who can use a jag lawyer

by Orin Hauck 10 min read

The U.S. Army Judge Advocate General

Judge Advocate General of the Navy

The Judge Advocate General of the Navy is the highest-ranking uniformed lawyer in the United States Department of the Navy. The Judge Advocate General is the principal advisor to the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations on legal matters pertaining to the Na…

’s Corps, or JAG Corps

Judge Advocate General's Corps

The Judge Advocate General's Corps is the branch or specialty of a military concerned with military justice and military law. Officers serving in a JAG Corps are typically called judge advocates. Only the chief attorney within each branch is referred to as the Judge Advocate General; however, individ…

, is a government law organization and one of the country’s largest law firms. It defends the Army and its Soldiers in all military legal matters It provides important legal advice to senior Army officials

Full Answer

Is a JAG a real attorney?

with total lawyer head count growing just 0.7%,” the report said. “Indeed, productivity was up 6.1% for the first nine months, making burnout a real issue for many firms where productivity was already high.” Seeking to retain and attract talent ...

What are the duties of a JAG lawyer?

  • Knowledge of military and civilian law
  • Current admission to the bar of a Federal Court or the highest court of a state
  • Designation by The Judge Advocate General as a judge advocate
  • Completion of eight-week Officer Training School
  • Must be between the ages of 18 and 40

How to become a JAG lawyer?

You can easily keep tabs on firm’s performance with visibility into the following key metrics:

  • Case Volume
  • Billable Tasks
  • Completed Tasks
  • Monthly Revenue
  • Revenue Per Employee

How can I become an Army JAG lawyer?

  • The Army offers a highly-competitive summer internship to second-year law students. ...
  • The Air Force offers the Graduate Law Program which combines military training with your legal studies. First year law students are eligible to apply.
  • Students interested in the Navy JAG program can apply to The Navy JAG Corps' Student Program. ...

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When can I use Jag?

JAGs can offer help in legal and non-legal matters like contract law, immigration law, divorce, wills, notary services, etc. Legal assistance staff are located on almost every base, ship and installation.

Can retired military use Jag?

Retired Army Reserve Soldiers who are in receipt of retired pay and their immediate Families and / or survivors may be eligible for free Legal Assistance. highest court of a State or Federal court.

Can dependents use Jag?

Like many confusing benefits rumors, there is some truth to what you heard — and some misinformation. The most important thing to know is that military spouses can get some legal assistance from the Judge Advocate General (JAG) even if their service member sought help there first.

Does Jag handle civilian cases?

Further, our military lawyers at JAG Defense focus exclusively on military and security clearance legal issues, clients, and cases. These are not just collateral practice areas for our firm – they are our ONLY practice areas. We do not accept any other types of cases.

Is Jag free for military?

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.

Is Jag and legal the same?

Judge advocates serve primarily as legal advisors to the command to which they are assigned. In this function, they can also serve as the personal legal advisor to their commander. They are charged with both the defense and prosecution of military law as provided in the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

What is the 10 10 10 rule in the military?

Here is a brief description of the “10/10 rule”: If the marriage lasted 10 years and the service member or former service member served at least 10 years in the military during that marriage, then the former spouse shall receive those pension benefits from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).

Can a JAG officer represent you civil matter?

The answer to this is: Sort of. Every military post has an on-base JAG assistance office that exists to aid service members and their spouses with both civilian and military legal matters. When it comes to military divorce, JAG officers can't help you file, but they can offer advice and counsel.

Can a civilian sue a military member?

Dependents, retirees, civilian employees, and unaffiliated civilians are eligible to sue. Think of the military as any big company — if that company is responsible for a wrong you have suffered, you are generally able to seek financial compensation.

Can a civilian be charged by a military tribunal?

A military tribunal or commission may still use the rules and procedures of a court-martial, although that is not generally the case. Military tribunals also, generally speaking, do not assert jurisdiction over people who are acknowledged to be civilians who are alleged to have broken civil or criminal laws.

