How to Become a Judge Advocate

Judge Advocate refers to the legal branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Judge Advocate General's Corps is also known as JAG and is the legal branch of any of the United States Armed Forces. Lawyers in JAG generally serve as legal advisors on a variety of issues including administrative law and contract law, and are also prosecutors for the military. To become a Judge Advocate, one must hold a Juris Doctor degree, have a law license, and undergo specialized training to qualify as a Judge Advocate.

Things You'll Need

• Law degree
• Bar membership

Instructions

1. Earn a law degree. The Juris Doctor is received after the undergraduate degree and is typically a three-year course of study. Law schools in the United States are accredited by the American Bar Association.

2. Take and pass a state's Bar Exam. To join Judge Advocate General's Corps, one has to take a state's Bar Exam, a two- or three-day test that acertains the taker's mastery of state law and larger legal principles.

3. Apply for Judge Advocate programs with the specific military branches you wish to join. One must complete the online application process with the specific branch of the armed services to join. Selection factors include one's academic record, character, activities, leadership skills and work experience.

4. Undergo specialized training to qualify as a Judge Advocate. Specialized training takes place at three military law centers. Army: the Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School (U.S. Army) in Charlottesville, Virginia. Navy: Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island. Air Force: Air Force Judge Advocate General School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama.

References

• Army: How to join JAG
• Navy: How to join JAG
• Air Force: How to join JAG