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Phillip E. Stackhouse - San Diego, CA

4445 Eastgate MallSuite 200 San Diego, CA 92121

Updated: 11/11/2024

San Diego Military Law Lawyer

Overview

Mr. Stackhouse is the principal attorney of Phillip Stackhouse, Attorney representing men and women of the Armed Forces around the world. Prior to beginning his own law firm he served 22–years in the United States Marine Corps retiring in 2006.

While in the Marines, Mr. Stackhouse earned an international reputation as an aggressive, thorough, and respected trial attorney. Mr. Stackhouse has represented military men and women in some of the most high profile cases in a generation. He was the lead military attorney in arguably the highest profile war related case since Vietnam. Additionally, he was the lead military attorney in the "Romanian Rockstar" case defending a Marine accused of killing a popular Romanian musician in Romania resulting in international outrage when he was acquitted.

Mr. Stackhouse has extensive experience in representing clients in a wide variety of military and federal matters including: Murder, Homicide, and Manslaughter; Rape and Sexual Assault; Espionage; Child Pornography; Computer Crimes; Drug Distribution, Possession, and Use; Aggravated Assault and Battery, Sexual Harassment, AWOL and Unauthorized Absence; Perjury; and Fraud. Mr. Stackhouse has successfully handled criminal matters across the United States, Europe, the Far East, and the Middle East. Mr. Stackhouse travels nationally and internationally to protect his clients rights.

Additionally, Mr. Stackhouse handles administrative matters before the Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals for Security Clearance matters, the Military Discharge Review Boards to upgrade discharges, the Military Boards for Correction of Military Records, and Delay and Exemption Boards to keep mobilized reservists home.

Mr. Stackhouse has tried well over 100 jury trials to verdict as both a defense attorney and prosecutor, represented hundreds of clients in resolving their case through plea agreements, and supervised the defense and prosecution of several hundred more. Mr. Stackhouse's cases are frequently high–profile cases, so he is adept at dealing with the hype of the 24-hour news cycle. Knowing how to work behind the scenes in the process, Mr. Stackhouse also understands that sometimes discretion is the path desired and, in fact, most cases end up being handled expeditiously and quietly.

Mr. Stackhouse also has worked extensively with medical professionals in defending and representing service members with service connected Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. In that regard, Mr. Stackhouse has worked closely with Members of Congress in his representation of military members returning from combat actions overseas to ensure that their rights are protected and they are not rammed out of the service, losing their life–time benefits.

Mr. Stackhouse is a frequent instructor at military, criminal, and plaintiff litigation seminars around the country. He is an instructor at the famed Gerry Spence Trial Layers College where he teaches advanced trial skills and he teaches annually at the joint service "Advanced Trial Advocacy Courts" hosted by the Department of the Air Force.

Mr. Stackhouse was awarded several personal awards for his outstanding and meritorious service as a Marine and during his last year on active-duty, Mr. Stackhouse received the Outstanding Career Armed Services Attorney Award given by the Judge Advocate’s Association.

About Phillip E. Stackhouse

Current Employment Position(s)

  • Trial Lawyer
  • Owner

Practice Areas

  • Military Law
  • Criminal Law - Federal (White Collar Crime)

Litigation

  • 100%

Qualifications

Bar Admissions

  • Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, 1999
  • North Carolina, 2007
  • District of Columbia, 2010
  • Colorado, 2014
  • Wyoming, 2014
  • Supreme Court of the United States of America, 2004

Classes and Seminars

  • Frequent Presenter, "Defending Complex Cases", Department of the Navy
  • Trial Lawyers College Weeks 1, 2, and 3, Trial Lawyers College
  • Trial Lawyers College Graduate Course I, Trial Lawyers College
  • Defense of the Damned, Trial Lawyers College
  • Advanced Trial Advocacy Course, USAF Judge Advocate General School
  • Trial Lawyers College Regionals ALL, Trial Lawyers College

Office Information

Address

4445 Eastgate MallSuite 200 San Diego, CA 92121

Achievements

Honors

  • Recipient, Dean's Award
  • Who's Who of American Law Students
  • Outstanding Career Armed Services Attorney Award, Judge Advocate's Association

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By Anonymous on Jan. 30, 2018
Verified Client
Recommendation