Are JAG lawyers confidential?

Any electronic communication between you and JAG Defense will not be privileged or confidential; may be disclosed to other persons; and may not be secure. Therefore, you should not send any email to JAG Defense that contains confidential or sensitive information.

Can a lawyer get you out of the Army?

Discharges are presumed to be fair and legal, and the burden of proof is on the applicant to provide any evidence that they are not. This is why the help of an experienced, military attorney, such as Mr. Culp, can be critical for your application to succeed.

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...

What can a JAG attorney do?

A JAG attorney will be able to advise you — or your wife — about the benefits that accrue from the law. Many servicemen do not realize their ex-wives, after a divorce, will still be able to tap: Commissary benefits. Use of the Post exchange. Health care, including TRICARE, inpatient and outpatient care.

What are the areas outside of the JAG Corps?

Just as you do not expect your veterinarian to be a great pediatrician, do not expect the excellent military lawyers of JAG Corps to provide up-to-date advice on areas outside their purview: Divorce. Child and spousal abuse. Charges of adultery, sodomy or buggery (in Virginia)

What is military justice?

Military Justice — If you face a disciplinary issue in the military, JAG protects the rights of all parties and ensures member and public confidence in the military justice system. Many Americans do not realize military justice is a parallel system of courts, judges and punishments alongside our public legal system.

How to speak with an attorney about divorce in the military?

Before deciding to work within the military system of justice or seek outside counsel, please contact The Firm for Men or call us at (757) 383-9204 to speak with an attorney about your military divorce.

Why can't my wife speak to my lawyer?

If your wife has spoken with a JAG attorney, that attorney cannot speak to you because of a conflict of interest and attorney/client privilege. If you have already sought a private attorney’s advice, the JAG lawyer can work in support of the private attorney, but will not supersede your attorney.

Can a JAG attorney practice law in Virginia?

The JAG attorney may not be licensed to practice law in Virginia. Divorce law is vastly different from military justice. Your divorce may extend across multiple base assignments in different states, affecting jurisdiction and the exact court in which to file for divorce. If your wife has spoken with a JAG attorney, ...

Can a JAG attorney serve in a civilian court?

A JAG attorney can spend an entire career ably serving military members and their families and never once have to deal with a civilian court. Unfamiliarity with civilian law, inability to navigate a civil courtroom, and lack of recognition by a particular Virginia court can all impede a JAG attorney attempting to help you.

What is legal assistance?

Legal assistance enhances the readiness and welfare of active duty and reserve members of the Armed Forces by providing quality legal services regarding personal civil legal matters to eligible persons, and by educating eligible persons regarding their personal legal rights and responsibilities. Legal assistance accomplishes its mission by direct client assistance services and a vigorous preventive law program that educates and informs the military community through a variety of creative and stimulating outreach efforts.

What is it called when a non-lawyer provides legal advice?

When non-lawyers provide legal advice it is called the unauthorized practice of law. The unauthorized practice of law is prohibited by professional ethics and in many states is a criminal act; thus non-lawyer legal officers, paralegals, legalmen, independent duty legalmen, and legal clerks are prohibited from providing legal advice. Non-lawyer legal officers, paralegals, legalmen, independent duty legalmen, and legal clerks may assist attorneys, but they may not provide legal advice or provide services that call for the professional judgment of an attorney. Non-lawyer personnel may provide assistance not requiring the attention of an attorney, such as notarizations and the preparation of routine powers of attorney using attorney-approved forms.

How long do you have to be on reserve to get legal assistance?

Following release from active duty orders for 30 days or more, members of reserve components are eligible for legal assistance for a period beginning on the date of release from active duty and continuing for a period equal to twice the length of the period served on those active duty orders.

How to contact IPEB attorney?

Please contact (202) 685-7180 to be directed to an IPEB attorney.

Does the Navy have a legal aid attorney?

