Eric M. Kopka, Attorney at Military Law

02/26/2026

We are proud to announce that Justin Petty has joined the firm. Justin's experience and client focused approach strengthen our continued commitment to providing exceptional legal services. His addition reflects our firm's ongoing growth and dedication to serving our clients and community at the highest level. Mr. Petty’s experience affords him with the ability to assist individuals with criminal allegations in the state criminal and federal system in N.C., family law, and veterans' affairs issues. Check out is bio below:

Mr. Petty began his career as a U.S. Marine Corps Judge Advocate as a prosector, he was
entrusted with all varieties of cases including r**e, assault, manslaughter, as well as a series of high-level cases involving war crimes. Following his time as a prosecutor, Mr. Petty transitioned to predominantly a role of advising Commanding Officers and
Commanding Generals on all legal matters that may arise, ranging from Military Justice to Operational Law as a Staff Judge Advocate. During his career in the Marine Corps, Mr. Petty has routinely been praised for his legal acumen and wide-ranging experience as highly unique among his peers. Based on his vast experience as a judge advocate, Mr. Petty was selected to serve as an instructor at the Naval Justice School as well at the Naval War College.

Mr. Petty concluded his active-duty Marine Corps career while serving in the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, II Marine Expeditionary Force at MCB Camp Lejeune, NC. Mr. Petty has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars in lieu of a Third award, Armed Forces
Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two Bronze Stars in lieu of a third award, National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terror Service Medal.

Mr. Petty’s active duty career was spent in the court room, as a legal advisor to Commanders, a legal assistance attorney, and as a military justice instructor. He has experience assisting service members and he has vast knowledge of the processes associated with Family Law and Veteran Affairs matters.

Mr. Petty has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, a Juris Doctor degree from Depaul University College of Law, Chicago, Illinois, and a Masters of Law Degree from The Army Judge Advocate General Legal Center
and School, Charlottesville, Virginia. Mr. Petty is an active member of the Illinois Bar and the North Carolina Bar and is admitted to practice in family and civilian matters within those jurisdictions and is admitted to practice military law worldwide. Also, as a North Carolina attorney, Mr. Petty’s experience affords him with the ability to assist individuals with criminal allegations in the state criminal and federal system in N.C., family law, and veterans affairs issues.

10/11/2024

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10/06/2023

07/18/2023

Take a minute to read some more 5 star reviews on the Avvo website. Thank you for taking the time to our past clients to write a review. Greatly appreciated.

04/14/2023

Lots of new reviews! Head over to our AVVO page to see more.

10/19/2022

We love hearing from our clients. Check out all of our reviews here.

Find District of Columbia attorney Eric Kopka in their Jacksonville office. Practices Military law. Find reviews, educational history and legal experience.

05/11/2021

My son was notified of an NCIS investigation alleging he sexually assaulted a young lady. We immediately contacted Eric. Let me say, he was a God send at a time when I felt like we could trust no one. Eric immediately had a one on one conversation with my son and began gathering information and providing guidance. He and Frederique were available to my son and me when we needed them or even just had a question even though in a different time zone. The investigation lasted months and ended with no charges. However, then my son was notified of an AdSep Board pending an OTH discharge. Eric did not hesitate to continue with the case. He and his team investigated and talked to a lot of people gathering information. Even after my son was granted Military defense, Eric continued to lead the process and was very protective of my son. He was very prepared leaving no stone unturned and ensured my son was prepared for the board. The board found No Basis for the allegation and my son was retained. We are so thankful that Eric was there to help my son tell his side of the story and to actually be heard. My advice to any Military member, or parent of, contact Eric Kopka if there is even a hint of an investigation or what seems an unfair situation.

In a 5-star rating, Eric and Frederique earn a 10!

11/19/2020

Working hard for our clients. Check out more on our website and AVVO page.

09/09/2020

You can find more reviews at AVVO-

After an unfortunate event that put my military career in jeopardy, I chose to hire Eric to represent me at my Administrative Separation Board. Eric and his assistant Freddie are thorough, knowledgeable, persistent, and very informative. They were also always available to answer all of my questions. My case was dismissed with no findings and I was able to continue serving in the military. Whether you have a minor hiccup in your record that you want fixed or facing major circumstances like seperation, hiring the dream team will not leave you disappointed!