Claudia D. Brunson has established a successful career in legal services. Currently, she excels as defense counsel with the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Johnson in Louisiana. Specializing in criminal law and military justice, Ms. Brunson defends soldiers facing prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. She represents soldiers in court-martials for offenses unique to the military as well as those shared with civilian law. She also advocates for soldiers in administrative separation boards, working to protect their military careers.
Ms. Brunson’s career with the U.S. Army began as an Army JAG officer select in 2021, followed by her role as a military justice adviser from 2021 to 2023. From 2023 to 2024, she served in the U.S. Army as trial counsel, before assuming her current position as defense counsel in 2024. Ms. Brunson’s dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients is evident in her meticulous trial preparation, legal strategy, and commitment to alternative resolutions.
Before joining the military, Ms. Brunson gained valuable experience as a legal intern with the Mississippi Supreme Court from 2018 to 2020. During this time, she also served as a staff member for the Law Review at the Mississippi College School of Law and worked as a legal research assistant and teacher’s assistant in 2018. Her early career included internships with the AFL-CIO and Mississippi Public Broadcasting, where she refined her skills in communication and media.
In preparation for her career, Ms. Brunson began her professional trajectory by pursuing a strong academic foundation. In 2017, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from Millsaps College, and in 2020, she graduated from the Mississippi College School of Law with a Doctor of Jurisprudence. Continuing her higher education, Ms. Brunson earned a Master of Laws in international human rights from the University of California Los Angeles in 2021. From 2016 to 2017, she garnered leadership experience as the chapter president and treasurer of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
In light of her impressive undertakings, Ms. Brunson has been honored with an Army Achievement Medal and an Army Commendation Medal. She attributes her success to the foundational values instilled in her by her parents, who emphasized education, hard work, and personal responsibility. Ms. Brunson believes success is earned through persistence rather than entitlement. Throughout her career, she has been guided by supportive mentors in both academia and the military, who have played a vital role in her professional development.
Reflecting on her military experience, Ms. Brunson sees her service as a period of tremendous personal and professional growth. Frequent relocations have exposed her to diverse perspectives, sharpened her interpersonal skills, and strengthened her expertise in military criminal law. A standout moment in her career was assisting a young soldier struggling with dissatisfaction in the Army. Beyond her legal role, Ms. Brunson mentored the soldier, helping him explore his interests and future aspirations. She successfully negotiated his separation from the Army and guided him in identifying a college where he could pursue a degree.
Looking to the future, Ms. Brunson is committed to advancing in her military career, with aspirations to achieve a promotion to the rank of major. She aims to refine her skills as an attorney, leader, and soldier while fostering strong relationships with colleagues and superiors. Additionally, she hopes to mentor aspiring soldiers, paralegals, and attorneys, sharing her experiences to support their professional growth.