Kristen M. H. Coyne

Kris Coyne is an accomplished female lawyer with an impressive career spanning over three decades. She is a distinguished legal professional who has made significant contributions during her twenty-two years in the US Navy, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy JAG Corps. Throughout her military career, Kris held various roles within the JAG Corps, demonstrating exceptional skills and expertise in multiple legal disciplines. 

In her capacity as a Navy JAG, Kris served in a variety of roles including Senior Attorney onboard the USS JOHN C. STENNIS, NLSO Branch Officer in Charge, Senior Defense Counsel, and Military Prosecutor, handling a wide range of legal cases. She successfully prosecuted and defended cases in both General and Special Courts-Martial, administrative hearings, and non-judicial punishment proceedings. Her experience in dealing with complex legal matters such as assault, sexual assault/rape cases, child abuse, child sexual abuse, DUI, and drug use/distribution cases demonstrates her dedication to upholding justice and ensuring the welfare of service members and the integrity of the military justice system.

Kris's expertise and knowledge were not limited to trial work. She also served as a Staff Judge Advocate, where she acted as the senior advisor to Commanding Officers both at sea and ashore, providing legal advice on both legal and administrative matters. Her guidance and counsel were crucial in ensuring the compliance of military units with legal regulations and policies in areas of Discipline, Administrative, Environmental, Ethical and Criminal matters.

Furthermore, Kris made valuable contributions as an Assistant US Attorney, working closely with federal prosecutors on cases involving military personnel. Her experience in this role provided her with a comprehensive understanding of both military and civilian legal systems, allowing her to effectively navigate the complexities of cases that spanned both domains.

Additionally, she is an Advisory Member of the Legal Assistance for Military Law Committee of the North Carolina Bar. Currently she is the acting Webmaster for the North Carolina Legal Assistance for Military Personnel Committee, and an advisory member of the Local Area Advisory Counsel for North Carolina Legal Aid.

Kris is licensed to practice law in three states, including North Carolina, Missouri, and Arizona, where she has successfully represented numerous clients and resolved complex legal matters. In addition she is admitted to practice in Federal Court in the District of Arizona and the Eastern District of North Carolina. Additionally, she is admitted to the US Court of Military Appeals. Her comprehensive knowledge of the legal systems in these jurisdictions allows her to navigate the intricacies of each case with precision and effectiveness.

With a diverse range of knowledge areas and expertise, Kristen has showcased her legal acumen earned in various capacities throughout her civilian career. As an Attorney-Advisor in the US Army Alaska, Legal Assistance & Claims, Kristen handled a wide range of legal matters, including legal assistance for service members, GOMAR and QMP appeals, petition to Army Board for Correction of Military Records, claims, and claims litigation with the US Attorney’s Office. She also served as Civilian Legal Assistance Attorney for the US Marine Corps at Marine Corps Air Station, New River, where she supervised legal assistance and the Tax Center for the Air Station. And as an Attorney-Advisor in the US Air Force, 43 AMOG/JA, North Carolina, where she provided valuable legal assistance and served as Chief of Legal Assistance and Preventive Law.