how to be a jag lawyer

by Jasmin Kerluke 10 min read

Is a JAG a real attorney?

May 28, 2011 · Register and apply to the state bar. You must be at least 18 years of age when you apply to the state bar. While bar entrance generally accepts permanent "green-carded" residents, the JAG Corps requires that you be a citizen of... Demonstrate good moral character and fitness. This requirement is ...

What are the duties of a JAG lawyer?

Sep 10, 2021 · JAG Requirements and Next Steps. Have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or plan to. Belong to the bar of your state’s highest court or plan to. Be between 21 and 42 years old. Be eligible for a secret security clearance.

How hard is it to become a JAG?

There are two basic ways to become a judge advocate (military speak for “military lawyer”). The hard way is to go to one of the service academies, do ROTC in college, or join your service of choice and get selected to Officer Candidate School (Army/Navy/Marines/Coast Guard)/Officer Training School (Air Force) and earn a commission.

How long do you have to go to school to become a lawyer?

BECOMING A JAG. As a member of this elite group of law professionals, you’ll provide a full range of legal services to the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, Airmen, and Guardians. You’ll also enter a world of opportunity—one where you can take on immediate responsibility, continue your education in a number of legal specialties and gain experience working around the globe …

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What training do Army lawyers need to complete?

As a Judge Advocate, you won't participate in the Basic Training that enlisted Soldiers complete. Instead, you'll attend the Direct Commission Cour...

Do military lawyers have to pass a fitness test?

Yes, you must meet Army height and weight standards, as well as pass the Army fitness test.

What happens after JAG Officer training?

After completing the Judge Advocate Basic Training Course, JAG Officers report to one of the Army’s worldwide law offices and immediately begin pra...

How do I get into the JAG Corps if I’ve already attended law school and am not in the Army?

There are two things you’ll need to do as part of the JAG Corps application process: submit an application and interview with a Judge Advocate who...

Will the JAG Corps pay for my 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-commission...

Join a Firm Unlike Any Other

The U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, or JAG Corps, is a government law organization and one of the country’s largest law firms.

The Army Lawyer Advantage

As an Army lawyer in the JAG Corps, you’ll gain experience that you wouldn’t get at a traditional law firm.

Areas of Legal Practice

From offering legal assistance to Soldiers, to representing the United States government in civil cases, the work you do in the Army JAG Corps can change lives—and even history.

Represent and Advise Soldiers and Commanders

Get the chance to serve as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, government or defense appellate counsel, or as a military judge. You’ll be responsible for prosecuting courts-martial or representing Soldiers accused of committing a crime.

Represent and Advise on Behalf of the Army

You’ll be working with the Department of Justice to represent the U.S. Government in civil cases. You’ll also be responsible for negotiating settlements and arguing cases before administrative judges and federal courts.

Serve Your Country Part-Time

You can keep your job at a civilian law firm and serve part-time through the Army Reserve or Army National Guard.

JAG Summer Law Internship Program

Step into the role of an Army attorney and work on real cases at JAG Corps offices worldwide through the Summer Law Internship Program, a competitive 60-day internship open to qualified second-year law students.

2. Benefits and Considerations About Becoming a Military Attorney

The initial JAG training can also be difficult for attorneys with families. Training begins with approximately six weeks of officer training focused on (4) …

6. How do I become a JAG lawyer? – Quora

Graduate an Accredited Law School, pass the BAR, visit your local Officer Accessions Recruiter for the service you want to join. If they have vacancies and you 3 answers · 0 votes: A2A

9. Military Law: Becoming a Judge Advocate General (JAG)

After completing law school, gaining bar admission, and successful completion of the Navy Officer Development School, participants are appointed as active-duty (27) …

Who is Alison Monahan?

Alison Monahan wrote about legal careers for The Balance Careers. She is a lawyer and founder of The Girl's Guide to Law School. The Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG Corps), which encompasses the career path for military lawyers, has been popularized by the television show JAG, the film A Few Good Men, and a host of other pop cultural ...

What is the JAG Corps?

Alison Monahan. Updated February 06, 2019. The Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG Corps), which encompasses the career path for military lawyers, has been popularized by the television show JAG, the film A Few Good Men, and a host of other pop cultural touchstones. If you're looking to serve your country as a lawyer, consider the JAG Corps.

