About John B. Gately

John "Jack" Gately is an AV-rated former judge advocate who concentrates his practice in the area of disability law, military law and veterans’ rights, Social Security disability law, international humanitarian law, and the law of armed conflict. He is a member of the ABA, the Judge Advocate Association, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives, and the bars of the Commonwealths of Virginia and Massachusetts as well as the District of Columbia.

His hobbies or volunteer activities include: gold dredging, volunteering with NGOs combating human trafficking and the use of child soldiers, kayaking, biking, jumping waves with wild abandon on jet skis and practicing amateur stand-up comedy routines on neighbors, friends, family, business associates and other hapless, unsuspecting victims..

 

Awards

Reviews for John

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Overall Rating
Showing 1-10 of 241 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
87%
4 stars
12%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
1%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
5.0
Responsiveness
4.8
Value for Money
5.0
Military Law
Posted by Tim
January 29, 2026
Hired Attorney

I have been working with Jack since mid-2024, and his support has been invaluable. He guided me through the entire timeline—from the start of the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) through the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) and the final re-evaluations. These processes are complex and often overwhelming, but Jack ensured every step was handled correctly. He stayed with me from start to finish, securing a favorable outcome. I highly recommend him to any service member facing this process.

 
Veterans Benefits
Posted by anonymous
June 29, 2024
Hired Attorney

Jack did what he said he would do! When I started dealing with medical issues in the military, I had absolutely NO support from my command or doctor. Jack was recommended by a friend and was literally my only ally. Though the process took a while, he stuck with it and got me a favorable judgment. Jack always provided specific and detailed guidance so I was never left guessing what to do. He also provided reassurance throughout the process that things would work out. Do not go through this on your own or trust the service to take care of you. Just hire Jack and let him help you. You will be glad that you did.

 
Veterans Benefits
Posted by Kevin
August 20, 2023
Hired Attorney

As I was in the process of being medically retired from the Army, I was suddenly and abruptly forced out with an honorable discharge. I called several attorneys and eventually settled on Jack because he is easy to talk to, listened well and understood the crux of my case from our first phone call, and he was confident that he could help me build a case to give us the best chance at the ABCMR. After submitting my case, he kept me abreast of the process and answered all of my questions along the way. Once the ABCMR made their decision, he called me promptly to go over the results and discuss the next steps. I am incredibly grateful for Jack’s help and believe that without his counsel I would have lost my appeal. I strongly recommend him for anyone dealing with the VA or service disability. Having his experience and professionalism on your side during this very complex and convoluted process is absolutely worth it.

 
Military Law
Posted by Bobby
June 30, 2023
Hired Attorney

You cannot beat the knowledge and expertise that Jack brings to the table for your IDES or military retirement case. Jack, and out working together as a team, helped me figure out what was best for my family and I for the rest of our lives. I wish more service members knew this was an option for such a difficult and stressful time. Thank you Jack. I have already recommended Jack to several other military members. If you are going through a military medical retirement, do not just go with your appointed attorney, call Jack, and get almost 30 years of unparalleled experience that truly cares about your outcome. Blessings.

 
Veterans Benefits
Posted by anonymous
June 01, 2023
Hired Attorney

John Gately is an expert in his domain. I didn’t know what to do when I was sent through a military medical evaluation board and took care of everything. He always knew what to do and how to do it. He took time to explain things in detail to me every step of the way. He got me the results that he projected from our first meeting. He even helped me complete my VA claim. He is a very busy lawyer and he is in high demand. If he has the bandwidth to take your case, consider yourself fortunate. Remember, you get what you pay for. John Gately is the best of the best.

 
Veterans Benefits
Posted by anonymous
May 06, 2023
Hired Attorney

Mr. Gately is not only an excellent Attorney, he is a veteran himself. He truly cares. Honesty and ethics are on point. Knowledge and experience in this field is boundless. He won my cases. He has helped (and won) the cases for many of my brothers and sisters in uniform over the last decade as well. John B. Gately will always have my respect and appreciation.

