Episode 125 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Retired DOD DOHA Security Clearance Judge Michael Leonard

Next Lawyer Up Logo

After a long and distinguished career serving our country, DOD Administrative Judge Michael (Mike) Leonard recently retired.  Mike served for the last twenty years as an Administrative Judge with the Department of Defense (DOD)  Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) where he heard and decided hundreds of security clearance cases over his tenure.  On one hand, I am glad that he retired so that I could do this podcast with him. On the other hand, security clearance applicants who have to go to a hearing regarding their clearance have lost a wise, tempered, smart and reflective judge to possibly hear their administrative case.  Of course, there are still  many fair and  highly respected judges at DOD DOHA, but the loss of Mike will definitely be felt.  I was glad to learn his history on this episode of the podcast to include his U.S Army JAG Corps experience and DOHA Department Counsel work before he became a DOHA judge.  I hope you enjoy hearing his professional story followed by his bold retirement move to Germany!     


Written by Ron Sykstus

Ron Sykstus

Ron Sykstus is a Managing Partner of several of the Bond & Botes Law Offices throughout Alabama. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona, Tucson, and a Juris Doctorate from the Northern Illinois University College of Law. Ron has served in numerous positions throughout the U.S. Army and now utilizes his expertise in the areas of VA issues, security clearances, military law, and bankruptcy to assist his clients when they need it most. Read his full bio here.

Share This Page

Bond & Botes Law Offices

At Bond & Botes, we now offer full service bankruptcy consultation and filing over the phone or by video from the comfort and safety of your home or office. Please call 1-877-581-3396 or click here to setup your free phone or video consultation.

The lawyers at the Bond & Botes affiliated offices serve clients at offices in Anniston, Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika, Decatur, Huntsville, Florence, Haleyville and Gadsden, Alabama; Vicksburg, Hattiesburg and Jackson, Mississippi. Read our disclaimer here. You can view our Privacy Policy here.

Alabama Offices

Birmingham

2107 5th Avenue North
Age-Herald Building
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Phone: (205) 802-2200


Shelby County Location
15 Southlake Lane, Ste 140
Birmingham, AL 35244
Phone: (205) 802-2200


Florence Location
121 S. Court Street
Florence, AL 35630
Phone: (256) 760-1010


Huntsville Location
225 Pratt Avenue NE
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 539-9899


Montgomery Location
311 Catoma Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 264-3363


Decatur Location
605 Bank Street NE
Decatur, AL 35601
Phone: (256) 355-2447


Haleyville Location
914 19th St.
Haleyville, AL 35565
Phone: (256) 760-1010


Gadsden Location
430-B Chestnut Street
Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (256) 485-0195


Opelika Location
216 South 8th Street
Opelika 36801
Phone: (334) 264-3363


Anniston Location
1302 Noble St #2C
Anniston, AL 36201
Phone: (256) 485-0195


Cullman Location
200 Second Avenue SW
Cullman, AL 35055
Phone: (256) 739-9866


Mississippi Offices

Jackson Location
120 Southpointe Dr., A
Byram, MS 39272
Phone: (601) 353-5000


Hattiesburg Location
607 Corinne St, Ste B8
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Phone: (601) 353-5000


Vicksburg Location
1212 Farmer Street
Vicksburg, MS 39180
Phone: (601) 353-5000

© 2024 by Bond & Botes Law Offices. All rights reserved. Disclaimer | Privacy Policy