what is it like to be a navy lawyer

by Kristofer Wyman 3 min read

"The Navy JAG Corps is the most exciting, rewarding, challenging, and fulfilling opportunity a young attorney can have straight out of law school and throughout their career. As Naval officers and judge advocates, we practice law throughout the world in an environment that is unlike any other.

Full Answer

How long does it take to become a lawyer in the Navy?

Aug 13, 2020 · It’s the duty of a Navy Legalman to help keep the legal processes that play out for Navy personnel proceeding smoothly. Navy Legalman in the civilian world would be considered to be paralegals or legal assistants. These important members of the Navy JAG (Judge Advocate General) Corps support all the legal activities that take place regarding Navy personnel and …

What is it like to be a Navy Legalman?

Feb 06, 2019 · After commissioning, they must attend the 4-5 week long Direct Commission Officer course in New London, Connecticut, before attending a ten-week Basic Lawyer Class at the Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island. The first assignment of a four year of active duty commitment then begins.

How do you become a Judge Advocate in the Navy?

Oct 24, 2019 · Legalman's ASVAB Test requirement. About 500 men and women work in the Navy's Legalman rating. Personnel in the Legalman rating are paid allowances (BAH, BAS, etc. if eligible) and billet pay (sea pay, flight pay, submarine pay, etc. if eligible), and basic pay based on years of military service and paygrade.

What subjects do you learn in law school in the Navy?

Ostensibly, it's supposed to be taken regularly in conjunction with safe sex practices, such as condom use. In reality, we use it to rawdog across town. I work for Congress, and we recently had a constituent from our home state reach out for assistance. He was rejected by the Air Force as he is currently taking PrEP.

image

Do Navy lawyers get deployed?

Navy JAG Corps officers continue to support land‐based overseas contingency operations throughout the world. Navy judge advocates typically deploy from six months to one year in these critical positions.Oct 10, 2020

What does a lawyer in the Navy do?

We provide the legal expertise necessary to conduct military operations worldwide. We also support the Navy as a whole by providing legal advice for programs such as recruiting, training, and organization. The American people expect the highest standards of personal and professional conduct from their armed forces.

How hard is it to get into Navy JAG?

Depending on the service branch, the acceptance rate for JAG Corps applicants is typically between 4-7%.May 9, 2017

What is it like being a Navy JAG?

Live life to the fullest - The Navy promotes a culture where family, friends, leisure, fitness, and work are all part of an officer's life and well-being. Take time - With the Navy JAG Corps you will work hard but with 30 days of paid vacation a year, you are encouraged to make time for yourself.

What is a Navy lawyer called?

Judge Advocate General's Corps
The Judge Advocate General's Corps, also known as the "JAG Corps" or "JAG", is the legal arm of the United States Navy.
...
United States Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps.
Judge Advocate General's Corps
CountryUnited States of America
BranchUnited States Navy
TypeMilitary justice (Navy)
RoleLegal and policy advice to the Secretary of the Navy
9 more rows

Is Jag a good career?

Conclusion. JAG is an absolute correct way to fulfil one's dream. The officers always have a fixed timeline and working hours which helps them in achieving the attributes from the profession.

Will the Marines pay for law school?

WILL THE MARINE CORPS PAY FOR LAW SCHOOL? Although programs do exist whereby active duty Marine officers are ordered to attend law school, drawing full pay and allowances while tuition is paid by the Marine Corps, no similar program is available to officers who enter the Marine Corps via the OCC(LAW) or PLC(LAW).

Do JAG officers do PT?

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.

What are the physical requirements for the Navy?

The minimum requirements are:
  • 500-yard swim: The maximum time allowed is 13 minutes.
  • Push-ups: You must complete at least 50 push-ups in two minutes.
  • Sit-ups: You must complete at least 50 sit-ups in two minutes.
  • Pull-ups: You must complete at least six pull-ups without touching the ground or letting go of the bar.
Mar 3, 2021

Will the Navy send me to law school?

The Law Education Program (LEP) gives active-duty Navy officers the opportunity to enter law school, earn the degree of Juris Doctor, and subsequently serve as a career Navy judge advocate. This is a selective program typically accepting only four Navy officers each year.

Do military 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.Nov 7, 2014

Will the military pay for law school?

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-commissioned Officers every year.Sep 10, 2021

US Navy Legalman Requirements and Qualifications

This is not an enlisted position that someone can enter into the Navy in. It’s a cross-train only Navy specialty which requires the following in order to be considered for this Navy career:

Training and Career Path to Become a Navy Legalman

This is the required training in order for an enlisted member to be able to perform the duties of a Navy Legalman.

How Much Are US Navy Legalman Paid?

All military enlisted pay is determined by combining rank and time in service.

US Navy Legalman Civilian Career Opportunities

This is one of the better jobs in the Navy to prepare you for civilian employment.

References

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally vetted. Learn more.

Where is the ODS in the Navy?

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

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.

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.

What does a military lawyer do?

