Criminal defense attorney Joshua Fisher is featured in Attorney at Law Magazine's 2024 "Veterans in Law" issue. With a military background that includes a decade in the Army Reserve as a Judge Advocate General (JAG), Josh's legal journey is marked by dedication and a commitment to service members and civilians alike.
Joshua I. Fisher
Law Firm: Gallagher & Kennedy in Phoenix, Arizona
Military Branch: Army Reserve
Rank: Captain
MOS: 27A
Station: Stationed out of Texas as a reservist and mobilized to Korea, while also serving in Germany and Alaska.
Years Served: 2008-2018
Military Service and Legal Beginnings
Inspired by a family tradition of military service, Josh began his career in the Army Reserve in 2008, following in the footsteps of his father and brother. Stationed out of Texas as a reservist, he served in Korea, Germany, and Alaska, achieving the rank of Captain. This experience gave him a broad perspective and a deep commitment to justice. After earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and completing law school at Arizona State University, Josh entered the legal field as a civilian prosecutor before commissioning with the Army JAG Corps.
My father and brother were in the Army, so you could say it’s a family tradition. In fact, I was born on post in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas—home to perhaps the most well-known military prison. We moved every four years or so, eventually ending up in Yuma, Arizona, during my high school years (where our mascot was a Criminal).
I stayed in Arizona to attend UofA for my undergraduate studies, then attended ASU for law school. Following law school, I began working as a prosecutor and soon applied to the US Army JAG Corp where I would end up joining Trial Defense Services, providing criminal defense services to service members. In retrospect, you can certainly see a theme there.
Transitioning from Military to Civilian Practice
While many military veterans transition into civilian life post-service, Josh's journey followed a unique path. Already established as a prosecutor in Phoenix and later Yavapai County, he joined the JAG Corps with courtroom experience, which proved invaluable as he provided criminal defense services to service members. This dual experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney has given Josh an edge in crafting legal strategies and understanding the opposing side’s approach.
My experience was reversed since I attended law school and was practicing as a civilian Prosecutor before joining the United States Army Reserve as a JAG. While similar in some regards, the two criminal systems had some marked differences as well. Having already completed a handful of jury trials before commissioning, I was able to bring a fair amount of courtroom experience with me.
Impact of Military Service on Legal Practice
Reflecting on his time in the JAG Corps, Fisher credits his military service for instilling valuable lessons that he applies in his practice today. “Working as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney at the same time gives you an edge when it comes to strategy,” he shares. This dual perspective allows him to anticipate outcomes and assess the broader impacts of legal strategies. His commitment to criminal defense has deepened over time, making his role at Gallagher & Kennedy a natural next step.
While a member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corp, I represented service members accused of misconduct and advocated for them during Courts Martial, Administrative Separation, and Article 15 actions. At the same time, I worked as a prosecutor with the City of Phoenix and later for the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office. Working as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney at the same time gives you an edge when it comes to strategy, as you always have a better idea of what the other side is thinking. It is a unique perspective I still draw on today, and helps allow me to see second and third order effects of potential strategy decisions.
My time in the JAG Corps also showed me how rewarding criminal defense can be, so moving into private practice as a criminal defense attorney at Gallagher & Kennedy was a natural fit.
Click here to read the 2024 edition of AAL's “Veterans in Law."