A. Navy legal assistance attorneys do not handle criminal matters, including adverse administrative issues such as Articles 15 and discharge actions. If you are a service member, please visit your local Defense Service Office. If you are a civilian, you will need to seek assistance from a private civilian attorney experienced in criminal law. Contact your local county bar association for a referral to a competent civilian attorney.

Is legal assistance confidential?

A. Yes. Information and files pertaining to legal assistance clients are private and privileged under law and applicable professional rules and guidelines. The information and documents contained in a client's file will not be disclosed to anyone by the attorney providing legal assistance, except upon the express specific permission of the client or when the attorney determines that disclosure is authorized or required by law or applicable rules of professional conduct. The unauthorized release of confidential client information cannot be made lawful by order of superior military authority.

Can you make an appointment with Navy legal assistance?

If your legal assistance office notifies you that you cannot be seen in that office, you will receive information on how to obtain an appointment from an alternate legal assistance office. Those eligible for Navy legal assistance can make appointments with sister service legal assistance offices as well. To locate the nearest legal assistance office, visit the Armed Forces Legal Services Locator .

What is the job of a JAG?

Judge advocates serve primarily as legal advisors to the command to which they are assigned. In this function, they can also serve as the personal legal advisor to their commander.

What is a JAG in the military?

The Judge Advocate General's Corps ( JAG Corps) is the branch or specialty of a military concerned with military justice and military law . Officers serving in a JAG Corps are typically called judge advocates.

What is the JAG Corps?

Highly experienced officers of the JAG Corps often serve as military judges in courts-martial and courts of inquiry .

What is a JAG in the Navy?

The Judge Advocate General's Corps ( JAG Corps) is the branch or specialty of a military concerned with military justice and military law. Officers serving in a JAG Corps are typically called judge advocates.

What is the Danish military prosecutor?

Denmark. The Military Prosecution Service or Judge Advocate General's Corps ( Danish: Forsvarets Auditørkorps, short FAUK) is a Danish independent military prosecutor and the legal branch of the Danish military. It is a Level.I command and is under the Ministry of Defence.

What is the JAG?

United States. 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, Navy and Marines. Officers serving in the JAG Corps are typically called judge advocates, JAGs.

Where is the Judge Advocate General?

The Judge Advocate General ( Danish: Generalauditør) heads the Defence Judge Advocate Corps. It is located at Kastellet in Copenhagen .

How to become a JAG lawyer?

To become a JAG lawyer, you'll need to go to law school and attend the Officer Candidate School, which is the training academy for prospective military officers. You must also be a US citizen, pass a security clearance, and meet the physical requirements for the branch of the military you choose.

What is a JAG in the military?

The Judge Advocate General (JAG) corps of the five military branches is as competitive and demanding as any military career. Along with completing the educational and licensing requirements of the legal profession, you must also be able to meet the same standards as any prospective officer.

What degree do you need to join the JAG Corps?

Dept. of Education. College ROTC programs, such as the Air Force Graduate Law Program, may assist you, both with finances and motivation, to complete the education you need to join the JAG Corps.

What is the JAG Corps?

The JAG Corps of the five branches of the military are skilled professional lawyers who handle legal issues under civil and military law, as well as trained leaders and members of the service community .

How old do you have to be to become a jagi?

If you are interested in becoming a JAG attorney, you must start your studies so that you will be licensed to practice law and ready for entry into active duty before you are the age of 42 years . The age limit is 40 for the Air Force.

What is the Air Force law program?

The Air Force offers the Graduate Law Program which combines military training with your legal studies. First year law students are eligible to apply.

What is the best way to become a military lawyer?

Research military legal education programs. If you are seeking a career as a military attorney, there are special programs that may help you with admission, completion, and even funding of your legal education. The Army offers a highly-competitive summer internship to second-year law students.

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 the Navy Judge Advocate General?

The Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps provides solutions, from a military perspective, to legal issues involving military operations, organization, and personnel, wherever and whenever such solutions are required, with primary focus on operations, accountability, Sailor legal readiness, and Navy legal readiness.

What is NJP in the military?