I had a very serious allegation of felony Agg Assualt with a deadly weapon leveled against me. I'm an commissioned Officer with over 16 years of service. I was also a Commander at the time. My career, freedom, reputation and future were all in jeopardy. Moreover, CID opened a very intrusive investigation against me. I called Mr. Stackhouse and told him the circumstance of my case. I was immediatly impressed by his vast knowledge of both military and civilian law. He was very responsive and gave sound representation during my entire ordeal. He dealt directly with CID and advocated for me. In the end, my case was closed as unfounded and I was never charged with any offense. My career and life are now intact. His impeccable reputation is well earned and he is known to be the best military lawyer in the nation. I highly recommend him to anyone. Take it from me, don't talk to anyone if you are facing a legal issue without talking to Mr. Stackhouse.

By Anonymous on Apr. 14, 2017
Verified Client
Recommendation

At 17 years of Army Service, i found myself is a position that jeopardized not only my career, but my familys way of life. I was determined to find the best representation possible, and i had narrowed it down to 4 choices. What seperated Mr Stackhouse from the rest, was his upfront and honest assessment of my situation. He made no promises, save for doing everything within his power to achieve to most favorable outcome. Over a year went by between my charges, and my Ad Sep Board. Mr Stackhouse was there every step of the way. He was attentive, and always seemed one step ahead of the game. You can really see the personel stake he takes in every one of his clients. As my hearing approached, i was consigned to the fact that my career was over and i would have to find other means to provide for my family, which with a OTH Discharge, would be hard to accomplish. My Stackhouse presented his case for my retention, and the Board decided to retain me, with my punishment being a Letter of Reprimand. i would reccommend Mr Stackhouse to anyone looking for the best representation possible. He will treat you as a member of his team, and a good friend. I will be continuing my military career with a fresh outlook and no lingering efect on my Service. This wouldnt have been possible without Mr Stackhouse.

By Anonymous on Dec. 17, 2016
Verified Client
Recommendation

Over the several months of my case, I was referred to Mr. Phillip Stackhouse by a colleague of his. We did speak several times, over the phone, regarding my case. Mr. Stackhouse conducted personal interviews and collected his own research before my trial began. Once he flew in, he kept me updated on his travels and whereabouts until we met for the first time. He was very respectful and knowledgeable about my case. He gave my case the time and dedication that was needed and always kept me informed. Mr. Stackhouse spent the necessary time coaching me and advising me before and after court. Mr. Stackhouse maintained professionalism inside and outside of the courtroom. He put my case in the jurys shoes to see if it was possible for me to be guilty for what I was being accused of. During the course of my trial, he made sure I knew everything he knew. He even took the time to break things down to my understanding and answered all of the questions I had for him. He never once treated me as if I was guilty during the duration of my trial. Throughout court, he didnt attack the intelligence of the witness. He approached every question with common sense questions, facts, and military knowledge. He was well educated on military law and enforced that in the courtroom. He did not question my integrity and remained honest with me from the beginning. If Mr. Stackhouse felt things were good or bad, he communicated with me. He respected me from before court, until the trial was over. Mr. Stackhouse represented me in the courtroom, defended my case, and brought up valid points without proof of evidence from the prosecutors. This resulted in a Not Guilty in three charges that were brought up by the Government. If you ever need to have Mr. Stackhouse as an attorney, it is best for you to remain truthful in the beginning to the end. This helps for curveballs that could be thrown at Mr. Stackhouse or you in court and above all it definitely helps to be found not guilty in your case.

By Anonymous on Aug. 26, 2016
Verified Client
Recommendation

I was a Third Class Petty Officer in the United States Navy and found myself in the middle of a legal situation. My boyfriend was under investigation and I, unknowingly, aided him in destroying evidence. I was facing a Bad Conduct Discharge(BCD), reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, and restriction. I was eligible for a large disability package and intending on going to school using my GI Bill. Receiving a BCD would have resulted in me receiving zero benefits. Upon hiring Mr.Stackhouse, he insured me he would do everything in his power to help me keep my benefits. After months of hard work, we were able to reach a pretrial agreement. I was Honorably Discharged as a Third Class Petty Officer. I did not forfeit any pay and I did not receive restriction. I have a misdemeanor on my permanent record, but it has not affected my schooling or my career. I am currently using my GI Bill and receiving disability compensation. Everything worked out perfectly for me, thanks to Mr. Stackhouse. I have nothing but the utmost respect and gratitude for everything he has done for me. I highly recommend his services.

