A JAG Officer proudly stands before her ship just before deployment.

A JAG Officer proudly stands before her ship just before deployment. Hey, if this job is interesting enough to make into a TV series, it must be a pretty cool career field.


Attorneys

Job Overview:

Account tools
Classification:
√ Enlisted
Χ Officer
Available in:
√ Active Duty
√ Navy Reserve

SEALs and submarines perform critical covert operations in support of our Navy and our nation, but ask Sailors in the fleet to tell you who has given them the most support and the reply will likely be the individuals in the Navy legal field.

Pay:

View Pay Scale


Job Description:

The Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps allows Officers to litigate cases soon after reporting to duty and requires them to practice in several fields, giving them a wider range of experience than in the civilian sector. Young lawyers looking to expand their opportunities and gain hands-on legal experience can greatly benefit from the Navy. And as Officers, Navy lawyers immediately assume a level of responsibility that is difficult to find in civilian practice.

What Will You Do?

Navy lawyers are given the chance to practice in many areas of law. They often begin litigating a broad range of cases shortly after starting active duty, which helps develop the leadership, confidence, and experience so highly prized in the legal profession. A variety of educational programs are available to assist Navy lawyers, helping to relieve the financial burden of law school. Other benefits include assistance in paying for Postgraduate study. As a member of the Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, some of your responsibilities may include:

  • Act as prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, or judge in court cases
  • Prepare pretrial advice for clients in court-martial cases
  • Preside over court cases and make judgments based on the Uniform Code of Military Justice
  • Interpret laws, directives, regulations, and court decisions
  • Give legal advice about government real estate, commercial contracts, patents, and trademarks
  • Prepare legal documents, such as wills and powers of attorney
  • Help train new lawyers
  • Provide legal assistance to Navy personnel and their dependents
  • Practice international law

Skills and Training

Candidates for direct appointment into the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be admitted to practice by either federal court or the highest court of a state. Officers who are directly appointed to the JAG Corps attend a six-week indoctrination course at the Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island. Following Officer indoctrination school, Officers in the legal field attend Naval Justice School, a nine-week course which teaches military trial procedures, methods of obtaining evidence, court martial advocacy techniques, and application of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Earn While You Learn

As a lawyer, there’s the added benefit of choosing your own assignment after one to two years of service – a great way to get experience in a given field or get introduced to international law. You may also have the opportunity to earn an LLM degree at the approved law school of your choice while earning your normal yearly salary.

Special Pay/Bonuses

Fringe benefits include free and low-cost travel, 30 days paid vacation every year, Officer status, and the use of Officers’ Clubs and recreation facilities.

Career Outlook

Since JAG lawyers often begin litigating a broad range of cases shortly after starting active duty, they quickly accelerate in the legal field. The skills you will acquire in the legal field in the Navy will prepare you to work as a civilian lawyer in private practice or for law firms, government, corporations, and non-profit groups.