Lawyers and Judges
Background
The military has its own system of laws and courts. Lawyers provide legal services for military personnel and represent the services in civil and international legal matters. Lawyers in the various services Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps administer activities within the military judicial system, perform legal research, prosecute and defend court cases, and are judges in military courts.
What They Do
Lawyers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Act as prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, or judge in court cases
- Give legal advice about government real estate, commercial contracts, patents, and trademarks
- Help train new lawyers
- Interpret laws, directives, regulations, and court decisions
- Prepare legal documents, such as wills and powers of attorney
- Prepare pretrial advice for clients in court-martial cases
- Preside over court cases and make judgments based on the Uniform Code of Military Justice
Physical Demands
No information available.
Special Requirements
A degree in law is required to enter this career. In addition, most specialties require a membership to the bar in either federal court or the highest court of a state.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to speak effectively in public
- Ability to write clearly and concisely
- Attention to detail
- Interest in working with and researching legal concepts
- Sensitivity to the needs of others
Helpful School Subjects
No information available.
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Lawyers work in legal offices and courtrooms on land and aboard ships.
Services offering this career:
- Air Force
- Army
- Coast Guard
- Marine Corps
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for officers.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
Job training consists of eight to 12 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty.
Course content typically includes:
- Application of the Uniform Code of Military Justice
- Court-martial advocacy techniques
- Methods of obtaining evidence
- Military trial procedures
Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian lawyers work in private practice and for law firms, government, corporations, and nonprofit groups. They perform duties similar to those performed by military lawyers. Civilian lawyers, however, usually specialize in a particular field. Judges in the civilian sector preside over courts of law and determine the rulings in cases that are brought before them.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 3,800 lawyers and judges. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new lawyers and judges to meet changes in demand in the field. In time, lawyers may advance to senior management positions in the legal field. With experience, some lawyers may be appointed military judges.