Eric S. Montalvo, Esq.

Eric S. Montalvo has earned an international reputation as an aggressive, thorough and respected trial attorney familiar with the overwhelming nature of complex litigation and associated media strategies. Mr. Montalvo currently maintains a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

Eric Montalvo faithfully served over 21 years in the United States Marine Corps with duties as both a military prosecutor and defense counsel where he has and continues to litigate high stakes cases. Additionally, he previously served as Special Assistant to the U.S. Attorney at Parris Island, including representing the U.S. Department of Justice in criminal proceedings before the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina.

Eric Montalvo, who retired as a “Mustang” Major, deployed with 1st Tank Battalion in support of the Gulf War, where he received his combat action ribbon. Additionally, he deployed to Iraq with Second Marine Division, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and to Afghanistan. While on duty in Iraq during 2005, he served as the Detainee Operations Legal Adviser for the 2nd Marine Division and II Marine Expeditionary Force in Ar Ramadi. Additionally, he served as the sole military prosecutor for the Division prosecuting over 40 cases involving officer misconduct, national security, security clearances, military discharges, Law of Armed Conflict Violations, aggravated assault and espionage.

Eric Montalvo has frequently advised generals and top-ranking officers on a wide range of critical legal matters. Mr. Montalvo has undertaken investigative work in Afghanistan and abroad, navigating language and cultural barriers, interpreting complex international law and unprecedented issues, working directly with members of Congress, foreign embassies, foreign governmental ministries, Department of Justice attorneys, and President Obama’s Guantanamo Bay Task Force and Detainee Review team.

Eric Montalvo founded The Federal Practice Group, where he focuses his practice on international trade matters, military law, and national security law. His firm focuses on the unique bodies of law that the U.S. Federal Government has created. He serves as General Counsel to several Afghan and U.S.-based companies assisting them in all facets of business development and legal compliance.

After graduating with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of South Carolina, Eric Montalvo received his Juris Doctor degree from Temple University School of Law with honors. While pursuing his law degree, he served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Nitza I. Quinones Alejandro and interned with the Legal Clinic for the Disabled, the Camden Public Defender’s Office and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. He also participated in Temple University’s study abroad program in Greece, where he focused his studies on international law. Mr. Montalvo is married with three children and currently resides in Haymarket, Virginia.

EDUCATION

• J.D. with Honors, Temple Beasley School of Law
• B.S. with Honors, University of South Carolina

BAR ADMISSIONS

• District of Columbia
• Pennsylvania
• New Jersey

COURT ADMISSIONS

• United States Supreme Court
• United States District Court of New Jersey
• United States District Court for the District of South Carolina
• United States Court of Federal Claims
• United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
• United States Army Court of Criminal Appeals
• Navy and Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals
• United States Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals
• Department of Veterans Affairs Accredited Attorney
• United States District Court for the District of Columbia

PRACTICE AREAS

• Military Criminal Law
• Military Administrative Law
• International Business Transactions
• Security Clearance
• National Security
• Veterans Disability
• Aviation Law

MILITARY AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

MEMBERSHIPS

• Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington DC

PUBLICATIONS

• Legal Help for Soldiers - Polska Zbrojna NR 10 | 6 March 2011
• “Operational Encroachment: Woodpeckers and their Congressmen” 20 Temp. Envtl.L. & Tech.J. 219 (2002). Read Here
• “The Constitutional Right to Marry…Fundamental Right or Facade? A review of the constitutionality of military restrictions on the right to marry…and even if they could…whether they should” 52 Naval L. Rev. 239 (2005). Read Here
• “60 Days to Freedom – The Release and Repatriation of Mohammad Jawad” Military Law and the Law of War Review 48/1-2 (2009). Read Here

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

• Junior Advocacy Program, February 10, 2012: “The Advocate’s Task” (keynote speaker)
• Columbia Law School, Next Generation Strategies Panelist – October 1-2, 2010
• Georgetown Law School, Doctors from the Dark Side Panelist
• Albany Law School, April 6-7, 2010: “Jurisprudence in the Global Era”
• CLE Instructor Military Commissions Virginia
• CLE Instructor Discharge Review Boards and Military Family Law Virginia

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