Air Force Paralegal Job Description
Air Force lawyers advocate for military clients and handle contracts will civilian companies and other governmental agencies. To help them accomplish this mission, Air Force paralegals provide assistance. Air Force paralegals are trained in filing legal papers and can provide some legal advice, though they are not lawyers. Many Air Force paralegals move to the civilian sector to become paralegals or attend law school.
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Responsibilities
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Air Force paralegals work under the supervision of an Air Force judge advocate (JA) officer. The paralegal works primarily in the areas of military justice, civil law, claims, and court reporting. They conduct research for Air Force JAs and type up reports, briefs, and motions. They also interview military personnel to determine if they need to meet with an Air Force JA. Finally they provide legal advice to clients on civil law, military justice, and claims issues.
Training
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Air Force paralegals go through two training courses: the Basic Paralegal Course and the Provisional Paralegal Course. Both courses are taught at the Maxwell AFB in Alabama. These course teach students how to use the structure of the Air Force JAG corps, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and the legal forms and records with which paralegals must be familiar. They will also learn how to use computer applications and legal databases.
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Qualifications
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In order to become an Air Force paralegal, enlistees cannot have any civilian or military convictions. They must also be able to type at least 25 words per minute. The most successful airmen will have and interest in research, working in an office environment, and the legal system. Finally, enlistees should be familiar with computers and office applications like word processors and spreadsheets.
Assignments
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Air Force paralegals generally serve on base in military law centers. They are the first legal personnel that visitors meet. Paralegals provide assistance and advice in simple legal matters and prepare documents like wills, promissory notes and powers of attorney. If a client's problem is more complicated, then the paralegal will refer them to a judge advocate officer. Air Force paralegals also deploy overseas.
After the Air Force
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The skills learned as an Air Force paralegal transfer directly to the civilian paralegal field. The basic military paralegal courses are helpful in earning a civilian military paralegal certification. Experience in this field will also prepare airmen for attending law school in the future. Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits like tuition assistance and loan repayment will help defray the high cost of higher education.
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References
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- Photo Credit Legal Law Justice image by Stacey Alexander from Fotolia.com
