Legal All-Star – Cole Altman – Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office

Cole Altman’s experience with the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps helped prepare him for a new career with the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office.

After stints in Delaware, Mississippi and even South Korea, he completed his military service and returned home to Wisconsin this summer.

“During my time in the military, I was a federal criminal prosecutor, defense attorney and an international legal advisor. Since my separation from the United States Air Force, I have been working in criminal law in Milwaukee.

It feels great to be home and continue completing important legal work,” Altman said.
Altman said practicing law in the military is different than civilian law. While the basic nature of criminal proceedings looks similar, he said the military has its own set of regulations and laws that drive a lot of policy and decision making for military commanders.

“Frequently, I would be advising military commanders on military laws and regulations, which was one of the most rewarding parts of the job,” he said.

After graduating from Marquette University Law School, Altman earned a commission to become an officer/lawyer in the U.S. Air Force JAG in February 2000. He initially served at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi until
June 2022. He then moved to the Kunsan Air Base in South Korea where he managed the Kunsan Air Base foreign criminal jurisdiction docket and protected the status of forces and international agreements and protections to
military soldiers facing criminal prosecution in South Korea.

In July 2023, Altman transferred to Dover Air Force Bae in Delaware, where he served as a defense counsel on seven court-martial proceedings.

Altman said his military work was satisfying.

“I have been able to use my legal background to serve my community, both domestic and abroad,” he said.