why become a marine lawyer

Why become a maritime lawyer? Maritime law is a specialized and exclusive area of law that can be financially and personally rewarding for attorneys in the field. If you’re interested in providing high-quality legal services in a niche area of civil litigation, maritime law may be for you.

Full Answer

Why are there so many lawyers that specialize in maritime law?

There aren’t many attorneys that specialize in maritime law because there’s a lot to master to practice in the field effectively. Lawyers who specialize in the field tend to gravitate towards the coasts. A lawyer might represent many different clients, or they might represent one client who regularly has maritime law needs.

What is marine law and why is it important?

Maritime law or otherwise known as marine law, is an area of law that specialises in issues that occur offshore. These include ocean policy, admiralty and maritime commerce. Not many realise that the rules governing the sea vary tremendously from those on land?

How do I become a maritime lawyer?

Many universities offer a LLM (Master’s) in Maritime Law and for most programmes, students will need to have a LLB in Law or a related degree such as in English, Political Sciences, History, Social Sciences, Economics or Business and it will be beneficial if those degrees covered a large legal component.

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

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.

What is a lawyer in the Marines called?

Marine Corps judge advocatesMarine Corps judge advocates, or JAs, are licensed attorneys who are also commissioned officers in the Marine Corps.

Can a Marine be a lawyer?

You will be a Marine Corps officer as well as an attorney at law. That means you must know how to be a leader as well as an attorney. As a Marine Corps officer, you will have the opportunity to lead some of the most elite warriors that the world as ever known.

Is being a JAG worth it?

By becoming a JAG, you are guaranteed a career that has rotating assignments by location and practice area, exposing you to the world and the law in ways you could have never imagined. It provides unrivaled practical and hands-on experience to springboard your career.

What are good reasons to join the Marines?

7 reasons you should become a MarineThe Marine Corps has the best combat arms training in the military. ... Marines are smarter than they look. ... We have the best-looking dress uniform. ... Our branch was born in a bar. ... You will be in peak physical shape. ... You'll see the world, probably. ... Marines are the best storytellers.

What do Marine lawyers do?

A Maritime Lawyer is an attorney that specializes in maritime injuries and boating accidents that occur in both recreational and commercial maritime activities.

How hard is it to become a Marine 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).

How hard is it to be accepted to JAG?

Depending on the service branch, the acceptance rate for JAG Corps applicants is typically between 4-7%. The Army, for instance, receives about 4000 applications every year and only accepts around 200.

Do military lawyers 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.

Is it competitive to become a JAG?

Consider your career goals. 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.

Why is being a Marine so special?

The Marines Corps often serves as a quick reaction force and has special units that are trained to respond to crises wherever and wherever necessary. In fact, the branch is sometimes referred to as the “tip of the spear,” because these combat-ready units typically spearhead conflict operations.

Who gets paid more Marines or Army?

If you're considering a military career, you might wonder which military service – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard or Space Force – has the best pay and benefits. At a basic pay level, the answer is simple. The military pays the same regardless of branch, according to your pay grade and years of service.

What are the pros and cons of joining the Marines?

1 Pro: Education and Training. One pro of being in the Marine Corps is the training available. ... 2 Pro: Retirement and Healthcare. ... 3 Pro: Experience and Travel. ... 4 Pro: Serving Your Country. ... 5 Con: Death or Injury. ... 6 Con: Unpleasant Locations. ... 7 Con: Bureaucracy.

What can I expect to earn as a maritime lawyer?

In the top law firms in the UK, starting salaries can reach GBP 60,000 – GBP 90,000 per year (Graduate Prospects 2020).

What languages do maritime lawyers study?

Common languages that you could consider studying would be Chinese, Korean, Arabic, German, French, to name a few. Maritime lawyers are also expected to fully understand the minutiae and principles of maritime law as governed by the International Maritime organisation.

What are the modules in maritime law?

Maritime modules that you will learn: 1 Carriage of goods by sea 2 International trade law 3 Introduction to the international law of the sea 4 International commercial arbitration 5 Admiralty law 6 Marine insurance 7 Injured employee compensation 8 Marine pollution 9 Shipping contracts

What is maritime law?

As a Maritime lawyer, the kinds of cases that you will see are truly varied. They can range from injuries and working conditions at sea, cargo, shipping and commerce, any sort of illegal activity taking place at sea and covers both business and pleasure. This makes a maritime career not only exciting but also challenging. Maritime law not only differ from the laws onshore, but depending on the flags that the ships fly, these cases will fall under the respective country’s maritime line.

How much do lawyers make?

Based on a report by the U.S Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the average annual median salary for lawyers is USD 126,930 per year in the US. In the top law firms in the UK, starting salaries can reach GBP 60,000 – GBP 90,000 per year (Graduate Prospects 2020).

What type of training is required for a lawyer?

Often times this involves further study, examinations and practical legal training through formal work placements.

What is law teaching?

Teaching is conducted through a combination of lectures, seminars, group work, presentations, class debates and ‘mooting sessions’ – practical law training in a courtroom setting to help students master important legal skills such as research and analysis, public speaking and argument formation.

What is Marine Corps lawyer?