What is a JAG?

The JAG Corps is the legal branch of the military, concerned with military justice and military law. The chief attorney in each branch is the Judge Advocate General, and those under him or her are considered to be Judge Advocates. These individuals both defend and prosecute military personnel, using the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

What is the UCMJ?

The UCMJ is a detailed body of law that has governed the U.S. armed forces since 1951. The UCMJ was modestly updated in 2008, to incorporate changes made by the President (via executive orders) and to include the National Defense Authorization Acts of 2006 and 2007. The UCMJ differs from traditional law, in that the military uses it to enforce itself, as if it were its own jurisdiction.

When was the UCMJ updated?

The UCMJ is a detailed body of law that has governed the U.S. armed forces since 1951. The UCMJ was modestly updated in 2008, to incorporate changes made by the President (via executive orders) and to include the National Defense Authorization Acts of 2006 and 2007.

How long is the JAG training?

The first is the Direct Commissioned Course (DCC) Phase--a six-week basic training for JAGs in Fort Benning, Georgia.

Where is the DCC in Virginia?

The first is the Direct Commissioned Course (DCC) Phase--a six-week basic training for JAGs in Fort Benning, Georgia. The second is the Charlottesville Phase, which is a 10.5-week officer’s course at the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, at the University of Virginia. Those who complete the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Training ...

BECOMING A JAG

As a member of this elite group of law professionals, you’ll provide a full range of legal services to the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, Airmen, and Guardians.

JAG BENEFITS

The student loan repayment program will repay up to $65,000 of your student loans over a three-year period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unless you grew up in a JAG or Air Force family, it’s likely you have many questions about the program and life in the Air Force. A lot of those questions are answered here, but please feel free to contact us at 1-800-JAG-USAF or airforcejagrecruiting@gmail.com with any specific inquiries.

What is a JAG degree?

As part of the culture of learning that the Navy JAG Corps fosters, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a Master of Law (LL.M.) degree fully funded by the Navy in areas of study including military law, international law, national security law, cybersecurity law, environmental law and trial advocacy. You’ll also have access to benefits that include:

Can you be a JAG in the Navy Reserve?

The position of JAG Corps Officer in the Navy Reserve is open only to those with current or prior Active Duty experience. The Student Program is the most common way to become a Navy JAG. To qualify for Active Duty employment consideration in the Navy JAG Corps as a law student, you must meet these basic qualifications:

What is the Navy JAG Corps?

The Navy JAG Corps provides legal support for the fleet and enables the Navy mission throughout the world, both ashore and at sea. The JAG Corps is ideal for lawyers looking to gain hands-on legal experience in many different areas of law including:

How much is the Navy JAG Corps retention bonus?

Retention Bonuses: Navy JAG Corps Officers are currently eligible for a total of $60,000 in retention bonuses paid over three installments at different career milestones that Officers can use to pay off their student debt.

What is the degree of an officer?

Officer. Officers have four year degrees and are trained in one of dozens of specialties [including aviation, ships, submarines, and support] and lead and manage Sailors. Enlisted. Sailors serve in one of over 100 occupational specialties and require a high school diploma or GED. Officer.

What degree do you need to be a sailor?

Sailors serve in one of over 100 occupational specialties and require a high school diploma or GED. Officers have four year degrees and are trained in one of dozens of specialties [including aviation, ships, submarines, and support] and lead and manage Sailors.

What is a JAG attorney?

A JAG attorney is a commissioned officer who works on legal matters involving the military. As with all military occupations, pay is accorded by rank and number of years of military service, although bonuses and incentives may be awarded. All military officers must undertake officer basic training.

What degree do you need to become a JAG?

JAG Education and Training Requirements. JAG lawyers need a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Law school typically requires three years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree.

What is a JAG in the military?

The Judge Advocate Generals Corp (JAG) exists in each of the five branches of the U.S. military: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. A JAG attorney is a commissioned officer who works on legal matters involving the military.

What is the difference between a civilian and a JAG lawyer?

The primary difference is that military attorneys work exclusively with military personnel. JAG lawyers represent their clients in both criminal and civil matters , including court-martial, military review, Military Court of Inquiry and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

Do JAG lawyers have bootcamp?

