Military Lawyers

Being a military lawyer is not very different from being a regular attorney but there are different laws that military lawyers have to be aware of. Since the military operates somewhat in a different direction than the regular United States legal system, a military lawyer has to have complete knowledge of any military law. Attorneys specialize in different fields but for military lawyers, any issue that arises within their command is handled by them.
• Military lawyers do everything from advising commanders on what the rules of engagement of a situation are to acting as counsel to military personnel charged with a crime. Just like lawyers in any other field, a military lawyer has to get the lengthy education that their civilian counterparts do. However, the differences between a military lawyer and a civilian attorney become apparent when law school end. For a civilian attorney, the end of law school signifies the beginning of a new career. However, military lawyers are required to embark on more training as they begin their careers. Before the end of law school, both civilian and military lawyers must have a bachelors degree and be accepted into law school. The military looks for people who will want to serve with them for a long time. Because of this, military lawyers should be aware that working for the military is very different from working for a regular law firm.
• Just like any other lawyer, a military lawyer must take the bar exam after law school is finished. The major differences for military lawyers come after they have officially become lawyers. Now is the time for a military lawyer to apply to the JAG Corps. The JAG Corps is short for the Judge Advocate General and is the branch of the military that handles any legal matters that might arise. All branches of the military have JAG military lawyers. Therefore, an individual can choose to become a military lawyer with any branch of military that they are interested in.
• Like any new recruit, a military lawyer has to go through basic training. Their law degree allows military lawyers to join up as officers because of their law degrees. Because of this, military attorneys are given a higher level of respect when they enter. They do not need to pick a career path as new recruits do since a military lawyer has enlisted with a particular branch in order to serve them legally. They will not be subject to the rigorous workouts of regular boot camp, although there will be some.

Finally, to be sworn in as a military lawyer an individual must agree to serve a minimum of a four year term with the military branch that they have enlisted with. After their four year term is up, a military lawyer can decide to stay in the JAG Corps or work outside of the military for another law firm. However, most military lawyers plan on having a long career with the military because of the bonuses like housing allowances, food allowances and health insurance.