what does a military lawyer do

by Cale Bergnaum 7 min read

Some of the roles of the military lawyer include:

  • Advising military clients brought before the courts.
  • Handling the legal discipline of military personnel.
  • Drafting and preparing legal documents.
  • Creating and maintaining military handbooks.
  • Preparing a client for trial.
  • Advising commanders on international law, military law, and civilian law.
  • Acting as council for court-martial.

A military lawyer is the person to call when a service member or spouse faces legal action within military court proceedings. They can provide a defense or push back against the evidence mounted against their client. There are different laws and rules that military lawyers follow in contrast to civilian lawyers.Feb 13, 2021

Full Answer

How do I become a military lawyer?

If you are an active-duty military personnel, military reservists, or former military personnel with “veteran” status, a military law lawyer can help with your legal matters. Use FindLaw to hire a local military law attorney to help you with matters like court-martial proceedings under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and re-employment rights of reserve military personnel who …

How to become a military lawyer?

Military Legal Assistance and Civil Matters. Many civil legal matters can be handled by a military legal assistance attorney at no cost to servicemembers. Civil matters include landlord-tenant disputes, wills and trust, family law (including divorce, separation, custody, and child support), naturalization, consumer issues (including debt collection, consumer scams, identity theft), …

Should I become a military lawyer?

Sep 14, 2013 · 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...

What does a military lawyer do?

Each military branch of service has its own chief attorney called a Judge Advocate General. Those who serve under the Judge Advocate General are known simply as Judge Advocates. Serve as a Judge Advocate long enough and it’s possible to be promoted to become a judge with duties that include both courts-martial and courts of inquiry.

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Do military lawyers get deployed?

They are usually assigned to military bases for two years at a time, with possible deployments to other locations during that time. Family members can typically accompany the attorney to their assignments, but not on deployments, which can be for several months at a time.

What is a lawyer called in the military?

Judge Advocate Generals CorpMore and more, new lawyers are becoming JAG officers (aka Judge Advocate Generals Corp), working in all legal matters involving the military, which mirrors almost every aspect of civilian law. JAGs are in each of the five US military branches: army, navy, marines, coast guard, or air force.

What rank are military lawyers?

Beginning JAG corps salaries vary because each branch has different initial ranks for its JAGs. 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.

What does military law deal with?

Generally, in the United States, Military Law is a body of law that oversees the members of the armed forces. Essentially, the usage of military law on the members of the armed forces was a recognition that military individuals are subjected to different rules and expectations than ordinary civilian citizens.

Is there a military law school?

The Department of Defense does not have a law school; instead new officer candidates are offered the opportunity (similar to military doctors) to attend the participating college of their choice as part of a tuition program to cover the expense of law school in exchange for a military service commitment.

Will the military pay for 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.Sep 10, 2021

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.Dec 18, 2020

How do I become a JAG lawyer?

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...

What is the salary of JAG?

Indian Army JAG entry Salary 2022RankLevel(Pay in ₹)CaptainLevel 10 B61,300 – 1,93,900MajorLevel 1169,400 – 2,07,200Lieutenant ColonelLevel 12A1,21,200 – 2,12,400ColonelLevel 131,30,600 – 2,15,9003 more rows

Is military law more strict?

The military justice system is based on the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which applies to all branches. While the UCMJ is similar to civilian law, it is also more strict in several areas. The UCMJ contains everything from a list of crimes and offenses to rules for trials and sentencing.Aug 4, 2021

What is an example of military law?

Military discharges. Punishment prohibited as cruel and unusual. Delivery of offenders to civil authorities. Criminal matters specific to the military, such as insubordination toward a superior officer, conspiracy, absence without leave, malingering, desertion and other related legal offenses.

Who are subject to military law?

Persons Subject To Military LawPersons Subject To Military Law  All Officers and Soldiers in the active service ofAll Officers and Soldiers in the active service of the AFP.

How to join the JAG 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 Duty pending completion of law school. Upon graduation, students must take the first scheduled bar exam in any state, and must report LSAT scores of 150+. After passing the bar, students enter the Basic School--a six-month intensive basic training for the Marine Corps, then join JAG Corps members from the Navy at the Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island. Students are then assigned their first duty station. The second option for entering the Marine JAG Corps is through the OCC-Law program, which is open to licensed attorneys, who must have completed law school, passed a state bar, and earned a 150+ on the LSAT.

