David Coombs

David Coombs is a Lecturer in Law at the University at Buffalo School of Law, serving since 2023. He teaches Evidence, Criminal Procedure, Military Justice, and Veterans Law, and directs the Veterans Law Practicum. His military career includes 21 years in the U.S. Army JAG Corps, where he prosecuted/defended over 150 cases, including high-profile capital trials like United States v. SGT Hasan K. Akbar. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2018. Coombs is also a prominent defense attorney, notably representing PFC Bradley Manning in the WikiLeaks case. He has held visiting professor roles at Roger Williams University School of Law and taught at the U.S. Army JAG Legal Center.

• Education: B.A., University of Idaho; J.D., University of Idaho School of Law; LL.M., U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s School
• Key Roles: Director of Veterans Law Practicum, Military Law Society faculty advisor, Iraqi judicial mentor (2008 Baghdad deployment)

His research and practice focus on military justice, veterans' legal rights, and high-stakes criminal defense. He has been honored with multiple teaching awards and frequently engages in media commentary on national security, military courts-martial, and legal ethics.