Lieutenant Colonel Michael Farkas announces retirement from Army Reserves

April 12, 2023 Robert Abruzzese

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Farkas, a military judge for the U.S. Army Reserves, will officially retire from that role during a ceremony in Virginia on Saturday, April 29. Photo: Robert Abruzzese/Eagle.

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CITYWIDE — Lieutenant Colonel Michael Farkas, a prominent figure in the legal world with a diverse and distinguished career, is set to retire from the Army Reserves with an official Retirement Ceremony taking place on Saturday, April 29.

The ceremony, which will be presided over by Colonel Clinton Johnson, will be held at the MG Albert C. Lieber Reserve Center in Alexandria, Virginia, immediately before the 150th Legal Operations Detachment Change of Command Ceremony.

Farkas, a former New York City homicide prosecutor, former Wall Street litigator, and currently sitting U.S. military judge, has made significant contributions to the fields of criminal defense, securities regulatory enforcement proceedings, and FINRA securities arbitration. His involvement in various civilian and military organizations has cemented his reputation as a dedicated professional and leader in the legal community.

Starting his career in 1994 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Farkas rose through the ranks to become a Senior ADA and member of the prestigious Homicide Bureau. He successfully prosecuted numerous high-profile murder cases in New York City during his tenure.

In 2003, Farkas transitioned to the private sector, joining Citigroup as Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel. There, he represented Smith Barney, Citigroup’s retail brokerage unit, in hundreds of arbitration claims, securing an impressive success rate. Additionally, Farkas successfully defended the firm’s employees facing regulatory investigations.

Farkas’ military career includes several active duty tours in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served in Europe in support of America’s peacekeeping mission in the Balkans and was part of the first wave deployed to Guantanamo Bay in 2002, where he advised the command group on international law. In June 2020, Farkas was appointed as a Military Judge, presiding over Courts Martial in the U.S. Army’s First Judicial Circuit.

Throughout his private practice, Farkas has represented high-profile clients facing a wide range of allegations, from homicide and white-collar fraud to misdemeanor assault and weapons possession. He has also handled complex FINRA and SEC actions and select matters involving military service members.As a frequent contributor to televised media programs and news publications, Farkas has been an influential voice on legal matters, particularly those related to the detention and prosecution of terrorist combatants since 9/11. A graduate of Albany State University’s School of Criminal Justice and Brooklyn Law School, Michael Farkas is still a dedicated legal professional and an esteemed member of the Brooklyn community.