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

Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron Sykstus

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!