Duane “DAK” Kees brings a wealth of experience to the National Security Law Firm (NSLF) as a UCMJ military defense attorney, combining high-level federal prosecution experience, military law expertise, and leadership in the private sector to offer exceptional defense for service members facing serious charges.
Dak served as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, a role in which he was the chief prosecutor for the federal government in that district. Nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2017, Dak oversaw numerous high-profile prosecutions, including public corruption cases, violent crime initiatives, and child abuse prosecutions. His leadership extended to working on the Attorney General’s Advisory Subcommittees for Veterans and Servicemembers, White Collar Fraud, and Terrorism and National Security, where he helped shape national policies affecting both military and civilian justice.
Before his tenure as U.S. Attorney, Dak’s experience in the U.S. Army JAG Corps was foundational in shaping his expertise in military law. With over eight years of active duty and multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Dak focused on investigating war crimes and other military offenses, giving him extensive experience with military legal processes, including court-martial proceedings. His background as both a military prosecutor and defense attorney allows him to approach military defense cases with unique insight and strategy.
As part of the NSLF team, Dak brings his dual perspective as a former U.S. Attorney and military legal expert to defend service members against UCMJ charges, utilizing his knowledge of both military law and federal prosecution tactics. His combination of legal experience, leadership in high-stakes cases, and his insider knowledge of government investigations and military justice makes him a formidable advocate for those in need of strong, strategic defense.
Dak is admitted to practice in the State of Arkansas, the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, the Court of Federal Claims, and various military appellate courts, including the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the Army Court of Criminal Appeals, the Navy-Marine Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals.
His distinguished career is decorated with several military awards, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal, underscoring his commitment to service and excellence in all areas of law.
At National Security Law Firm, Dak is dedicated to defending the rights of service members and ensuring they receive the strongest and most strategic legal representation available.
