how much does a jag lawyer earn

by Ms. Hilda Considine 10 min read

Full Answer

How much does a JAG attorney make in the Army?

The average salary for an Army JAG Attorney is $107,278 per year in United States, which is 0% higher than the average US Army salary of $106,558 per year for this job. What is the salary trajectory of an Army JAG Attorney?

What does a JAG lawyer do?

A Jag practices law in a Military court including court-martial, military review, Military Court of Inquiry. A Jag will go through the same educational process of a civilian lawyer. Military attorneys will need to know general law as well as military law.

How do I become a JAG lawyer?

Except for the Coast Guard, all JAG Corps lawyers have opportunities to practice law at international duty stations. All branches require military lawyers to be at least third-year law students to apply for positions in the JAG Corps.

What is the JAG Department?

The Judge Advocate General Department, commonly known as JAG, consists of legally qualified Army officers who have knowledge of military law and provide legal help to the military in all aspects.

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Do JAGs make good money?

The average Army Jag Officer in the US makes $57,121. Army Jag Officers make the most in San Francisco, CA at $86,173, averaging total compensation 51% greater than the US average.

How much do Air Force JAG lawyers make?

The salaries of Air Force Jags in the US range from $10,085 to $237,745 , with a median salary of $42,868 . The middle 57% of Air Force Jags makes between $42,868 and $107,389, with the top 86% making $237,745.

How much money does a Navy JAG make?

Active duty judge advocate pay currently starts at between $55,000 and $75,000 per year as a lieutenant junior grade (O‐2) and between $65,000 and $95,000 per year as a lieutenant (O‐3), depending on when the officer accepts a commission and where they are stationed.

Is being a JAG worth it?

By becoming a JAG, you are guaranteed a career that has rotating assignments by location and practice area, exposing you to the world and the law in ways you could have never imagined. It provides unrivaled practical and hands-on experience to springboard your career.

What rank do JAG officers start at?

New Army Judge Advocates enter service as First Lieutenants (O-2) and are promoted to Captain (O-3) six to nine months later. Officers receive a raise in basic pay upon promotion to Captain and receive automatic pay increases after serving 2, 3, and 4 years.

Do JAGs see combat?

Yes, JAGs do get deployed to areas all over the world. JAGs serve as legal advisers to military commanders and have many responsibilities, including providing legal opinions on whether military actions comply with the laws of armed conflict to prosecuting or defending service members in courts martial.

What rank is a lawyer in the Army?

Coast Guard lawyers start at the highest rank, O-3. Marine, Air Force and Navy military lawyers start at the rank of O-2, and Army lawyers start at the rank of O-1.

How long do JAG officers serve?

four yearsJAG attorneys are required to serve at least four years on active duty and usually four more years on inactive status afterward. The freedom to change jobs, take vacations, and many more aspects of daily life are limited. JAG attorneys will likely not live in one location for long.

Does JAG pay law school loans?

The highly touted Air Force JAG Corps Student Loan Repayment Program pays eligible JAGs up to $65,000 toward student loan debt. Payments are made directly to a qualified lender over a three-year period, starting after completion of the first year of service as a JAG Officer.

Is it hard to get into JAG?

Depending on the service branch, the acceptance rate for JAG Corps applicants is typically between 4-7%. The Army, for instance, receives about 4000 applications every year and only accepts around 200.

Will the military pay for me to go to law school?

Yes, through the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP), the Army covers the cost of law school for up to 25 active-duty Officers and non-commissioned Officers every year.

How do I get into JAG?

In order to become a JAG officer, you'll need to meet the following requirements:Graduate from an ABA-approved law school (you may apply in your third year of law school)Be admitted to the bar and serve in the National Guard of the same state.Be mentally and physically fit.Be of good moral standing and character.More items...

How much does a Army JAG Attorney at US Army make?

The typical US Army Army JAG Attorney salary is $76,535. Army JAG Attorney salaries at US Army can range from $13,488 - $434,289. This estimate is...

How does the salary as an Army JAG Attorney at US Army compare with the base salary range for this j...

