Can you go into the military after law school?
Asked by: Dock Glover | Last update: August 27, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (17 votes)
Law students may apply as early as their final fall semester of law school. At the time of entry onto active duty, hold a JD from an ABA-accredited law school. The law school's ABA accreditation requirement may be waived where applicants have earned an LL. M from an ABA-accredited law school.
Can you join the military after law school?
You may apply during your final year of law school as well, but selection will be contingent upon graduation and completion of legal licensing. You will be required to complete an Air Force medical examination.
What GPA do you need for JAG?
The characteristics that will make you a good candidate for a JAG position are common across all branches. There are no stated GPA minimums, but your academic performance will be a factor.
What rank do lawyers enter the military?
For the U.S. Navy, newly commissioned JAG officers usually begin as Lieutenants Junior Grade (O-2). Like the Army, exceptional experience in legal practice can qualify you for a higher starting rank. Some may enter as Lieutenants (O-3), especially if they have notable professional backgrounds or advanced legal degrees.
What branch of the military will pay for law school?
Benefit Fact Sheet. Service members interested in joining the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAGC) may be eligible for the Army to cover the cost of law school using the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP). Service members continue to serve on active duty and the Army covers the cost of tuition.
Law School Admissions as a Military Applicant
Is military service good for law school?
From developing leadership skills to dealing with stress, military experience can provide an outstanding foundation for law school and a legal career. The women and men who defend the nation during war and peace gain the valuable experience and skills needed to defend the legal rights of others.
How hard is it to become a jag?
The JAG application process is competitive, rigorous and highly selective. We evaluate each candidate using the "whole person" concept, which means we look at academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military record (if any) as well as work and leadership experience.
Which military branch is best for lawyers?
If you're planning to become a lawyer and want to join the military, the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps might be what you're looking for.
How hard is law school?
In summary, law school is hard. Harder than regular college or universities, in terms of stress, workload, and required commitment. But about 40,000 people graduate from law schools every year–so it is clearly attainable.
Is becoming a jag worth it?
Becoming a Judge Advocate is personally, professionally, and financially rewarding. In addition to your salary, the JAG Corps offers student loan repayment and other benefits that will help you build your future. You will receive both tangible and intangible benefits not offered by other employers.
Do jag officers pass the bar?
You will begin the training pipeline after you have commissioned and after you have passed the bar exam. You must have passing bar results prior to attending Officer Development School (ODS).
What GPA should I aim for law school?
Obtain High GPA & LSAT Scores
According to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), students need a GPA of at least 3.59 and an LSAT of 162 or more to get into any top 10 law schools. However, that is the bare minimum, and you should aim higher if you want to increase your chances of getting into the top 3.
Do military lawyers get deployed?
They are usually assigned to military bases for two years at a time, with possible deployments to other locations during that time. Family members can typically accompany the attorney to their assignments, but not on deployments, which can be for several months at a time.
Do JAGs see combat?
While JAG lawyers are not traditional combatants, their military roles often involve them in combat zones. There, they provide essential legal support to ensure that military operations comply with international law.
What's the hardest year of law school?
Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.
Is law school harder than med school?
Although both law and medical schools present their unique challenges, it's generally accepted that medical school demands a higher level of intense coursework and thorough training.
How hard is the bar exam?
The bar exam is hard. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult challenges you ever embark on. You must memorize numerous laws and consume a lot of knowledge to answer questions correctly. For many, it feels like trying to hold sand in your hands, knowing that you'll inevitably lose much of it.
Which military branch pays for law school?
The VA will pay for tuition, required fees and supplies, books, and parking.
Which branch of lawyers make the most money?
- Patent Attorneys.
- Intellectual property (IP) Attorneys.
- Trial Lawyers.
- Tax Attorneys.
- Corporate Lawyers.
Do military lawyers get extra pay?
Military Justice Career Litigation Track (MJCLT) attorneys are eligible for an additional $10,000 bonus at each payment phase.
What is the age limit to be a jag?
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Active Duty: Be under the age of 42 at the time of entry into the JAG Corps. Years of prior commissioned military service will increase the age limit. Army Reserve: Be under the age of 33 at the time of entry into the JAG Corps. Years of prior commissioned military service will increase the age limit.
How much does a military lawyer cost?
Average Retainer: The average retainer for a qualified military defense lawyer is between $5,000 and $12,000.
Is a jag a real lawyer?
As commissioned naval officers, we are the uniformed lawyers of the U.S. Navy. We are members of the Navy's Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. Our work encompasses a broad spread of legal practice areas. Our mission is critical to the success of military operations.