Jon Shelburne

Jon Shelburne is an experienced trial attorney who works primarily in the area of military criminal defense. He has defended complex cases for more than 20 years. In the past year he has successfully defended military members in cases ranging from rape or sexual assault to simple orders violations. He has a global practice having tried cases throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. He is certified to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and in both Rhode Island and Texas.

Prior to joining Military Justice Attorneys, Jon served as a Professor and Acting Director of the Roger Williams School of Law Criminal Defense Clinic. He taught courses in Trial Advocacy, Advanced Trial Advocacy, Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure as well as seminars on Military Law, Terrorism and the First Amendment, and International Law. He served as the Director of Competitions for the law school for five years and was an advisor for the Moot Court board. He also coached moot court and mock trial teams for ten years. Teams he coached or mentored won National and Regional honors and enjoyed success at all levels.

Jon served on active duty with the Marine Corps for more than ten years prior to choosing to serve in the Reserves and joining the faculty at Roger Williams University School of Law in 2002. Jon recently retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. During his time in the Reserves, Jon served in several billets to include Regional Judge Advocate for the Northeast Region, Assistant Regional Defense Counsel for the East Coast, and Assistant Regional Defense Counsel for the Pacific Region. He deployed to Iraq in 2004 and was activated again in 2007 to defend Marines charged in the allegations of war crimes in Haditha. Shortly after returning from Iraq, Jon was certified as a military judge.

In addition to his work defending service members and veterans, Jon continues to be active in service organizations and legal education. Jon has served as the past Chair for the Military and Veterans Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. He also serves as a co-Chair of the Veterans Committee for the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Jon is very involved in the efforts of both organizations to educate attorneys and others interested in providing legal aid to service members, veterans, and their families. Jon also serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the Dare to Dream Ranch, a non-profit organization which provides equine therapy and other help to veterans who struggle with PTSD.