The position of US Army lawyer is one that involves either being a lawyer, or being close to graduation from law school previous to joining the US Army. There are a number of different specialist jobs as an enlisted person in the JAG corps. JAG calls for Judge Advocate General, and it consists not just of US Army Lawyers, but judges, legal assistance, legalmen, and military support specialists. As an Attorney in the Army JAG office you are a practicing attorney. You will be responsible for a wide range of responsibilities and duties in areas of criminal prosecution, international law, and military law.
To qualify to be a JAG Attorney you have to have a law degree from an ABA school or approved law degree and be a member of the bar for the highest court in a particular state or in a federal court. You will also be personal legal representative for soldiers at court trials and performing other defense related duties. You will be responsible for legal assistance to military personnel both abroad and in the United States. During this initial orientation course you will have some time for adjustment for finance, personnel and purchasing uniforms, and receiving instruction in military life. Working as an Army JAG attorney you will be responsible for duties that can include supervising and training personnel. New Judge advocates undergo a 12-day orientation course known as the Fort Lee phase of the Basic JAG Course. As a JAG Attorney you might specialize in one of the following areas; Civil Litigation, Legal Assistance, International Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, Administrative Military Law, Operational Law, and teaching Army medical law. After the basic 12-day orientation you will attend a ten-week academic course at the JAG school in Virginia, you will have a chance for an overview of the function, mission and practice of law in different areas of Army Law. While at the academic course at the JAG school you will study various legal functions, Later you will transition to an assignment with a Army JAG unit. supplying services and legal advice to Army Reserve and Army Active duty personnel, executing service in various law fields, assigning and managing Army branch officers, and training and supervising personnel in legal functions.
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Officers who serve as JAG Attorneys may continue and eventually serve in the JAG office as a possible presiding judge or justice, and hear cases dealing with military personnel.
Hello,
I have a BA and I am thinking about going to law school. Does the military have any programs where I can go to school with military assistance and then join the military full time after I finish?
I have an honorable discharge from the USAF. I am currently 44 years old. Any assistance would be appreciated.