Judge Advocate General’s Corps Attorney

Overview

Judge Advocates (i.e., lawyers in the Army) are responsible for offering legal support that involves military operations. They primarily focus on the areas of criminal law, legal assistance, civil/administrative law, labor/employment law, international/operational law, intelligence law and contract/fiscal law.

Duty locations include the continental United States and installations worldwide such as Germany, Korea, Japan and Italy.

Job Duties

• Prosecute criminal cases under the Uniform Code of Military Justice
• Provide legal advice to Soldiers, officers and their families
• Offer legal reviews, ethics opinions, and advice to commanders and their staff
• Represent Soldiers at courts-martial and before administrative separation boards

Training

Training requires completing the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course, which involves two phases:

• Direct Commissioned Officer Course: The first phase is a rigorous six-week course in leadership and tactics at Fort Benning, Ga. DCC is designed to challenge new Army officers mentally and physically in the classroom and field.
• Charlottesville Phase: The second phase is a ten-and-a-half week academic course at the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, Va. Judge Advocates receive classroom instruction on the organization, function, and mission of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, as well as an overview of the practice of law in the U.S. Army. The course is designed to prepare judge advocates for their first 3 years of practice in the JAG Corps.

Helpful Skill

• Self-discipline, confidence and intelligence
• Physically and mentally fit to perform under pressure
• Ability to make quick decisions
• Capable of bearing numerous responsibilities
• Team player