how to become a jag attorney

How to Become a JAG Lawyer.

• 1. Consider your career goals. The Judge Advocate General (JAG) corps of the five military branches is as competitive and demanding as any military ...
• 2. Receive your undergraduate degree. In order to attend law school, you must first complete a bachelor's degree. Neither the American Bar Association ...
• 3. Attend Officer Candidate School. College graduates have the option of applying for Officer Candidate School (OCS), which is offered by each branch ...
• 4. Take the pre-entrance LSAT exam. The Law School Aptitude Test, often referred to as the LSAT, is a critical part of your law school admissions ...

Full Answer

Is a JAG a real attorney?

 · 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 are the duties of a JAG lawyer?

A Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree in law QUALIFICATIONS 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 hard is it to become a JAG?

Attorneys and students who have completed their second year of law school or have completed two-thirds of their degree requirements may apply for direct appointment as a Judge Advocate. If selected, upon medical qualification, completion of law school and passing the bar, the applicant will be provided a duty assignment.

How long do you have to go to school to become a lawyer?

As a member of this elite group of law professionals, you’ll provide a full range of legal services to the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, Airmen, and Guardians. You’ll also enter a world of opportunity—one where you can take on immediate responsibility, continue your education in a number of legal specialties and gain experience ...

How hard is it to get into 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.

How long does it take to become a JAG officer?

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).

Does JAG Corps pay 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.

How much do JAG get paid?

The average Army Jag Officer in the US makes $57,121. Army Jag Officers make the most in San Francisco, CA at $86,173, averaging total compensation 51% greater than the US average.

What rank is a JAG lawyer?

RANK AND PAY RATES New Army Judge Advocates enter service as First Lieutenants (O-2) and are promoted to Captain (O-3) six to nine months later. Officers receive a raise in basic pay upon promotion to Captain and receive automatic pay increases after serving 2, 3, and 4 years.

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.

Do JAG 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.

What branch of the military is best for lawyers?

The JAG Corps is the legal branch of the military, concerned with military justice and military law.

Do JAGs make more money?

US Army Salary FAQs The average salary for an Army JAG Attorney is $107,278 per year in United States, which is 5% higher than the average US Army salary of $101,845 per year for this job.

Does Navy JAG pay for law school?

‐ Funded Graduate Education: As part of the culture of learning that the Navy JAG Corps fosters, Navy judge advocates have the opportunity to earn a Master of Law (LL. M.) degree fully‐funded by the Navy.

Do JAG officers travel?

As a JAG, you'll be able to travel as well as live and work in exciting locations all over the world. And while you're serving your country, you will have the opportunity to continue your education through specialized training in an array of legal fields.

How much do Air Force JAG lawyers make?

The salaries of Air Force Jags in the US range from $10,085 to $237,745 , with a median salary of $42,868 . The middle 57% of Air Force Jags makes between $42,868 and $107,389, with the top 86% making $237,745.

What is the job of a military lawyer?

Monitor, coordinate and direct legal activities. Prepare legal advice and opinions. Represent the United States in civil proceedings. Act as trial counsel, defense counsel or military judge as-needed. Instruct personnel in military justice procedures and legal issues.

What is 51JX in the Air Force?

51JX. The pursuit of justice is at the center of every Air Force objective. So the rights of Airmen are naturally held in the highest regard and are defended and supported by top legal minds like Air Force Judge Advocates (JAG).

What is the job of a JAG?

Military Law: Becoming a Judge Advocate General (JAG) A career in the military is filled with many opportunities. Whether you are specifically interested in practicing military law, or perhaps have a desire to work for the Federal Government, there may be an opportunity that is right for you by pursuing a role as Judge Advocate General.

When are Army JAG applications due?

Applications are due by November 1 and applicants must also schedule an interview with a U.S. Army JAG Corps Field Screening Officer (FSO) prior to that date. If selected, the applicant must meet the Army’s medical and weight standards, be able to obtain a security clearance, and be available for worldwide assignment.

How long does it take to become a GLP?

One-Year College Program. Students must join an AFROTC detachment during the first semester of their second year of law school. They will attend an AFROTC field training encampment at an Air Force base during the summer before their third year of law school. Upon completion of the AFROTC program and graduation from law school, GLP cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in an inactive status until they pass the bar, at which time they will enter active duty as first lieutenants.

What is direct appointment in law?

Direct Appointment Program. Attorneys and students who have completed their second year of law school or have completed two-thirds of their degree requirements may apply for direct appointment as a Judge Advocate. If selected, upon medical qualification, completion of law school and passing the bar, the applicant will be provided a duty assignment. Upon acceptance of the assignment and execution of the oath of office, the applicant enters active duty as a first lieutenant.

What are the areas of practice for a first term judge advocate?

Marine Corps: “The three most common areas of practice for first-term judge advocates include the following: Criminal Litigation, Operational and International Law, and Civil Law. ”. Navy: “As a Navy judge advocate, you will experience the most diverse legal practice available to an attorney. Some of the specific areas of our practice include: ...

What is a judge advocate?

Judge Advocates are commissioned officers in one of the U.S. Armed Forces that serve as legal advisors to the command in which they are assigned. Their functions include providing legal advice and assistance in a wide variety of practice areas, as well as serving as prosecutors and defense counsel in courts-martial.

Does the Air Force offer legal education?

Of the five branches, the Air Force and the Army currently offer limited opportunities for funded legal education – for active-duty military personnel, or others that are interested in entering their programs. From year-to-year, a select number of candidates are offered these opportunities based on available funds. Generally, if you are accepted into this highly selective program, your tuition, fees, and books will be paid for. Furthermore, if you are active duty, you would likely also receive your regular full pay, allowances, and other benefits while you are in law school.

