what armed force should i join for lawyer

by Edyth Lemke Sr. 5 min read

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.Feb 6, 2019

Full Answer

How can I join the military as a lawyer?

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.

What can a military legal assistance attorney not do?

There are also legal areas in which a military legal assistance attorney may NOT be able to help you, including: military Administrative issues such as fitness report rebuttals or Article 138 Complaints (This varies somewhat by branch.); legal matters concerning your privately owned business.

Can a law student work in a military office?

The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard all have summer clerk programs, during which law students and (sometimes) college students can work in legal offices. I wouldn't be surprised if the USMC does this too; I just don't know.

Is the Army a good place to go for Law School?

My sense has been that the Army has a real focus on officership. The Army also has excellent legal education programs at the Army JAG school. I worked years as an Army civilian attorney, and enjoyed every day of it.

image

What rank do lawyers start in the Army?

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

What is a lawyer in the military called?

Judge Advocate General's Corps, also known as JAG or JAG Corps, refers to the legal branch or specialty of a military concerned with military justice and military law. A military lawyer's job is similar to a civilian lawyer in their day-to-day duties.

Is military Good for law school?

Law schools greatly value applicants who are veterans. Many of the skills honed by military service contribute to success in both law school and legal practice, like self-discipline, teamwork, working under pressure and time management.

What can a lawyer do in the military?

Military lawyers handle a wide variety of legal issues including international law, operations law, environmental law, as well as military and civilian personnel issues. From trial preparation to post-trial actions, lawyers provide important legal counsel every step of the way.

Does Army Pay 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.

Is JAG Navy only?

The Judge Advocate General's Corps, also known as JAG or JAG Corps, is the military justice branch or specialty of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.

Will Air Force pay for law school?

Does the Air Force JAG Corps pay for law school? The Air Force JAG Corps currently does not offer scholarships to pay for law school. The Air Force, however, offers the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP) to officers and enlisted members on active duty.

Can a soldier become a lawyer?

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.

Can I join the military and go to law school?

And the Army is willing to pay the law school tuition, with the help of the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP). Officers selected for FLEP attend a civilian law school of their choice, for three years of legal studies, while remaining on active duty with full pay and benefits.

Do military lawyers get deployed?

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.

Does Navy JAG pay for law school?

‐ Funded Graduate Education: As part of the culture of learning that the Navy JAG Corps fosters, Navy judge advocates have the opportunity to earn a Master of Law (LL. M.) degree fully‐funded by the Navy.

Is it hard to become a JAG?

The initial JAG training can also be difficult for attorneys with families. Training begins with approximately six weeks of officer training focused on leadership skills and military tactics and then approximately ten weeks of JAG school (Marine JAG training is significantly more rigorous).

What are the requirements for a JAG?

As a member of the JAG Corps, you'll also get the opportunity to expand your legal knowledge and professional growth through educational opportunities, including the following: 1 Continuous legal education (CLE) 2 Masters of laws (military law) 3 Masters of laws (specialized) 4 Command and General Staff College 5 Special military training (including airborne, ranger and air assault schools)

What is a JAG in the army?

The JAG Corps offers the unique opportunity to serve your country as an officer in the Army while quickly developing your skills as a lawyer. As a JAG, your practice will include everything from military law and criminal prosecution to international law and legal assistance.

What is the oldest law firm in the US?

If you're a law school graduate with the goal of joining a prestigious law firm someday, then you should consider joining the ranks of the Judge Advocate General -- also known as the Army JAG Corps. Established in 1775 by George Washington, the JAG Corps is America's oldest law firm. Since its founding, the JAG Corps has grown ...

What is a masters of law?

Masters of laws (military law) Masters of laws (specialized ) Command and General Staff College. Special military training (including airborne, ranger and air assault schools) And along with increased opportunity comes increased responsibility. You won't be doing admin work for others. You'll be working cases.

How many years of college do I need to be a military officer?

In addition to deciding on a military service, if you have a four-year college bachelors degree (or above), you should decide whether you want to join that service as a commissioned officer, or whether you wish to join as an enlisted member. Commissioned officers make a lot more money than enlisted members.

Why do people join the military?

There are many reasons why people join the military. But joining because you cannot find anything else to do is typically not the best reason, though many of those who are uninterested in what the civilian jobs offer to find a home in the military as well .

