Published on May 20, 2026  
Walker Mccrary

Since graduating from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in 2023, Capt. Walker McCrary has launched a career defined by service, leadership and advocacy through the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps.  

This month, McCrary is transitioning into a new role as trial counsel for the 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command at Smith Barrack Kaserne in Baumholder, Germany. 

In his new position McCrary is responsible for prosecuting military justice matters, advising commanders on legal issues involving the Uniform Code of Military Justice and overseeing the administration of military justice actions. Already he has successfully litigated a guilty plea court-martial and handled four administrative separation boards involving soldiers accused of misconduct. 

McCrary advises commanders on appropriate Non-Judicial Punishment proceedings, commonly known as Article 15 actions, works closely with battalion paralegals to ensure justice matters are properly managed and processed, and provides legal guidance to military police and the Criminal Investigation Division on investigations and legal procedures.  

McCrary’s experience at Cumberland played a significant role in preparing him for military legal practice. “While at Cumberland, I was able to develop my negotiation, adaptability and client control skills that have directly translated to skills needed to advise commanders on military justice, administrative and fiscal law issues.” McCrary said. “Cumberland’s advocacy program has directly impacted my ability to advise commanders, lead soldiers and litigate within the military justice system.” 

McCrary previously served as the brigade’s administrative law attorney, advising commanders on administrative law matters, conducting legal reviews for fiscal law requests, and handling financial loss investigations. 

McCrary lists joining the JAG Corps among the best decisions of his life. 

“The JAGs and paralegals I serve with, the legal issues I am exposed to and the opportunities that being in Europe has offered me are truly unique,” he said. “There are truly things bigger than ourselves, and I think many lawyers have lost sight of that. My soldiers have taught me more about being a good leader, lawyer, officer and American than anyone else.” 

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 35 Most Beautiful College Campuses, Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.