What does it mean to be a jg?

BENEFITS THAT GO WELL BEYOND SALARY. Being a JAG means you’ll be doing meaningful work from day one —with opportunities to practice in almost every field, see the world and enjoy benefits no other civilian law firm could offer. READ MORE. LIFELONG OPPORTUNITIES FOR LIFELONG ENRICHMENT.

Does the Air Force respect your personal life?

The Air Force respects your personal life as much as your professional one. Instead of a career judged by billable hours, you can expect to work with people who value family and personal time.

How long does it take to become a JAG?

You do not incur a service commitment until you accept your JAG assignment. The initial active duty commitment is four years, which begins on the day you depart for Officer Training School (OTS).

How old do you have to be to be a JAG?

Must be commissioned before the age of 40. Once selected for the JAG Corps, all applicants must complete and pass an Air Force medical examination before an offer of assignment will be extended. SERVICE COMMITMENT. You do not incur a service commitment until you accept your JAG assignment.

How to schedule an interview at AFB?

Use the online application processing system to choose the AFB where you would like to interview. Once you submit your online application, the SJA or SJA representative will contact you to schedule an interview before the board date. You can find a map of all AFB locations here: BASE LOCATIONS

What does it mean to be a JAG?

If the traditional civilian career path has left you wanting more, both personally and professionally, a JAG career will re-inspire your love of the law. This lifestyle is the antidote to the day-in, day-out corporate grind. Being a JAG means you’ll be doing meaningful work from day one—with opportunities to practice in almost every field, ...

When do you have to complete the SJA interview?

The interview must be completed on or before the first of the month (i.e., April 1, September 1, November 1) of the board. After the interview, the SJA will prepare a report that is forwarded, along with your application materials, to HQ USAF/JAX. Please do not mail application materials directly to HQ USAF/JAX.

Can a lawyer be a judge advocate?

Licensed attorneys may apply for a direct appointment as a Judge Advocate.

What is a JAG?

The JAG Corps, which includes active-duty service members and reservists, includes licensed attorneys who serve as judges, prosecutors and defense counselors in courts-martial. They provide advice in several areas of the law, sometimes teach and must meet certain requirements.

Where did Stewart get his law degree?

He earned his law degree in 2008 from the University of Illinois, where he interviewed with a field screening officer from the JAG Corps. Stewart, who has been in the corps for 12½ years, got a glimpse of his future.

Where did Flores practice law?

After an internship at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Flores practiced law as a civilian for 10 years. Six of those were at a law firm, where she became disillusioned because "it's all about the billable hour," she said.

What degree do you need to become a JAG?

JAG Education and Training Requirements. JAG lawyers need a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Law school typically requires three years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree.

Where do JAG lawyers work?

As military officers, JAG attorneys may find themselves working in offices and military courtrooms across the United States and in duty stations around the world . As the American Bar Association (ABA) points out, the rotating assignments expose JAG lawyers to a variety of locations and practice areas, providing practical experiences that are unrivaled in the civilian world.

What is the difference between a civilian and a JAG lawyer?

The primary difference is that military attorneys work exclusively with military personnel. JAG lawyers represent their clients in both criminal and civil matters , including court-martial, military review, Military Court of Inquiry and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

How long is the Army JAG training?

The Army, for example, offers its basic course, the Direct Commissioned Course, at Fort Benning, Georgia, and a 10-week Army JAG training in Charlottesville, Virgina.

What is a JAG in the military?

The Judge Advocate Generals Corp (JAG) exists in each of the five branches of the U.S. military: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. A JAG attorney is a commissioned officer who works on legal matters involving the military.

Do JAG lawyers have to take the LSAT?

Depending on the law school, admissions can be competitive, requiring a strong grade point average and top scores on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). 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 ...

Does the BLS have a job for JAG attorneys?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks jobs and makes projections for civilian occupations and therefore does not provide data on military occupations, including JAG attorneys. The BLS forecasts a 6 percent job growth rate for attorneys through 2028, so this statistic may bode well for opportunities for lawyers in the Armed Forces. As always, the needs of the military dictate the number of personnel required and the occupations that are necessary to fill.

How to become a judge advocate?

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 school. After passing the bar examination, SP participants start active duty and begin their Navy training.

What is the Navy JAG Corps?

The Navy JAG Corps’ Student Program (SP) is the most common way to become a Navy JAG Corps officer. It enables selected law students to commission in the inactive Navy Reserve while attending law school. Upon law school graduation and bar admission, Student Program participants are appointed as active-duty Navy judge advocates, ready to start their adventure.

How to find a recruiting office in the Navy?

To locate a local recruiting office, enter your zip code into the following link: Navy recruiting district. Provide the PRIDEMOD account creation letter linked below to the recruiting office to complete and sign once your account has been created . Once completed, upload the document into your online application as an Addendum.

How long does it take to get a judge advocate for a student?

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 recommended students must be reviewed and approved by the Judge Advocate General. Applicants who are professionally recommended will be notified individually, usually within 10 weeks after the application deadline. All applicants can check their applicant status on the application website.

How many steps are required to complete before the application deadline?

Prior to the application deadline you must complete four steps:

How long do you have to reapply for a structured interview?

You must submit a new application. The structured interview does not expire, however you are not allowed to have a new structured interview within a three year period. After three years have passed, you may (but are not required to) request a new structured interview.

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Officer Development School

• Before becoming a Navy judge advocate, you must become an officer first. You will not undergo basic training in the traditional sense, but will attend Officer Development School(ODS) in Newport, RI. 1. ODS is a five-week course of instruction designed to acquaint newly commissioned staff corps officers with the customs and traditions of the naval s...

See more on jag.navy.mil

Naval Justice School

First Tour Judge Advocate Program