What to do once you've decided what service you're interested in?

Once you've decided what service you're interested in, you may wish to make appointments and talk to the recruiters of all of the services that interest you. Do not go into the recruiter's office without an idea of what you are interested in pursuing as a job, and prepare yourself physically if challenging training is involved (SEALs, Rangers, RECON, Air Force PJ as an example).

How many hours a day do you have to be in the Marine Corps?

If you join the Marines, expect to eat, sleep, and breathe "The Corps," 24 hours per day, seven days per week. All Marines are considered "riflemen" first, plus whatever other MOS (job) they hold second. This is attributable to the high level of marksmanship training that all Marines receive.

How many jobs does the Coast Guard have?

On the downside, the Coast Guard only has 23 enlisted jobs to choose from, and you usually cannot get a "guaranteed job" at the time of enlistment.

How long can you stay away from home while in the military?

Expect to move often and be away from home six or more months at a time when deployed. If you like to smoke marijuana once in a while, don't join. The military uses random, no-notice urinalysis, and if you're found positive, you may very well go to jail (as well as being discharged).

What is the purpose of the Reserves and National Guard?

The primary purpose of the Reserves and National Guard is to provide a reserve force to supplement the active duty forces when needed.

What is the largest branch of the military?

Highlights: More flexible than the other branches while still offering a strong sense of military life. Commander: The Army Chief of Staff. The United States Army is the largest branch of our military with 471,000 active duty service members.

How many fighter jets does the Navy carry?

Naval aircraft carriers typically carry around 80 fighter jets and fighter-bombers and can be deployed to most any ocean in the world.

How long does the Air Force spend in Iraq?

However, no matter what position a member holds with the Air Force, they can typically expect to spend up to seven months of each year on deployment in countries across the globe, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Kosovo, and Saudi Arabia.

What are the three military departments?

Air Force and the modern-day Department of Defense, which consists of three military departments: the departments include the Navy, Army and Air Force. A president-appointed, civilian secretary heads the Department of Defense and each of the three departments within it.

Where do army soldiers travel?

Finally, Army members have the opportunity to travel to various regions and countries across the globe. Typically, Army combatants are sent to conflict zones, such as Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, Iran or Kosovo.

Is it possible to travel to the Navy?

Although travel is a reality in almost any branch of the U.S. military, it is perhaps the truest for members of the U.S. Navy. This makes it a great choice for prospective service members who are looking to see the world, as there are very few positions within the Navy that do not require substantial time away at sea.

What are the services of a lawyer?

Legal assistance attorneys can provide you legal advice and assistance in a number of legal areas, including: 1 Drafting wills 2 Drafting powers of attorney 3 Drafting advanced medical directives (living wills) 4 Reviewing contracts and leases 5 Notary services 6 Estate planning advice 7 Advice on family law matters, including custody 8 Tax assistance 9 Advice on credit and lending issues 10 Information on immigration and naturalization 11 Advice on the Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) 12 Advice on the Uniform Employment and Reemployment Rights Act 13 Advice on landlord-tenant disputes 14 Advice on minor traffic tickets 15 Help in preparing for small-claims court

How long is the National Guard on active duty?

Reservists who have been activated, are preparing to deploy or have recently returned from deployment, and members of the National Guard on active duty for thirty days or more, as well as their family members with DoD ID cards, are eligible for legal assistance.

What is the ABA military?

The ABA provides a resource to military legal assistance lawyers, the ABA Military Pro Bono Project, which helps military lawyers easily connect their clients to pro bono attorneys who provide representation for no fee. I am a military spouse.

What is legal assistance?

Legal assistance attorneys can provide you legal advice and assistance in a number of legal areas, including: Drafting wills. Drafting powers of attorney. Drafting advanced medical directives (living wills) Reviewing contracts and leases. Notary services. Estate planning advice.

Can a Marine get legal assistance?

For example, a Marine can obtain legal assistance from an Army JAG, just as a soldier can receive legal assistance from a Marine JAG.

Do you get legal assistance for active duty?

Yes. You are eligible for the same services provided to active personnel—subject to the availability of legal assistance attorneys. Active duty personnel, particularly those in the junior enlisted ranks and those preparing for deployment, have first priority.

Can a military attorney help you?