How long does it take to become a JAG?

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 Course then enter Active Duty for a required four years.

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.

Where is the ODS in the Navy?

Located in Newport, Rhode Island, ODS is specifically tailored to those entering ...

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.

Where is the ODS?

Located in Newport, Rhode Island, ODS is specifically tailored to those entering the Navy as officers. Once completed, candidates enter Naval Justice School, to learn the UCMJ and the specific types of law they'll likely have to practice. T.

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

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.

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.

Is there a charge for military legal assistance?

There is no charge for services provided by military legal assistance offices. All services provided by a military legal assistance lawyer are free to eligible personnel. If your legal problem involves costs or fees (for example, a filing fee to file a case with the court), you will probably have to pay these charges.

Can a military lawyer represent you in court?

For example, the military lawyer typically will not represent you in court. If you are in need of more help than the military legal assistance lawyer can provide you, he or she may be able to connect you to a non-military lawyer who can represent you pro bono (free) or for a fee.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

What do judges advocate?

Judge Advocates aren’t just tasked with knowing and understanding American law; they must learn and understand both the Uniform Code of Military Justice as well as (in many cases) Status Of Forces Agreement laws, as well as the laws of the host nation where they may be called upon to serve overseas.

Where is the JAG training?

Army troops entering the JAG Corps are directly commissioned and enter the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Training Course, including a six-week basic training for JAGs in Fort Benning, Georgia.

Where is Naval Justice School?

A good example of such a school is found in the Navy. The Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island “provides intensive instruction to officers in the fundamental principles of military justice, civil and administrative law, and procedure, with practical application of those principals,” according to the Navy JAG official site.

How long does it take to become an Air Force officer?

In all cases, a five-week Air Force Officer Training course is required.

What movies did Tom Cruise play in?

Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men, the Humphrey Bogart classic, The Caine Mutiny, and on television who can forget JAG or even NCIS to a far lesser extent. Some watch these films and programs and wonder what it would be like to serve as a lawyer in the Army, Navy, Air Force, etc. For those with qualifying degrees and who are willing to become ...

What is a JAG lawyer?

A JAG lawyer can be a defendant, prosecutor, judge, or advisor. Officers serving in the Judge Advocate General ( JAG) Corps are called judge advocates. A judge advocate is a commissioned officer who serves in the United States military as a JAG lawyer.

What is a JAG training?

JAG training introduces trainees to a particular branch of the armed services and to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The forum where a judge advocate prosecutes a criminal case or defends military personnel in a criminal matter is called a court-martial. A court-martial is where criminal cases for the armed forces are tried.

What Is the Difference between a Traditional Will and a Military Will?

Soldiers and sailors have long been exempt from the above stringent requirements of a traditional will. Because a sailor or soldier is in close proximity to extremely dangerous conditions, it is seen as appropriate that they can change their will as they see fit to accommodate their dangerous occupation.

Do I Need an Attorney?

If you are having a dispute over or the estate of a soldier or sailor or are contesting a will, and think that a military will is an issue, it is recommended that you contact a wills and trusts or estate lawyer . Only an attorney near you will be able to adequately explain the issues and help defend your rights.

What does a lawyer do?

Lawyers provide advice and recommendations to clients regarding their legal rights and obligations. Also known as an attorney, a lawyer represents individuals and businesses during legal proceedings and disputes. Lawyers' clients may include individuals, groups, or businesses. Lawyer work includes researching applicable laws ...

What do lawyers do in court?

On a day-to-day basis, lawyers typically meet with clients, conduct legal research, and prepare and file court documents. Attorneys may also appear in court to select jury members and argue cases for their clients.

What does a personal injury lawyer do?

A personal injury lawyer works with people who have been harmed and believe that the injury was due to negligence or that someone, such as an employer, is shirking their responsibility to pay.

What are the core courses in law school?

Core courses include torts, civil procedure, contracts, and criminal law. Later in their studies, students can take electives in the areas in which they hope to specialize. After completing law school, most states require that lawyers pass a bar exam and undergo an assessment of their character.

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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 lawye…
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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…
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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…
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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 likewise enter Officer Trai…
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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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