By Anonymous on Aug. 26, 2016
Verified Client
Recommendation

When agents of the U.S. Government turned the coherence of my world into inscrutable chaos in 2011, one name, hastily written on a piece of paper torn from a legal pad, was handed to me from a trusted ally. That name was Phil Stackhouse. If you are facing threats to your future liberty and prosperity, I am passing along the same service and sage advice that was passed to me. Contact Phil Stackhouse and know that you entrusting your future to an exceedingly competent, empathetic, and tireless lawyer who will never fail you. Between our first meeting at an Outback Steakhouse in December 2011 and the conclusion of a six day Army Board of Inquiry (BoI) in June 2015, Army lawyers and investigators threatened to charge me with murder, war crimes, Rules of Engagement (RoE) violations and conspiracy. Furthermore, my teammates and family were subjected to intimidation and coercion despite their cooperation with investigators. Through all of this, Phil stood by my side as a faithful friend, confidant, and adviser in addition to his role as my legal counsel. In short, Phil Stackhouse’s performance throughout this ordeal and in the BoI itself was masterful; he outmaneuvered and humiliated the agents perpetuating this miscarriage of justice at every turn. Thanks to Phil's skill, experience, and dedication to my case, we snatched victory from a deck stacked against us by undue command influence, moral cowardice, and political pressure applied by individuals at the highest levels of government. As for my family and myself, we are deeply indebted to Phil for the generous allocation of his time, passion, and resources to my defense. I do not have the words to describe my admiration, love, and respect for Phil Stackhouse. I count him among a small number of people I call ‘my friend’. Because I would go anywhere with him and trust him with any task, I confidently recommend that you retain his services when moving to meet the challenges that lie ahead in your situation.

By Anonymous on Aug. 25, 2016
Verified Client
Recommendation

BLUF - Phil Stackhouse is a superstar to have in your corner when the brig is only a gavel away. I cannot recommend him highly enough. I was a young captain in the USMC and a judge advocate. When defending a client, I upset the wrong judge on the wrong day. The Eastern Circuit judiciary had been wanting to make an example out of a defense counsel, and I found myself in its crosshairs. The judge ordered a contempt hearing. I was facing time in the brig, possible loss of my bar lisence and a career limiting outcome. I was assigned a military defense attorney with 3-4 years experience. He/she was nice enough but not even close to the best. I was scared to go into court without real representation. That's when Phil came in. We agreed to a more than reasonable fee arrangement, and he signed on to be my lead counsel. No bs, I slept better at night just knowing that Phil was on my team. He walked me through the process, he prepared meticulously, and on game day he performed. When I was facing the brig and the possible end of my military career, Phil was one of the few military attorneys nation wide that I would have fully trusted my life with. He is a fighter when you need one and a voice of reason that judges and prosecutors respect.

By Anonymous on Aug. 14, 2016
Verified Client
Recommendation

Mr. Stackhouse did nothing short of support me 100% from the day he took my case. Phil was thorough, persistent, and always prepared for the unexpected. I would like to consider Phil a life long friend for the passion and approach he took in handling my case. I have and will continue to recommend his services to anyone in need of his services.

By Anonymous on Aug. 13, 2016
Verified Client
Recommendation

Phillip has acted beyond my expectations as an attorney. In fact, I can say this with authority, having transferred my case to him after dissolving my relationship with another attorney for his unresponsivness and lack of effort in my case. After transferring my case to Phillip, he immediately took on my case and has been responsive, empathic, and professional the entire time I have had a working relationship with him. Phillip is extremely detail-oriented and does not give up. He has expert knowledge of military law and the military judicial process. The fact that he actually cared about my situation (and not simply taking on the case for the sake of work or income) made a difference in the outcome, including his written defense and during the hearing. I would work with him again if I needed an attorney, and I highly recommend him to anyone facing injustice by the military justice system.

By Anonymous on Aug. 12, 2016
Verified Client
Recommendation

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By Anonymous on Jul. 26, 2016
Verified Client
Recommendation

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By Anonymous on Nov. 11, 2021

5.0 out of 5 stars

Great attorney, extremely knowledgeable, and truly cares about his clients.

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