Yes. There are also legal areas in which a military legal assistance attorney may NOT be able to help you, including: claims against the government; military Administrative issues such as fitness report rebuttals or Article 138 Complaints (This varies somewhat by branch.); legal matters concerning your privately owned business.

Which branch of the military is the least understood?

The US Coast Guard is the one branch of the military that is probably the least understood. Coast Guard cutter at sea in rough conditions. Image: Wikimedia.org. While most people don’t realize it, it actually is a branch of the US Military.

How long is Army Basic Training?

Army recruits are issued gear in their training. Officially known as Basic Combat Training (BCT), it’s comprised of 3 phases and lasts 10 weeks.

What is the Air National Guard?

Air Force National Guard units are essentially the military reserve force, as well as the militia Air Force, of each state. Air National Guard members in Louisiana.

Is there a quiz to join the military?

Joining the military can be one of the biggest decisions of your life, and no quiz will give you the full insight you need to make an informed decision. The purpose of this article is to help you get a better understanding of what it’s like to serve in each branch of the armed forces.

Is the Navy a good base?

It is commonly understood that within the military that the Navy has the best base locations in the US Armed Forces. Although there are minor exceptions , every Navy base is on a coast. So, if you want to serve and the beach life calls to you, consider joining the Navy. An aircraft carrier gets resupplied at sea.

What does it mean to be a line officer in the Marines?

In the Coast Guard and the Marines, you are a Line Officer first--this means you may not be serving as a practicing lawyer on each of your assignments. You could actually wind up driving a ship or as an infantry officer. So, think about whether something like that appeals to you.

Can you serve as a JAG?

The other services (Army, Navy, Air Force) all centrally manage their JAGs as a Corps. This means Congress requires that you will never serve as something other than a JAG, unless The Judge Advocate General (TJAG) himself or herself specifically approves you to do that.

Does the Army have summer clerks?

The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard all have summer clerk programs, during which law students and (sometimes) college students can work in legal offices. I wouldn't be surprised if the USMC does this too; I just don't know. Many years ago I worked as a law clerk in several Coast Guard Headquarters legal offices.

image

What Is The Jag Corps?

Image
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…
See more on thebalancecareers.com

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 likewise enter Officer Trai…
See more on thebalancecareers.com

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, …
See more on thebalancecareers.com

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…
See more on thebalancecareers.com

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…
See more on thebalancecareers.com

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…
See more on thebalancecareers.com

Educational Requirements

  • To become a military lawyer, a candidate must complete an undergraduate degree, apply for and pass the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and complete law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law. Pick from the links below, depending on your education level that best describes your situation. 1. Pre-law Undergraduate 2. Online and Campus Law and Leg...
See more on lawyeredu.org

Role and Skills of A Military Lawyer

  • The role of a military attorney is as broad as that of a civilian attorney. They will participate in matters of both civil and criminal nature. One of the primary differences of a military court is the military tribunal that deals with enemies during wartime. Some of the roles of the military lawyer include: 1. Advising military clients brought before the courts. 2. Handling the legal discipline of …
See more on lawyeredu.org

Examples of Cases For Military Lawyers

  • The military court, while similar to civilian court, also differs. Therefore, the cases that a military lawyer participates in may be different. A few examples are: 1. Offenses-Military rules provide a variety of offenses that military personnel may be charged with. While many of the criminal offenses are similar to civilian courts such as murder and theft, the military oversees special off…
See more on lawyeredu.org

Military Lawyer Salary & Job Outlook

  • The job outlook of a military lawyer will vary. Each branch of the military may have different needs. For instance, the Marines are a small branch of the service and serve as part of the Navy. The Marines may not need as many legal personnel than the Army. Speaking with a recruiting officer may offer insight into the possibilities of a career as a lawyer in the military. The salary of a milit…
See more on lawyeredu.org

Military Versus Civilian Employment

Which Service Should I Join?

The Marines

The Army

The Navy

The Coast Guard

  • The Coast Guard has the advantage of having a real, "peacetime" mission, in active law enforcement, rescue, and ocean safety. On the downside, the Coast Guard only has 23 enlisted jobs to choose from, and you usually cannot get a "guaranteed job" at the time of enlistment. On the plus side, pretty much all of those jobs directly relate to the civil...
See more on thebalancecareers.com

The Air Force

The National Guard and Reserves

Enlisted Members Versus Commissioned Officers

The Bottom Line