Can you join the military as a lawyer?
Asked by: Shanna Cartwright | Last update: August 4, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (8 votes)
Army attorneys must be graduates of an ABA accredited law school and a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Legal experience requirements vary depending upon the position, supervisory level, and the type of work.
Is being a lawyer in the military worth it?
As always, there is a cost to service in the military, but the reward for your service — experience in different areas of the law, a decent salary and benefits, and the pride of serving your country — may be well worth the sacrifice.
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.
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.
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.
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Can I join the military and be a lawyer?
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.
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.
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.
Do Jag lawyers pass the bar?
Yes. You may apply to the DAP in your 3L year (i.e., once two-thirds of the credits required for your ABA-approved law degree are complete). If selected, you will not enter active duty until you are medically cleared, pass the bar and receive your license and certificate of good standing.
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.
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.
Is there an age limit for 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.
What are military lawyers called?
Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) | U.S. Army.
Do military lawyers get deployed?
Operational and International Law: Marine Judge Advocates maintain the same readiness and training standards as every Marine Officer and are deployable worldwide. Marine Judge Advocates have opportunities to deploy with scalable Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTF) around the world.
Which military branch is best for Jag?
Furthermore, Air Force bases are often considered to have better facilities and are located in more desirable locations. The Marine Corps JAG program tends to be smaller than the others, offering a tight-knit community and more hands-on experience early on.
Will Jag pay for law school?
Eligible loans can include educational loans taken out for law school, undergraduate school and graduate programs. Air Force JAGs are eligible for reimbursement up to $350 per year for the cost of bar membership. JAGs can apply for tuition assistance to help with the expense of an LL. M.
What happens after 4 years in the Air Force?
Qualified individuals who enlist for four years active duty will incur an Inactive Ready Reserve obligation of four years. Qualified individuals who enlist for six years active duty will incur an Inactive Ready Reserve obligation of two years.
How long is JAG school army?
Army: Yes – New judge advocates begin their training (Direct Commissioned Course) at Fort Benning, GA (six weeks), followed by The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School in Charlottesville (ten-and-a-half weeks).
Do JAG lawyers 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 military branch pays for law school?
The VA will pay for tuition, required fees and supplies, books, and parking.
What is the age limit for the Army?
Requirements to join the Army.
Perform important day-to-day operations and ensure the success of your unit's mission. Requirements to join as an enlisted Soldier include: Be between 17 and 35 years old. Be medically and physically fit.
What rank are lawyers in the military?
Any rank from 1st Lieutenant to Lieutenant General. Because of the J.D. degree, military lawyers start out one rank higher than the ordinary officer. After that, their rank progression is the same as any other officer's.
Do jag officers get deployed?
Throughout the history of the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps), deployed judge advocates and paralegals have provided vital legal support to combat operations.
How long are jag contracts?
Upon graduation from NJS, new judge advocates return to their permanent duty station and are committed to four years of active duty. For more information, visit the Path of a Navy JAG Corps Officer.