Brian Bouffard
Bio
While attending law school at Duke University, Brian Bouffard joined the U.S. Navy JAG Corps. He began his legal career in 1997 with the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, serving as a trial counsel (prosecutor), defense counsel, and senior defense counsel. From the outset, Brian was known for his deep knowledge of military justice and his exceptional courtroom skills, often trusted with some of the most complex and high-stakes cases. His expertise earned him the respect of colleagues at every level.
In 2006, Brian transitioned to civilian practice and launched his own law firm, focusing exclusively on defending service members at courts-martial and individuals charged with serious felonies in Texas. His commitment to justice led him to Washington D.C. in 2020, where he joined the Military Commissions Defense Organization. There, he took on the role of lead defense counsel for a Guantanamo Bay detainee—an individual subjected to extensive torture by U.S. agents—accused of terrorism and war crimes. In 2024, Brian successfully secured his client’s release after two decades of imprisonment without trial, resulting in his repatriation to Malaysia.
Now part of the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, Brian brings his extensive courtroom experience, legal acumen, and unwavering belief in constitutional protections to clients facing military and Texas state charges. He is a committed, compassionate, and relentless advocate who will fight tirelessly for your rights.
Education
- Juris Doctor, with honors
- Duke University School of Law Durham , NC 1997
- Master of Laws in Trial Advocacy, with honors
- Temple University Beasley School of Law Philadelphia , PA 2024
- Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
- Texas Christian University Fort Worth , TX 1992
Bar Admissions
- State Bar of Texas
- State Bar of North Carolina
- Bar of the District of Columbia
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
Teaching Experience
- Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College
- Emerging Threats in National Security (2025) (Speaker)
- Temple University, Beasley School of Law - LL.M. in Trial Advocacy Program
- Pre-Trial Strategy and Discovery (2024) (Lecturer/Instructor)
- Bob Chaloupka Trial Skills Seminar (2023) (Speaker)
- State Bar of Texas, Veterans Justice Clinic (2017) (Speaker)
- Texas State Guard Judge Advocate Training (2016) (Speaker)
- Military Defense Trial Litigation (2015) (Course Director, Faculty)
- Marine Corps DSO Worldwide Training Conference (2015) (Faculty)
- Military Defense Trial Litigation (2014) (Course Director, Faculty)
- Military Defense Trial Litigation (2013) (Faculty)
- Military Defense Trial Litigation (2012) (Faculty)
Publications
- “A Weapon Cast Aside”
- The Warrior: The Magazine of the Trial Lawyers College (Winter 2025)
- “Damned”
- The Warrior: The Magazine of the Trial Lawyers College (Winter 2023)
- “The Men at Guantanamo Bay are worth defending. Our system of justice demands that we do.”
- Miami Herald (Mar 13, 2021)
- https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article249904833.html
- “There’s no justice in Guantanamo Bay. For America’s sake, that must change.”
- Washington Post (Jan 12, 2021)
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/01/12/theres-no-justice-guantanamo-bay-americas-sake-that-must-change/