J - Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) Officer

About

As a member of the Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, you’ll experience a wide-ranging legal practice.

You will work in traditional legal disciplines, as well as those unique to a sea-based military service.

At locations around the world, you’ll get hands-on experience in fields ranging from international law to environmental law to criminal litigation.

You will be trusted with advising military clients, including carrier commanders and Navy SEALs, from your very first duty station.

A career as a judge advocate is an opportunity to work towards a greater purpose — America’s national security.

The JAG Corps is now accepting applications for law students and practicing attorneys through May 31, 2025.

Visit the Navy JAG website to learn more about application requirements and prepare your submission.

Responsibilities

The Navy JAG Corps provides legal support for the fleet and enables the Navy mission throughout the world, both ashore and at sea.

The JAG Corps is ideal for lawyers looking to gain hands-on legal experience in many different areas of law including: Military Justice Legal Assistance International Law Administrative Law Environmental Law Civil Litigation Admiralty and Maritime Law National Security Law

Work Environment

As a Navy JAG, you’ll have opportunities to serve in exciting and diverse assignments around the world.

Depending on your role, you may spend time in a more traditional office environment or working on a ship.

The Navy JAG practice also involves domestic and international travel, such as visiting bases and other installations.

Training

Officers appointed to the JAG Corps must first attend Officer Development School (ODS) , a five-week course in Newport, RI, that provides a comprehensive introduction to Navy Staff Corps Officer responsibilities.

From there, Navy JAG Corps Officers attend Naval Justice School, a 10-week course that teaches the fundamentals of military justice, civil law, trial advocacy skills, administrative law and investigations, legal assistance, and national security law.

Once you’ve completed training, you’ll receive your first assignment.

Common locations include San Diego, CA; Norfolk, VA; Bremerton, WA; Jacksonville, FL; Pensacola, FL; Mayport, FL; Washington, DC; and Pearl Harbor, HI.

Promotion opportunities are regularly available but are competitive and based on performance.

Post-Service Opportunities Specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian world.

Education Opportunities

The position of JAG Corps Officer in the Navy Reserve is open only to those with current or prior Active Duty experience.

Learn more about how to join the Navy if you have served before , or go back to Careers to find other jobs that have a Reserve component.

You can also find out more about what life is like as a Reserve Sailor in the Navy.

Qualifications & Requirements

Student Program The Student Program is the most common way to become a Navy JAG.

To qualify for Active Duty employment consideration in the Navy JAG Corps as a law student, you must meet these basic qualifications: Be a law student at an ABA-accredited law school with at least one year of school completed, or be a graduate of an ABA-accredited law school who has not yet taken the first available bar exam following graduation (students who attend law school part time or who intend to matriculate in a dual degree program must be within two years of completing all remaining degree requirements) Be younger than 42 years of age at the time you begin Active Duty service.

Waivers may be requested on a very limited basis.

Meet any additional basic requirements for commission in the Navy Direct Appointment Program To qualify for Active Duty employment consideration in the Navy JAG Corps as an already licensed attorney, you must meet these basic qualifications: Be a graduate of an ABA-accredited law school Be admitted to practice before a Federal Court, the highest court of a State, Territory or Commonwealth or the District of Columbia Be younger than 42 years of age at the time you begin Active Duty service Meet any additional basic requirements Find out more information about the Navy JAG Corps.