 
Veterans Benefits
Posted by Jeffrey
January 18, 2023
Hired Attorney

Jack is a true expert at the Military PEB. He is a passionate lawyer whose efforts and expertise were a major contributor in resolving my PEB case with a successful outcome. I started working with Jack Gately in 2019 when my medical case first looked like it would go to the Navy PEB. During the time prior to the PEB, Jack guided and prepared me for medical appointments and helped to make sure my documentation would support my PEB case. When the case finally went into the PEB process, Jack prepared me for all my DOD and VA medical appointments and evaluations. Jack helped draft the NARSUM, NMA, and supplemental addendums that were critical in accurately portraying my case to the PEB. I believe that it was only with Jack’s help and guidance for over three years that my case was successfully resolved in the IPEB. I can’t thank Jack enough for his tireless support and would absolutely give him my highest recommendation.

 
Military Law
Posted by anonymous
February 18, 2021
Hired Attorney

My opinion of Mr. Gately is that he is an excellent attorney. I had consulted with multiple attorneys and Mr. Gately gave the most informative consultation. The great thing is he will review in detail whether you have a possible case or he will not consider accepting it. He spent a generous amount of time reviewing my case before we made it official. He also spent a lot of time preparing me for my FPEB. You are in good hands if you choose him as your legal counsel. It is worth the price, and we won my case. He treated me with respect and was compassionate about the integrity of my situation. Note: If you are on a DoD Medical Board, whether you are active duty, reserves, or on TDRL, you should make it a priority to consult with Mr. Gately. You will quickly find out why I highly recommend him.

 
Military Law
Posted by anonymous
September 04, 2018
Hired Attorney

I would like to take a moment to thank Jack Gately for all of his hard work, and brag on him for a minute. Eight months ago I found out I was to go through USAR MEB board for injuries that occurred in 2010, and would have never thought I would be eligible for military retirement due to length of time between initiation of the board and date of injury. I am glad I invested in Jack. I will be permanently retired in less than 3 weeks.

 
Military Law
Posted by anonymous
June 17, 2018
Hired Attorney

He provided sound expert advice on my DES/PEB/TDRL case over the past 4 years via limited phone comms even though I didn't hire him.He answered the tough "5% questions" that allowed me to make correct, critical decisions along the way. I would have never applied for and received Social Security disability if he had not suggested it or reached 100% P&T through the VA (with CRDP) or had an easy transition from TDRL to PDRL without his help. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me LT,LDO,6410,USN

 

Services

Areas of Law

  • Military Law 1
    • Veterans Benefits
  • Criminal Law 1
    • Federal Criminal Law
  • Administrative Law 1
    • Administrative Hearings and Appeals
  • Social Security 1
    • Social Security Disability
  • Other 5
    • Military Disability Law
    • Military Personnel Law
    • Federal Practice
    • Military Discharge Upgrades
    • Correcting Military Records

Practice Details

  • Languages
    Spanish
    French
  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Free initial consultation
    Fixed hourly rates
    Fixed fees available
    Accepted Credit Cards
    MasterCard
    Visa
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Member
    Firm Name
    John B. Gately Attorney & Counselor at Law
  • Pro Bono Services
    Time Spent on Pro Bono Work: 5%

    My pro bono practice focuses on veterans' benefits and minor matters in the military disability arena.

  • Additional Links

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1988, Massachusetts
    1995, Virginia
    1996, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
    2000, U.S. Court of Claims, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
    1995, District of Columbia
    1995, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court
    Memberships
    Virginia State Bar
    Federal and American Bar Associations
    National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives
    National Institute of Military Justice
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    New England School of Law
    Class of 1988
    J.D.
    cum laude
    Other Education
    State University of New York at Albany
    Class of 1983
    B.A.

    Northeastern University
    Class of 1984
    M.S.
    Economic Policy and Planning

Contact John B. Gately

Member at John B. Gately Attorney & Counselor at Law
4.9
246 reviews

2332 Croix DriveVirginia Beach, VA 23451U.S.A.

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  • Thursday By appointment
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  • Sunday By appointment

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Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    John B. Gately is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, John B. Gately has a 4.9 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Does this attorney offer any legal services for a flat fee?
    Yes, John B. Gately offers fixed fees for certain legal services.
  • What year was this attorney's law firm established?
    John B. Gately Attorney & Counselor at Law was established in 1995.
  • Is this attorney listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers?
    John B. Gately is listed in the Criminal Trial Practice, General Practice, Military Law and Social Security section of the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.