They prepare vouchers for payment of claims and witness fees. They conduct advanced legal research and compile statistics for submission of required reports. They provide routine advice to commanders on military justice and administrative measures. They respond to complaints and conduct client and witness interviews.

How many hours does a Naval Justice School legalman take?

Upon successful completion of the basic course at the Naval Justice School, a Legalman receives 10 semester hours of American Bar Association-approved classes toward a degree in paralegal studies. The classes include: Ethics; Introduction to Law; Emerging Technology in the Law Office; and Legal Research and Writing.

What is a legalman?

Legalmen (LN) perform paralegal duties under the direction and supervision of Judge Advocates in providing and administering legal services, including matters concerned with military justice, administrative discharges, claims, admiralty law, and legal assistance. They record and transcribe proceedings of courts martial, courts of inquiry, ...

What is the job of a paralegal?

As Paralegals, Legalmen work under the direct supervision of an attorney, or independently, to investigate the facts of cases and ensure that all relevant information is considered. They identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases.

What do legal clerks do?

As Law Office Clerks, Legalmen work under the supervision of attorneys and paralegals to prepare and process legal documents and papers, such as tax forms, legal assistance documents, summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, pleadings, and pretrial agreements. They serve as court reporters and provide clerical support for the conduct of administrative investigations. They mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials. They receive and place telephone calls, schedule and make appointments, make photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter. They organize and maintain law libraries and document and case files, and assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records. They also attend legal meetings, such as client interviews, hearings or depositions, take notes, draft and type office memos, review legal publications, and perform data base searches to identify laws and court decisions relevant to pending cases.

What is Navy exercise?

In the Navy, exercise-related activities can happen anywhere, from a state-of-the-art gym, to an open field, to the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. Workouts can encompass everything from muscular fitness training, to agility fitness training, weight lifting and cardiovascular conditioning.

What are the activities of the Navy?

Workouts can encompass everything from muscular fitness training, to agility fitness training, weight lifting and cardiovascular conditioning.

How many bedrooms are there in the Navy?

Most utilities are already paid. Navy housing on base often includes three or four bedrooms, boasting amenities such as garages, porches and spacious yards.

What is a berthing area on a submarine?

The berthing area allows you an area for storage and an assigned rack for sleeping. The cooks in the kitchen (galleys) constantly prepare food for the servicemembers onboard.

Do ships have ATMs?

Many vessels have ATMs, internet connectivity, and postal services so those aboard the ship can keep in contact with friends and family back home. The Navy enforces several personal care policies, including how you can dress when off duty and what kind of body art and piercings you can show.

Can you get a tattoo on your head?

A: No tattoos, body art or brands are allowed on your head, face or scalp. One tattoo is allowed on the base of your neck as long as it cannot be seen from the front, is below the hairline, and if it does not exceed one inch in any dimension. The same applies to tattoos behind the ear.

How is body composition determined?

Body composition is determined by height and weight measurements. These are evaluated according to established Navy standards, and in some cases, circumference measurements are also required. Standards and requirements for BCA vary by gender, age, height and weight (waivers are available under certain conditions).

image

Who Is Eligible

  • To be eligible for the Student Program (SP) with the Navy JAG Corps, you must: 1. be a United States citizen of good moral character; 2. be younger than 42 years of age at the time you begin active duty; 3. have taken the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or GRE; 4. be a law student with at least one year of school completed, attending an American B...
See more on jag.navy.mil

How It Works

  • Becoming a judge advocate is a two phase process. The first phase is to apply for a Professional Recommendation to become a judge advocate. If you are Professionally Recommended you then apply for a commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Once accepted into the program, SP participants continue law school until graduation and take the first bar examination after law sc…
See more on jag.navy.mil

Application Deadlines

  • Submission deadline for all application materials AND the completion of your structured interview is October 1, 2021. Structured Interviews must be requested by September 16, 2021. Make sure to read the application guide and checklist linked above before submitting your application. If you have questions, please visit FAQ/Contact. Back to Topics
See more on jag.navy.mil

Application Process

  • Student Program applicants can apply to both the Fall and Spring accession boards, as both a 2L and a 3L—there is no limit on how often you can apply. Application materials are not kept after selection decisions are final, so if you want to be reconsidered, you must reapply. Submitting an application doesn't mean you joined the Navy. Applicants are under no obligation whatsoever un…
See more on jag.navy.mil

Selection Board Process

  • Once applications are received, the accessions office completes a full review of all applications for completeness and ensures each applicant is eligible. The completed packages of all eligible applicants are then reviewed by a board of senior active duty judge advocates. The board typically takes place 4-6 weeks after the application deadline. The final selection of professionally recom…
See more on jag.navy.mil

Commissioning

  • Phase Two: U.S. Navy Commissioning Screening If your application is selected, you will be considered Professionally Recommended for a commission and begin Phase Two. In Phase Two, the final screening and commissioning of applicants is conducted by Navy Recruiting Command. During this phase the following will occur: Back to Topics
See more on jag.navy.mil

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