Military officers, including JAG lawyers, do not undertake the same bootcamp-style basic training as enlistees, but they must complete an officer basic course that teaches military protocols and includes physical fitness training.

How long is the Army JAG training?

The Army, for example, offers its basic course, the Direct Commissioned Course, at Fort Benning, Georgia, and a 10-week Army JAG training in Charlottesville, Virgina.

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What Is The Jag Corps?

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The JAG Corps is the legal branch of the military, concerned with military justice and military law. The chief attorney in each branch is the Judge Advocate General, and those under him or her are considered to be Judge Advocates. These individuals both defend and prosecute military personnel, using the Uniform Cod…
See more on thebalancecareers.com

The UCMJ

  • The UCMJ is a detailed body of law that has governed the U.S. armed forces since 1951. The UCMJ was modestly updated in 2008, to incorporate changes made by the President (via executive orders) and to include the National Defense Authorization Acts of 2006 and 2007. The UCMJ differs from traditional law, in that the military uses it to enforce itself, as if it were its ow…
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How Does One Join The Jag Corps?

  • There are two main paths lawyers may take to join the JAG Corps. The first is for law students to apply to the JAG Corps upon completion of law school. Applicants must have passed the bar exam, and must be prepared to enter Officer Training. The second path is for licensed and experienced attorneys to join the armed forces. Such candidates must lik...
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Army

  • Entry into the Army JAG Corps (founded by George Washington in 1775) occurs through Direct Commission. Commissioned individuals enter the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Training Course, which is split into two phases. The first is the Direct Commissioned Course (DCC) Phase--a six-week basic training for JAGs in Fort Benning, Georgia. The second is the Charlottesville Phase, …
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Navy

  • To become an officer in the JAG Corpsin the Navy, this branch of the military must offer hopefuls a commission, after which time they enter Officer Development School (ODS), where they receive the rank of Ensign, and their active duty pay and benefits begin. Located in Newport, Rhode Island, ODS is specifically tailored to those entering the Navy as officers. Once completed, candidates e…
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Air Force

  • The Air Force has four different entry programs into the JAG Corp. The first is the student option, where candidates apply as either a 1L or 2L, and commit to completing Active Duty as a member of the JAG Corps after graduating law school and passing the bar. The second program entails licensed attorneys directly entering the JAG Corps. The third option is for Active Duty military m…
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Marine Corps

  • There are two ways to enter the JAG Corps as a Marine. The first is the PCL-Law program--the Marine Corps equivalent to the student entry program. Students complete the ten-week Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, either during the summer before law school, or the 1L or 2L summer. Candidates then receive the rank of Second Lieutenant and are placed on Inactive D…
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Coast Guard

  • Unlike the other military branches, there is only one way to enter the Coast Guard JAG Corps—as a Direct Commission Lawyer (DCL). Final year law students and licensed attorneys may enter the Coast Guard this way. After commissioning, they must attend the 4-5 week long Direct Commission Officer course in New London, Connecticut, before attending a ten-week Basic Law…
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Apply

  • If selected, you are recommended for a commission with the U.S. Navy. You will have time to decide if you wish to join and move forward with a JAG Corps program. If you accept the commission, you will sign an “Oath and Acceptance of Office.” 1. If you were selected under the Student Program, you will be commissioned as an Ensign in the inactive Navy Reserves (non-pai…
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Officer Development School

  • Before becoming a Navy judge advocate, you must become an officer first. You will not undergo basic training in the traditional sense, but will attend Officer Development School(ODS) in Newport, RI. 1. ODS is a five-week course of instruction designed to acquaint newly commissioned staff corps officers with the customs and traditions of the naval s...
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Naval Justice School

  • The Naval Justice School(NJS) in Newport, RI provides intensive instruction to officers in the fundamental principles of military justice, civil and administrative law, and procedure, with practical application of those principals. 1. NJS students attend the Basic Lawyer Course and, upon successful completion of this course, become certified as Navy judge advocates. The cour…
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First Tour Judge Advocate Program

  • Throughout your first two years as a Navy judge advocate, you will rotate between the three major areas of services: legal assistance, command services, and military justice.
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