Does military service help with law school?

Asked by: Millie Macejkovic  |  Last update: December 6, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (62 votes)

Military service shows law schools that you can accomplish long-term goals. Use that to your advantage. This commitment sets you apart from traditional law school applicants and prepares you for dedicating yourself to the rigorous study and practice of the law.

Will military service pay for law school?

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.

Do law schools favor veterans?

Schools LOVE vets. But they WILL NOT accept you, absent some other exceptional reason, if you don't bump one of “the numbers”: either undergraduate GPA or LSAT. The LSAT is a learnable test. It measures how much you can put your head to the grindstone and study, study, study until you have a score they want.

Will the Navy help pay for law school?

If you have already started your legal studies (such as through a part-time evening program), you may still apply for this program. If selected, the Navy will pay for the remaining courses of your legal education and you will have less obligated service.

How hard is it to become a Navy JAG?

To become a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the Navy, one must first complete a bachelor's degree and attend law school. After graduation, they must pass the bar exam and complete Officer Candidate School. The entire process can take anywhere from 7-9 years, depending on the individual's education and training.

Law School Admissions as a Military Applicant

24 related questions found

How long is law school in the Navy?

They will then proceed to the ten-week Basic Lawyer Course at Naval Justice School (NJS), also in Newport, RI. 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.

Can veterans take LSAT for free?

You can use your GI Bill to pay for nationally approved tests such as: SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

What branch of the military is best for lawyers?

JAGs and Marine JAs serve as trial lawyers—prosecutors, defense counsel, and victim's counsel. Most JAGs and Marine JAs will serve in a military justice role in their first tour to enable them to advise commanders and commanding generals competently in future assignments.

Will the VA pay for LSAT?

Veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill can get reimbursed for test fees. This means that Veterans or service members can get reimbursed for the fees they pay to take the SAT, ACT, the graduate school exam (GRE), even the LSAT and MCAT for law and medical school admissions.

What GPA do you need for Jag?

There are no stated GPA minimums, but your academic performance will be a factor. In addition, the Corps will consider your legal experience, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military work record (if any), and leadership experience.

What rank do JAG officers start at?

Judge Advocates enter active duty as first lieutenants (O-2) and are promoted to captain (O-3) after six months. View the typical base pay for Air Force personnel. Judge Advocates are not required to live on base, although those with families may choose to do so depending on availability and preferences.

Is it hard to get into the JAG Corps?

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 veterans get into law school easier?

Many law schools take steps toward making their application and admission process military-friendly. From having a veteran read through applications, to having additional support in place for veteran students, to contributing to the Yellow Ribbon program, there are many schools out there telling you they want you.

What military program pays for law school?

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.

Does VA pay for Harvard?

Veterans Readiness and Employment (CH31)

VR&E is not an education benefit, but it can be used by eligible service members and veterans to pay for tuition and required fees. Individuals using VR&E to pay for their education at Harvard University will have their benefit managed as third-party billing.

What rank is a law degree in the military?

Army: First Lieutenant (O-2) (typically promoted to Captain (O-3) after six to nine months). Marine Corps: Second Lieutenant (O-1) (page 3) - Time in law school after commissioning counts for time in service, and many Marine Corps lawyers are promoted to 1st Lieutenant upon graduating from law school.

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.

How do I get my LSAT waived?

Tier 1: Independent candidates with income under 250% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the tier 1 lsat fee waiver package. Tier 2: Independent candidates with income between 250% and 300% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the tier 1 lsat fee waiver package.

How much is the military discount for LSAT?

We offer a 15% discount to students who are active duty US military, are US military veterans, or are employed as first responders. Discount can be applied to: LSAT Live Online Course (duration 4 months or more) LSAT in-person Classroom courses.

Can LSAT be waived?

LSAC has established a fee waiver program to help avoid denial of access to legal education due to an inability to pay for the LSAT and other essential application services.

How long is the shortest law school?

The fastest law degree you can earn is a Master of Legal Studies, as some of these programs allow you to graduate in 12 months. Master's programs require you to have a bachelor's degree beforehand, and some require you to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) beforehand.

What rank is a Navy lawyer?

THE NAVY JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL'S (JAG) CORPS

The Navy JAG Corps includes a cadre of over 900 uniformed attorneys in the United States Navy who are commissioned naval officers in pay grades ranging from lieutenant junior grade (LTJG) through vice admiral (VADM).

Will Air Force pay for law school?

FUNDED LEGAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (FLEP)

If you are selected to participate in FLEP, you'll receive your tuition, fees and a book allowance from the Air Force while continuing to serve on active duty. This means you'll get full pay, allowances and other benefits while you attend law school.

What is the toughest year of law school?

Most students consider the first year of law school to be the most difficult. The material is more complex than they're used to and it must be learned rapidly. What's more, the way students are taught and tested is very different from high school or undergrad.