The average salary for an Army JAG Attorney is $96,548 per year in United States, which is 26% higher than the average US Army salary of $76,535 pe...

What is the salary trajectory of an Army JAG Attorney?

The salary trajectory of an Army JAG Attorney ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at $76,948 per year and goes up to $79,942...

How much does an Army JAG Attorney in United States make?

The national average salary for an Army JAG Attorney is $107,278 per year in United States. Filter by location to see an Army JAG Attorney salaries...

What is the highest salary for an Army JAG Attorney in United States?

The highest salary for an Army JAG Attorney in United States is $159,581 per year.

What is the lowest salary for an Army JAG Attorney in United States?

The lowest salary for an Army JAG Attorney in United States is $72,117 per year.

What is the an Army JAG Attorney career path and salary trajectory?

If you are thinking of becoming an Army JAG Attorney or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and sal...

How much does a JAG make?

The highest starting salary is earned by Army JAG officers, with a yearly salary of $44,000 per year at the rank of captain. Most Army advocates stay at the level of captain through out their careers. The salary for this rank caps at $72,000 per year after 14 years of service.

What are the benefits of being a JAG?

Benefits. JAG officers are entitled to a long list of benefits. Free health and dental insurance, life insurance, and excellent retirement packages are all made available to JAG attorneys. In addition, numerous military related perks, such as commissary access and reduced price travel also contribute to the value of a military lawyer's salary.

How much does a lawyer make in 2011?

In 2011, the average salary of a private practice attorney was $113,310, ranging from $54,000 at the low end to $187,000 at the high end. By comparison, the average salary of a JAG officer is $65,000 per year. While military lawyers appear to earn substantially less than their civilian counterparts, the totality of the military salary, allowances and benefit package still make this a viable choice of careers.

How much does a military officer make in a year?

The salary for this rank caps at $72,000 per year after 14 years of service. All other branches typically start at about $40,000 per year and in all branches, rank and salaries increase with years of continued service.

What is the military's legal team called?

When the military needs to handle internal legal matters, it turns to a a group of specially trained lawyers, called the Judge Advocate General's Corps. Each service branch has its own attorneys, who cover such practice areas as environmental law, criminal matters and international law.

What does a JAG lawyer do?

Except for the Coast Guard, all JAG Corps lawyers have opportunities to practice law at international duty stations.

What are the benefits of being a military lawyer?

Military lawyers receive substantial benefits and perks that make this career attractive. Free housing, meals , health care and travel are the most common military benefits. The JAG Corps also offers free advanced legal education to its officers who want to pursue the Master of Laws degree. Educational benefits for dependents, temporary duty travel ...

What is the job of a lawyer in the military?

All five branches of the U.S. military employ lawyers who serve on active duty as members of the military's Judge Advocate General Corps. Every member of this corps is a commissioned officer with a salary that depends on rank and time in service. Beginning JAG corps salaries vary because each branch has different initial ranks for its JAGs.

Why are military jobs good?

Job opportunities in all branches of the military are good. Because active-duty service is voluntary, the military recruits constantly to maintain the readiness and strength of the armed forces. New opportunities arise as commissioned JAG officers advance through the ranks or retire from service.

What is a military lawyer?

Military lawyers practice in a wide range of legal areas as prosecutors and defenders. In some cases, they represent the United States government, and in others, they represent members of the armed services. Some JAGs specialize in military law, but others provide legal advice to service personnel about real estate, contracts or family law.

How long does it take to get promoted to a higher rank?

Although some branches have lower starting salaries, promotion to a higher rank generally happens between six months to a year.

Do you have to be a law student to be a JAG?

All branches require military lawyers to be at least third-year law students to apply for positions in the JAG Corps. To serve on active duty, you must graduate from law school and pass the bar in any state or the District of Columbia. Every branch also requires its lawyers to attend Officer Candidate School or Officer Training School for the Air Force. After graduation from OCS or OTS, military lawyers complete advanced JAG training programs required by each branch.

How much do lawyers make?

Lawyers made a median salary of $122,960 in 2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $186,350 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $80,950.

