What is the life of a JAG lawyer?

Asked by: Miss Sandra Yost IV  |  Last update: December 30, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (67 votes)

JAG attorneys are trained in and practice a very wide variety of law, including criminal prosecution and defense (courts-martial), family, tax, estate planning, contracts, immigration, torts, environmental, landlord-tenant, and more.

What is life as a jag like?

As a member of the Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, you'll experience the most diverse legal practice available to an attorney. Working in locations around the world, you'll get hands-on experience in everything from international law to civil litigation and military justice.

Is being a Jag lawyer 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.

How long do jag officers serve?

Some Judge Advocates serve for four years, while others serve more than twenty years and earn a full retirement.

What is a jag salary?

South San Francisco, CA. $120,921.

Major Differences Between a Military Legal Career and a Civilian Legal Career | JAG Corps

37 related questions found

Is it hard to get into 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.

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 JAGs live on base?

JAG attorneys will likely not live in one location for long. They are usually assigned to military bases for two years at a time, with possible deployments to other locations during that time.

Do jag officers get special pay?

Navy JAG Corps officers are eligible for a total of $110,000 in retention bonuses, paid over three installments are different career milestones (at approximately the five-year mark, eight-year mark, and 11-year mark).

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.

Do JAGs get law school paid for?

Every year, several JAGs are offered the opportunity to return to law school as full-time graduate students. While they focus on their studies, they receive full pay, and the Air Force pays any tuition. LL.

How competitive is becoming a jag?

We receive hundreds of highly competitive applications each board and have only a limited number of selection quotas available to offer Professional Recommendations to. The selection rate for the Student Program continues to hover around 5 to 20% for the past 5 years, and even less for our other commissioning programs.

Is being a jag stressful?

Working in the JAG Corps can be high-stress, especially when handling serious criminal cases or advising on critical operational matters. The pressure to perform well can be intense.

What is the age limit for the JAG Corps?

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). Waivers for those exceeding the age limit are considered in meritorious cases.

Do JAGs get deployed?

JAGs in this field deploy with operational units, where they provide vital legal services to the combat leadership and Airmen. These Judge Advocates advise commanders on the lawfulness of targets and help ensure that the weaponry use complies with international law.

Where do most Jags get stationed?

MAJOR ARMY LOCATIONS
  • Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (near Baltimore)
  • Fort Belvoir, VA (near Alexandria)
  • Fort McNair, Washington, DC.
  • Fort Meade, MD (near Baltimore)
  • Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, VA (near Arlington)

What rank is a Jag lawyer?

“JAG” stands for judge advocate general. These are servicemembers who are also lawyers. Though “JAG” is a popular descriptor for a servicemember lawyer, the Army prefers “Judge Advocate” or “JA” instead. There are over 1800 JAs in the Army worldwide, ranking from First Lieutenant to Lieutenant General.

How long is the JAG contract?

Once you begin active duty at NJS, you will be required to serve four years. After a four-year active duty obligation, your name will remain on a list of inactive reserve officers for four additional years if you choose to leave active duty.

Do jags have to 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.

Do jag students have an than that of the average U.S. high school senior?

National and affiliate data measure JAG's impact to ensure our students' success. Our 96% graduation rate far exceeds the national average. More than 84% of JAG students secure full-time employment, while others pursue a college education and military service.

Does Jag pay for 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.

What are the benefits of being a jag?

The Navy JAG Corps takes care of its lawyers and their families to ensure they are ready to meet its professional challenges.
  • Income. ...
  • Health and Life Insurance. ...
  • Retirement. ...
  • Holidays, Leave, and Time-off. ...
  • Work and Life Balance. ...
  • Transit Benefits. ...
  • Education. ...
  • Additional Information.