Cayla R. Barbour, Esq

Relevant Litigation Experience

Defense Service Office West Court-Martial Counsel | June 2021-June 2024

• Lead defense counsel in complex criminal cases, including serious felonies at various courts-martial.
• Represented clients through all litigation phases, including trials and evidentiary hearings.
• Formulated comprehensive litigation strategies by collaborating with investigators and experts.
• Drafted persuasive legal documents, including briefs and motions to suppress, demonstrating legal expertise.
• Received 2023 Defense Counsel of the Year award for outstanding indigent defense work.
• Qualified as Specialist I for the Navy Military Justice Litigation Career Track demonstrating advanced skill in trial advocacy techniques and federal-analogous procedure.

Additional Professional Experience

Naval Justice School Instructor | June 2024 - Present

• Developed and implemented lesson plans in military justice in plenary and seminar settings.
• Instructed attorneys and paralegals across three branches of service in motions practice, evidence, criminal procedure, and legal research and writing.

Region Legal Service Office Southeast - First Tour Counsel | December 2018 - June 2021

• Advised installation commands on complex legal parameters.
• Provided comprehensive legal assistance to 184 individual clients, drafting 175 critical legal documents.
• Second chair to general and special courts-martial and guilty pleas.

Volunteer Position

• Developed and implemented strategies to enhance alumni support and engagement with organization.
• Coordinated interdepartmental communications to ensure timely project completion.
• Mentored young leaders, fostering confidence and facilitating skill development.

• Organized and maintained a case management system for quick access to client information.
• Assisted attorneys in preparing legal documents and drafting pleadings effectively.

• Drafted and edited legal documents, including opinions, briefs, and pleadings under attorney supervision.
• Gathered relevant case law and statutes to strengthen legal arguments in briefs and pleadings.