what military lawyer does

by Mr. Dustin Watsica 6 min read

The military attorney works exclusively with military personnel and may represent them in civil and criminal cases. Each Military lawyer may work within any branch of the Navy, Army, Marines, or Air force even though each branch has their own Judge Advocate Generals (also known as JAGs).

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.

Full Answer

How do you 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 are called …

Do you want to be a lawyer in the military?

Sep 09, 2020 · How much does a military defense lawyer cost? Most good firms require between $4,000 and $10,000 as an initial fee. A serious trial can cost more than $25,000 in legal services. Even a special court-martial or administrative hearing can cost more than $10,000.

What is the salary of a JAG 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 ...

How to become a JAG lawyer?

Our country’s military justice system is extremely unique. At JAG Defense, our military defense attorneys are retired and former military lawyers (JAGs) who have served in every facet of the military justice system and know it inside and out. While you will be provided with a free military JAG lawyer, it is often in your best interest to hire a civilian military lawyer.

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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 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.

Are lawyers needed in the military?

PURPOSE: The pursuit of justice is of utmost importance in the Military, and the rights of service members are held in the highest regard and are defended and supported by top legal minds.

How is military law different?

Civilian vs. This includes laws that affect our day-to-day life, such as not trespassing, paying one's taxes on time, driving the speed limit, etc. However, additional laws are added for military personnel, some of which apply whether they are on base or on leave. Conversely, military laws do not apply to civilians.Dec 19, 2021

What is an example of military law?

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.

Is there a military law school?

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. During summer breaks, FLEP officers attend on-the-job training at an active-duty JAG office.Aug 21, 2018

Can a lawyer join Army?

Judge Advocate General (JAG) is the answer to this. JAG is a special way for fresh law graduates to be a part of the Indian Army as a Lawyer. Short Service Commission in the Indian Army for the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Branch is being offered among unmarried male and unmarried female law graduates.

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

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 JAG lawyer?

At JAG Defense, our military defense attorneys are retired and former military lawyers (JAGs) who have served in every facet of the military justice system and know it inside and out. While you will be provided with a free military JAG lawyer, it is often in your best interest to hire a civilian military lawyer. If you are facing disciplinary action within the military, we encourage you to contact JAG Defense about how our military defense lawyers can help you.

Where is JAG Defense located?

Our practice is based out of Hampton Roads, Virginia and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, but our military attorneys travel Worldwide to provide highly experienced, attentive representation for our clients.

What is a JAG in the military?

The Judge Advocate General’s Corps, or JAG Corps , is the team of military lawyers who handle military law. Instead of using civilian lawyers, the military appoints lawyers who are members of the military. This is very different from civilian law, which involves public and private attorneys. Essentially, a military lawyer is a public lawyer.

How many jurors are there in a civil court?

In a civilian court, a jury is made up of 12 jurors. According to the Constitution, that jury must consist of peers. Lawyers choose from a pool of potential jurors to pick the 12 who will be part of the jury.

Can you appeal a military decision?

In either military or civilian law, you can appeal a decision. However, the process differs. All military appeals go up a specifi ed chain of command. Every branch of the military has their own appeals courts that handle the situation. On the other hand, civilian appeals go through appeals courts and eventually may go to the circuit and federal courts.

Can a military member be a JAG?

Not just any military service member can be a member of the JAG Corps ; they need to be legal attorneys. In addition to those credentials, they also need to undergo special training in handling military law. JAG training is a way for lawyers to learn how to defend their clients in court martials. It prepares them for some of the differences between civilian and military law.

Does the military court have the same code as the civilian court?

The military court does not have the same code as the civilian court. They use the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The UCMJ is a guide to the process of military law. All cases in the military follow the UCMJ. It describes the court martial process and governs the Marines, Navy, Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard.

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 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.

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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…
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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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