JAG Corp

[Anonymous]

Please, relatively current information requested.

My son is in college, and wants to go to law school. He is interested in the JAG Corps, he cites a variety of reasons including financial, public service, opportunity to gain trial experience, and what he envisions as structure (he’s not structured by nature, but has a few athletic and club commitments that keep him on a tight schedule in college and he sees a huge value in the enforced structure).

I am an attorney, but know nothing about the JAG Corps. I imagine it is extremely competitive to be accepted, along the lines of a service academy. He goes to a small liberal arts college (with a liberal student body and faculty) and I suspect almost no one in his college has ever joined the JAG Corps, much more likely the Peace Corps.

When do you apply- during law school, or before?
What is the culture like?
Do you actually get the strong trial experience that DS envisions?
Most concerning to me- are you ever in dangerous military situations? (I am so appreciative to those who do serve in those situations, but no one in our family is military and it has never crossed my mind that one of my kids might be).

Thanks for the information.

[Anonymous]

Its military attorney. They do everything from very high profile cases, court marshalls to basics like wills. He needs to be prepared for a lot of grunt work early on.

[Anonymous]

And, yes, he can be sent to war zones and other unsafe areas.

[Anonymous]

I do not know much. I do know the JAG School is geographically aboard UVa on north grounds, not far from the (separate) UVa Law School.

[Anonymous]

JAGs may be sent to war but are not combatants themselves

[Anonymous]

I believe you go through officer candidate school (OCS), which includes physical training, if you haven't been in the military before and aren't an officer already. I think you can apply while in law school or after you've been practicing law for a while. He may want to look into seeing if there's a way for the military to pay for law school, though -- I'm not sure about this.

[Anonymous]

This is something that should be 100% on him to research and decide. Relax and let him do it.

As for danger, not really. Still, six JAG officers died in Iraq and Afghanistan in the 2000s. To reduce the chances even further, become a Navy or USAF JAG.

[Anonymous]

The other reasons are great, but he or she definitely doesn’t have to do JAG to get trial experience as a young attorney. Graduate, join the local public defender’s office and they will get as much trial experience as they want as a young lawyer. That’s what l did.

[Anonymous]

Joining the JAGC is a way of life. For the right people, it’s a very cool job. I’m an Army JAG and served in Hawaii and Germany for my junior level assignments.

The most difficult aspect to joining these days is passing the physical. If you have past or current serious injuries, then you will likely not pass the physical. Same if you’re overweight.

If you meet the physical standards, the admissions standards are much easier than in the past. All the services are having a hard time recruiting- including the JAGC.

The assignments vary, but you submit a request for the location/job you want and the personnel officers try to accommodate. Military justice, labor and employment, contracts, and federal torts are the greatest chances for litigation experience. This can come as early as one-two years in.

Deployment experience varies. Many want the experience as it’s important for promotion to the higher ranks. Most JAGs that deploy are in larger operating bases that are more secured.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I believe you go through officer candidate school (OCS), which includes physical training, if you haven't been in the military before and aren't an officer already. I think you can apply while in law school or after you've been practicing law for a while. He may want to look into seeing if there's a way for the military to pay for law school, though -- I'm not sure about this.

It’s “knife and fork” school, separate classes from the regular ocs. Doctors, dentists, and like.

[Anonymous]

I know someone working their way towards this career. You definitely need the benefit of a mentor, because there are certain decisions you can make along the way that enhance the chances of reaching your goal (where to go, what to study, etc).

[Anonymous]

W have heard good things about coast guard JAG. Friends kid is interested in environmental issues and apparently coast guard lawyers get involved in some cool stuff like oil spills. However I might be nervous these days given coast guard role in immigration enforcement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:W have heard good things about coast guard JAG. Friends kid is interested in environmental issues and apparently coast guard lawyers get involved in some cool stuff like oil spills. However I might be nervous these days given coast guard role in immigration enforcement.

Could be a good intro to law though. It’s not about what’s ethical or moral, but about what legal. Many jag lawyers will work on justifying military strikes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I believe you go through officer candidate school (OCS), which includes physical training, if you haven't been in the military before and aren't an officer already. I think you can apply while in law school or after you've been practicing law for a while. He may want to look into seeing if there's a way for the military to pay for law school, though -- I'm not sure about this.

It’s “knife and fork” school, separate classes from the regular ocs. Doctors, dentists, and like.

It’s a short orientation course for Navy, & I think Army & Air Force JAGs too. Marine Corps JAGs go through the same OCS as other officers.

[Anonymous]

JAG training and service obligations vary drastically by branch of service. Have your child do their research!!! It’s a great opportunity for the right person.