A.Nonjudicial Punishment (NJP), also referred to as “Captain’s Mast” (Navy & Coast Guard), “Office Hours” (USMC) and “Article 15” (Army and Air Force), is a relatively informal and low-level forum for handling minor misconduct. Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), located in the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM), explains what constitutes “minor” misconduct and the basics of this process. It can be imposed by a commanding officer (CO) and specifically designated officers in charge. We encourage area service members to come into our offices for legal advice if they are facing possible legal action by their command. Please refer to the list of rights presented below.

Can you refuse mast?

You have the right to refuse mast (unless attached to or embarked on a vessel). See Article 15, UCMJ.

Can a civilian lawyer be retained during an interview?

You have the right to have such retained civilian lawyer and/or appointed military lawyer present during this interview; and

Do you have to be accompanied by a spokesperson?

You have the right to be accompanied by a spokesperson. This is a person you want to speak on your behalf — a spokesperson is different than having a witness present.

What is a jagi job?

JAG is like any other military job, you’re expected to put service before self. You’ll be moved around from base to base every so many years like all service members, unless the base you’re at needs you. That being said, you would have to ask yourself and your spouse if that’s something you’re comfortable with.

Do law firms look favorably on a JAG?

Law firms look favorably on someone with JAG experience and it helps hiring prospects.

Does having a spouse make you a better JAG officer?

Having a spouse does not put you in a better or worse position as a JAG Officer unless having that type of support will make you a more stable, happy person.

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Overview

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. Officers serving in the JAG Corps are typically called judge advocates.
Judge advocates are responsible for administrative law, government contracting, civilian and military personnel law, the law of war and international relations, environmental law, etc. They al…

History

George Washington established the JAG Corps on July 29, 1775. Judge advocates were involved in writing and implementing Abraham Lincoln's General Orders No. 100: Instructions for the Government of the Armies of the United States in the Field, which was the first systematic code of the law of war in the United States.

Duties and chain of command

Judge advocates serve primarily as legal advisors to the command to which they are assigned. In this function, they can also serve as the personal legal advisor to their commander. They are charged with both the defense and prosecution of military law as provided in the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Highly experienced officers of the JAG Corps often serve as military judges in courts-martial and courts of inquiry.

Career path

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, judge advocates typically join the JAG Corps after graduating from law school. An exception is the U.S. Army's Funded Legal Education Program, under which a small number of active-duty officers and non-commissioned officers are selected to attend law school on a full-time basis tuition-free while receiving their military base pay and benefits. Other branches of the U.S. military offer similar programs.

Military law

The Uniform Code of Military Justice, also known as UCMJ, is the primary legal code through which all internal military justice matters of the United States are governed. The UCMJ applies to all members of the military of the United States, including military retirees as well as members of other federal uniformed services (such as NOAA Corps and the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps) when attached to the military. The UCMJ was created by an act of the Uni…

Court-martial

The forum through which criminal cases are tried in the United States armed forces is the court-martial. This term also applies to the panel of military officers selected to serve as the finders of fact or "jury". (In other words, they fulfill the role of a civilian jury in trying criminal cases.) The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) outlines three distinct types of courts-martial.
• jurisdiction over crimes committed by any person, including civilians, covered by military law at …

Appeals process

The Uniform Code of Military Justice provides for several tiers of appeal. All cases are reviewed by the commander convening the court (the convening authority) who, as a matter of command prerogative, may approve, disapprove, or modify the findings and/or sentence. The commander may not approve a finding of guilty for an offense of which the accused was acquitted nor increase the sentence adjudged. A convicted service member may submit a request for lenienc…

Other practice areas

Besides prosecuting, defending, and presiding over courts-martial, military attorneys advise commanders on issues involving a number of areas of law. Depending on the service, these areas may include the law of war, the rules of engagement and their interpretation, and other operational law issues, government contract law, administrative law, labor law, environmental law, international law, claims against the government (such as under the Federal Tort Claims Act), and informatio…