Barthel in Court
is tantamount to attending
a masters class in trial advocacy.
Expert Witness
Gary Barthel provides support as a civilian military criminal justice consultant and expert witness. His unmatched experience as a consultant and for military / civilian criminal matters—including capital murder trials, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, as well as his expertise in Physical Evaluation Boards (PEB)—makes Gary an essential advisor when bridging military and civilian courts. He thoroughly researches, reviews discovery, and provides critical analysis for complex litigation, research and concepting needs.
Military Expert Consulting Experience
- 20 Years Active-Duty Service in the U.S. Marine Corps (Enlisted and Officer)
- Former Marine Corps Judge Advocate
- Former Federal Prosecutor – U.S. Attorney’s Office
- Served with U.S. Department of State (U.S. Embassies: Tanzania, Greece)
- Secret Service Detail for U.S. Secretary of State and UN Ambassador
- Former Faculty Member, Western Sierra Law School
- Former Partner at Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP (10 years)
excellent demeanor
aggressive when needed
compassionate when warranted.
Media Analyst
Leveraging his decades of experience and deep expertise, Gary Barthel is frequently called to provide clear, informed commentary on sensitive military and criminal matters by media outlets in the United States and overseas. He provides expert analysis of complex legal issues, criminal justice, high-profile military cases, and government ethics.
CBC News | Hanomansing Tonight: Sending military to L.A. a ‘gross overstep’ by Trump administration
NBC News: Hundreds of San Diego-area Marines accused of defrauding federal government
Public Commentary
Known for clarity and objectivity, Gary is frequently sought by producers, journalists and news networks to diagnose and explain military and criminal stories. His ability to translate complex events into plain language makes him a trusted source for responsible reporting and consulting.
Snopes
Laerke Christensen, Oct 9, 2026
Hegseth says Pentagon plans to livestream Fort Hood shooter’s execution. Is that legal?
The Army is required to follow its regulations. If the Army wants to stream this execution they need to change the regulations to allow it. And, either way, I would anticipate that there is going to be some efforts to stop it.
The Washington Post
Dan Morse, August 31, 2026
Air Force major faces 10 years in prison over scathing criticism of Trump
People sometimes are shocked that service members don’t get to exercise the constitutional rights that the rest of us do…. Was the language he used conventional political rhetoric? Was he describing the president’s conduct rather than expressing a personal disdain?
quick on his feet,
and spoke in plain English
Consult with Gary
If you are in need of support preparing a case, holding a conference, headlining a story, or building a scene, Gary’s experience will provide you with brilliant insight.
As Seen On:
Trusted by Attorneys, Producers and Journalists
As an advisor, Gary’s expertise has supported high-profile legal matters, national news coverage, and major production teams.