About Joshua
Joshua Traeger built his path from Midwestern classrooms to military courtrooms and back into private practice. He earned a B.A. in political science and Spanish from Wake Forest University in 2002, then continued his legal studies at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, receiving his J.D. in 2006. Those years set the foundation for a career that intersects trial work and military law.
After law school Traeger entered government service. By 2010 he was serving as Senior Trial Counsel in the United States Air Force. In that role he handled trial litigation within the military justice system and worked on cases that required courtroom presence and procedural rigor. The title reflects responsibility for managing serious matters and overseeing the preparation and presentation of cases before military tribunals.
Traeger left active military trial work and moved into private practice. In 2020 he co-founded two ventures: True North Legal Group and The Military Defense Firm. Both firms were launched the same year, signaling a shift from government litigation to client-facing roles. The move brought his courtroom experience to civilian clients and to service members who need legal representation outside the chain of command.
He is licensed to practice in Michigan. That credential underpins the work he does now, split between the firm office and matters that arise from military service. The combination of a J.D. from Loyola and years as a trial lawyer in the Air Force informs how he approaches cases. He emphasizes preparation for trial and familiarity with procedural rules, shaped by years handling contested matters.
Colleagues and clients often note his practical courtroom experience. He has worked on litigation that required formal written motions and in-person advocacy. The transition from senior trial counsel to founding lawyer involved building a practice infrastructure, recruiting support, and translating military trial skills into civilian litigation and defense strategies.
Traeger’s practice blends civil legal work and military-related defense. He maintains offices at True North Legal Group and continues to serve clients through The Military Defense Firm. He currently practices from those offices, focusing on military law and related civilian matters.
