Attorney Jeffrey Lieser, co-founding partner of Lieser Skaff, has been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps. The silver oak leaf insignia signifies far more than longevity in uniform. It reflects years of disciplined leadership, advanced military education, and consistently superior performance evaluations. As a senior field grade officer, Jeff now assumes expanded responsibility and is relied upon for seasoned legal judgment, mentorship, and command-level counsel within the Army legal community.
Jeff’s path to this milestone was not conventional. Jeff accepted a direct commission into the JAG Corps in his thirties. Beginning his military career later than many peers required persistence and resilience. From the outset, he balanced Reserve obligations with building Lieser Skaff into a thriving private practice and meeting family responsibilities at home. Over time, he advanced through increasingly complex assignments, including service with Special Operations Command and selection as a Brigade Judge Advocate for a Military Intelligence unit responsible for interrogation operations.
In that senior leadership role, Jeff advises commanders on the Law of Armed Conflict, detainee operations, military justice matters, and administrative and disciplinary issues affecting soldiers across multiple battalions. His responsibilities demand careful analysis, sound ethical judgment, and the ability to provide clear guidance in high-stakes operational environments. Those experiences have strengthened his leadership skills and sharpened his ability to assess risk, manage competing priorities, and communicate with precision.
Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel was highly competitive. As rank increases within the Army, advancement opportunities narrow significantly and expectations rise. Jeff was passed over for promotion and came close to concluding his career at the rank of Major after nearly 20 years of service. A period of active duty renewed his determination to continue striving for advancement. He subsequently completed the Army’s rigorous Intermediate Level Education course, competed for and secured a senior leadership billet, and earned top-tier Officer Evaluation Reports from senior raters, ultimately achieving the promotion.
Managing a successful law firm while fulfilling demanding Reserve leadership responsibilities underscores Jeff’s discipline, time management, and commitment to service beyond personal career advancement. Many officers in comparable positions serve full time in government roles that provide greater scheduling flexibility. Jeff continues to navigate the dual demands of private practice and military service with consistency and professionalism. He credits the Army with reinforcing core values such as loyalty and respect, as well as cultivating direct, straightforward communication and decisive leadership, qualities that benefit both his military bearing and his clients at Lieser Skaff.