A Marine Corps lawyer is known as a judge advocate. Moreover, he is assigned to the Office of the Judge Advocate General. The basic elements of a job done by a Marine Corps Lawyer are the same as the civilian practice which include the research, writing, consulting and trial practice.

What is the minimum score required to become a judge advocate?

You must score at least 150 on a 180 point scale and 30 on a 50 point scale in order to become a judge advocate candidate.

How to become a JAG in the Navy?

To become an officer in the JAG Corps in 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 enter Naval Justice School, to learn the UCMJ and the specific types of law they'll likely have to practice. T

How long does it take to become a Coast Guard JAG?

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 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 to become a JAG in the Air Force?

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 members to go on to law school and return to Active Duty as a JAG Corps officers. The fourth option is for experienced attorneys to work part-time with the Air Force JAG Corps, while maintaining their civilian jobs. All candidates must attend the five-week Commissioned Officer Training program , to learn Air Force leadership, before their four-year Active Duty commitment begins.

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.

Can you go to law school as a JAG?

The third option is for Active Duty military members to go on to law school and return to Active Duty as a JAG Corps officers. The fourth option is for experienced attorneys to work part-time with the Air Force JAG Corps, while maintaining their civilian jobs.

Introduction

The job of a maritime lawyer is to see to it that any issues regarding maritime law are dealt with fairly in the courts where they are tried.

The Marine Lawyer

For the average maritime lawyer, an average working week can take in more differing cases than most people will realise. The image conjured up by the two words “maritime law” will be different for each person.

How to answer why you want to become a lawyer?

You can answer this question by following the steps below to highlight your strengths and make a great impression on the interviewer: 1. Focus on your strengths and skills. Give examples of your strongest skills that make you successful as a lawyer. For instance, your ability to communicate ...

What are some examples of skills that make you successful as a lawyer?

For instance, your ability to communicate persuasively, your attention to detail and your compassion towards your clients are strengths that you can have as a lawyer that make you successful at doing your job. Your pride in your skills and expertise can show the interviewer how motivated you are to succeed in the career.

What do you want to know about practicing law?

The interviewer will likely want to see that your core values and philosophy about practicing law connects with the job responsibilities and their firm's mission and values. Describe the character traits you feel you have developed as a lawyer and how these traits helped shape the values you have today. Then, relate these values to what you know about the company and the clients it serves.

What inspired you to become a lawyer?

Discuss something you experienced in your previous roles or background that inspired you to become a lawyer. For instance, maybe a family member is an attorney and shows passion, excitement and enjoyment for their job and that interests you, or maybe you're interested in family law because you've personally witnessed the impacts of a divorce. Whatever personal experience you choose to share that inspired you to pursue law as a career, make sure to relate it to the field of law you'll be practicing within the firm you're interviewing for.

What does it mean to interview for a lawyer?

Interviewing for a position as a lawyer means you'll likely encounter several different types of questions that will help the interviewer get to know you, assess your skills and compare your qualifications with what they're looking for.

What do lawyers do?

Some lawyers travel the country, or even the world, to participate in trials, depositions, arbitrations, and business deals. Others rub shoulders with business leaders, politicians, sports figures, and even celebrities.

Why are lawyers important?

Lawyers are in a unique position to help individuals, groups, and organizations with their legal problems and to further the public good. Public interest lawyers champion legal causes for the greater good of society and help those in need of legal assistance who might not otherwise be able to afford attorneys.

Why do lawyers do pro bono work?

Lawyers in private practice often perform pro bono work to help low-income individuals and underserved portions of the population , such as the elderly, victims of domestic abuse, and children. In fact, many bar associations require that attorneys commit to a certain number of pro bono hours each year.

What are the sub-specialties of law?

Lawyers can specialize in one or several niche areas, ranging from bread-and-butter practices such as employment law , foreclosure law, and civil litigation to specialties such as green law or intellectual property law.

What is the role of an attorney in society?

Attorneys have stood at the center of society for centuries. They're in a unique position to affect societal change as lawmakers and thought leaders. They write the laws, rule the courts, and hold influential positions in government.

Where do lawyers work?

Work Environments and Perks. The majority of lawyers work in law firms, government, and for corporations. In an age where cubicles have become the mainstay of the modern workplace, lawyers typically work in offices with four walls.

Is being a lawyer fun?

Is being a lawyer fun? Sometimes...and many times not. But the work is definitely rewarding, and it has its perks.

Where Does Maritime Law Come from?

Duties to Clients

Unique Jurisdiction Considerations

Investigating and Prosecuting Crime on The High Seas

Who Practices Admiralty Law?

Why Become A Maritime Lawyer?

Practicing Maritime Law

• Maritime lawyers make the seas safer. They hold wrongdoers accountable. They help people get the compensation that they deserve when there’s a breach of contract, unpaid wages or a personal injury on the seas. Maritime lawyers also help develop new maritime laws. Maritime law is complex. It involves a variety of civil laws including contract law, p...

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What Is The Jag Corps?

The UCMJ

How Does One Join The Jag Corps?

Army

Navy

Air Force

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 an...

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Coast Guard