U.S. Navy Attorney: Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps
Build your legal career while serving a mission bigger than the courtroom.
As a U.S. Navy Judge Advocate, you’ll serve as both a licensed attorney and a commissioned Naval Officer. Navy JAG attorneys handle a wide variety of legal matters, including military justice, criminal prosecution and defense, legal assistance, administrative law, operational law, national security law, and advising Navy leaders around the world.
Unlike many traditional entry-level legal careers, Navy JAG attorneys can gain meaningful courtroom, advisory, and leadership experience early in their careers while working alongside legal and military professionals in the United States and overseas.
What You May Do
- Serve as a prosecutor or defense counsel
- Provide legal assistance to Sailors and their families
- Advise commanders on military and operational law
- Work on administrative and national security matters
- Gain litigation and courtroom experience
- Lead and manage legal teams
Navy JAG Student Program
Currently in law school? The Navy JAG Corps Student Program is the most common pathway for law students to become active-duty Navy attorneys.
Selected students become Collegiate Officer Candidates while completing law school. After graduating, passing the bar, and completing Navy eligibility requirements, candidates attend Officer Candidate School and then the Basic Lawyer Course at Naval Justice School before beginning work as Navy Judge Advocates.
Law students generally must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Attend an ABA-accredited law school
- Have completed at least one year of law school
- Meet Navy medical, physical, and officer eligibility requirements
- Complete the Navy JAG application and structured interview process
Already a Licensed Attorney?
Licensed attorneys may apply through the Direct Appointment Program to pursue a commission in the Navy JAG Corps.
What You’ll Gain
- Early litigation and legal experience
- Leadership responsibility as a Naval Officer
- Competitive military pay and benefits
- 30 days of paid vacation annually
- Opportunities for advanced legal education
- Experience across multiple areas of law
- Opportunities to serve throughout the U.S. and around the world
Whether you’re currently in law school or already practicing, the Navy JAG Corps offers a unique way to build your legal career while serving as a Naval Officer. Connect with a Navy Officer Recruiter to learn more.