Which state pays the most lawyers?

Best-Paying States for Lawyers. The states and districts that pay Lawyers the highest mean salary are District of Columbia ($192,180), California ($173,970), New York ($168,780), Massachusetts ($164,800), and Illinois ($157,010).

What is the job of assistant city attorney?

Assistant City Attorney PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION: Provides legal advice and representation; drafts and administers a variety of contracts for which the City is a party; conducts significant and ...

How much does a Jag Officer make?

As of Dec 17, 2021, the average annual pay for a Jag Officer in the United States is $60,762 a year.

What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Jag Officer Jobs

We’ve identified 10 cities where the typical salary for a Jag Officer job is above the national average. Topping the list is San Mateo, CA, with Richmond, CA and Stamford, CT close behind in the second and third positions.

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Awful PTO, micro management and toxic environment

This was an awful employer that I would not recommend. Aside from open discrimination and an overall toxic work environment, the PTO benefits for the first three years is pathetic.

How much should you be earning?

Tell us about you and get an estimated calculation of how much you should be earning and insight into your career options.

How much does an Attorney make at U.S. Air Force in the United States?

Average U.S. Air Force Attorney yearly pay in the United States is approximately $125,363, which is 36% above the national average.

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Income

  • The Navy JAG Corps offers active-duty judge advocates a competitive starting salary. The total compensation includes basic pay and certain non-taxable allowances, such as those for housing and subs...
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Health and Life Insurance

  1. Full medical and dental coveragein Navy or civilian facilities for the service member and his/her dependent family.
  2. $400,000 life insurancepolicy for $29/month.
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Education Financial Assistance

  1. School debt repayment: Under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, you may qualify for loan forgiveness and an income-driven repayment plan.
  2. Retention Bonuses: Navy JAG Corps officers are eligible for a total of $60,000 in retention bonuses paid over three installments at different career milestones (at approximately the four-year mark,...
  1. School debt repayment: Under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, you may qualify for loan forgiveness and an income-driven repayment plan.
  2. Retention Bonuses: Navy JAG Corps officers are eligible for a total of $60,000 in retention bonuses paid over three installments at different career milestones (at approximately the four-year mark,...
  3. Funded Graduate Education: Navy judge advocates have the opportunity for fully funded graduate education leading to award of a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree. Navy judge advocates have attended grad...
  4. GI Bill & Transferability: Transferability option under the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows service members to transfer all or some unused benefits to their spouse or dependent children.

Retirement

  1. 401k-like Thrift Savings Plan.Automatic 1% DoD contribution to the service member’s Thrift Savings Plan, and up to 4% Department of Defense matching contributions.
  2. Generous retirementincome after 20 years of service.
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Time Off

  1. 30 days paid vacation each year.
  2. 10 paid federal holidays per year.
  3. Sick leave for personal medical needs or care of family members and adoption.
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Life and Work Balance

  1. 12 weeks paid maternity leave for service members who give birth; 10 days parental leave for service members that adopt children or whose spouse has given birth.
  2. Subsidizedchild care, an exceptional family member program, and youth programs.
  3. Department of Defense schoolsin some geographic locations.
  4. Recreational discounts and services through Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)programs.
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Travel

  1. Foreign duty and travel opportunities through temporary or permanent assignments.
  2. Discounted travel.
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Moving Assistance

  • The Department of Defense will contract with a commercial mover for the movement of your household goods to your first permanent duty station. Both you and your family are reimbursed for travel exp...
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Additional Privileges

  1. Access to military exchanges(worldwide chain of tax-free “department stores”), which sell brand-name items at discounts.
  2. Access to military commissaries(tax-free grocery stores) that save military families approximately 25% on their food bills.
  3. Use of officers clubs around the world.
  1. Access to military exchanges(worldwide chain of tax-free “department stores”), which sell brand-name items at discounts.
  2. Access to military commissaries(tax-free grocery stores) that save military families approximately 25% on their food bills.
  3. Use of officers clubs around the world.
  4. VA Guaranteed Home Loan Program.