Will being in the military help me get into law school?

Asked by: Jed Emmerich  |  Last update: August 10, 2023
Score: 5/5 (44 votes)

Law schools are always looking to build diverse cohorts that will engage and challenge each other in the classroom. Not only are you used to working with different people; your military service also enhances the cohort. Your experience isn't theoretical.

Does military service help with law school?

Your ability to live and work with people from different cultures and backgrounds makes you an attractive candidate. Law schools want to build diverse cohorts that will engage and challenge each other. Your military experience enhances the cohort.

How much does military help with law school?

The GI Bill will pay 100% of tuition costs for any public school. Most private law schools, including the elite ones like Yale and Harvard, also have unlimited Yellow Ribbon Program participation.

Can I be in law school while in the military?

If you're currently active duty in the Air Force or any of the armed forces, there are many ways you can go to law school and get on track to become a JAG. Whether you're finishing your service commitment or in the middle of it, there is an entry program designed for you.

Can you go to law school after military academy?

The bad news is that there is no direct route to going straight to law school after you graduate from a Service Academy. A better option for consideration is to attend a ROTC program and go straight to law school upon graduation.

My Law School Admissions Results as a Military Applicant

44 related questions found

Do law schools prefer veterans?

Tips for Minority Law School Applicants

Law schools greatly value applicants who are veterans. Many of the skills honed by military service contribute to success in both law school and legal practice, like self-discipline, teamwork, working under pressure and time management.

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.

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.

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 much is the LSAT?

So, how much does it cost to take the LSAT? The basic cost to write the LSAT is $215. However, there are other fees you must pay in order to have your score reported and visible to the law schools you apply to.

Is LSAT free for military?

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.

Which military branch 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.

Will the Navy send you to law school?

As part of the culture of learning that the Navy JAG Corps fosters, you'll have the opportunity to earn a Master of Law (LL. M.) degree fully funded by the Navy in areas of study including military law, international law, national security law, cybersecurity law, environmental law and trial advocacy.

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.

Do the Marines pay for law school?

In addition to tuition assistance, Marines receive constructive service credit for each year in law school prior to commissioning. You will be promoted on schedule while you're attending law school, and your compensation will increase based upon your length of service and pay grade once you begin active duty.

How hard is it to get into 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.

What are lawyers called in the military?

Judge Advocate General's Corps, also known as JAG or JAG Corps, refers to the legal branch or specialty of a military concerned with military justice and military law. A military lawyer's job is similar to a civilian lawyer in their day-to-day duties.

What branch pays JAGs the most?

An Overview of Military Lawyer Salary Data
  • U.S. Air Force – $48,078.00 per year.
  • U.S. Army – $48,078.00 per year.
  • U.S. Coast Guard – $55,638.00 per year.
  • U.S. Marine Corps – $41,727.60 per year.
  • Navy JAG – $48,078.00 per year.

What GPA do you need to be a JAG in the Army?

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 officers get extra 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).

How much does a 5 star general make?

He is also the only person to have ever held a five-star rank in two branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. These officers who held the rank of General of the Army remained officers of the United States Army for life, with an annual $20,000 in pay and allowances, equivalent to $332,000 in 2022.

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).

Does rank matter in law school?

After all, law school is a major investment, and you want to do your research. And school rankings are historically more important in the legal market than in other areas of academia.