JAG from USNA

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janike

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DS is interested in a military law career upon graduation from USNA. Can anyone give me some info with respect to how he would go about doing that?
 
As noted above one cannot go directly to law school from USNA (or ROTC for that matter).

In order to go JAG he will need to complete a tour (or more) in a more "typical" career path and then apply for the law programs. (Be aware that certain warfare communities such as aviation require a longer commitment before being allowed to transfer to these programs).
 
If your true desire is to be an attorney right away, you should look at an option other than USNA.

However, as someone who's a USNA grad and now an attorney, there's plenty of time. IMO, you'll make a better lawyer if you do something else for a while before starting law school. Having real world experience makes law school easier, makes it easier for you to get a job, and generally will make you happier as a lawyer.

You can do as KP2001 says and go through the USN's JAG program (very competitive and not a sure thing) or you can get out, go to law school on your own, and then either go back as a JAG or be a civilian lawyer.
 
Thanks all for your help. My son was planning on a more typical service selection and what you've said has made everything clear. Now the only question is does he study political science in preparation for a law career down the road or an engineering program?
 
janike said:
Thanks all for your help. My son was planning on a more typical service selection and what you've said has made everything clear. Now the only question is does he study political science in preparation for a law career down the road or an engineering program?
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It doesn't matter. There aren't pre-requisites per say for law school (other than good grades and a high score on the LSAT) and, increasingly, law schools are looking for students with technical majors. Also, with an engineering major, he could later do patent law. He should major in what interests him.
 
Ditto usna1985 advice, excellent source with great perspective.

We have a USNA sponsor son, History Honors major, who went Surface Warfare, then JAG via UVA Law School on the Navy's dime. That's not the usual way, as the Navy gets most of its JAGs through a direct commissioning program after they complete law school, or from those who serve, then separate from active duty, go to law school on their own dime or on VA benefits, then re-apply for a JAG commission. The LEP path from another warfare community is highly competitive. Many, many apply. Few are chosen.

I have an Engineering Duty Officer friend who did a 20 year Navy career, retired, went to law school, and is now with a law firm specializing in shipyard litigation. I have another friend, who retired as a Navy captain after 30 years, who went back to law school, and is now working for a major non-profit. There are all kinds of ways to take a journey with the law. I knew a lieutenant, USNA grad, submarine officer, who separated at the end of his obligated service, went to law school on VA benefits, applied for a commission as a JAG and to return to active duty, came back as a JAG, retired from active duty and now works for a defense contractor as in-house counsel.

Your son should be open to all majors and choose what he thinks he will enjoy, and let service selection take care of itself. The Surface Warfare community is arguably the more convenient platform for which to apply for the Navy's Law Education Program (LEP), but I have seen it done from many other warfare communities.

Search the forum for other threads on the Navy's Law Education Program, but here's a link to some of the Navy LEP info:

http://www.jag.navy.mil/careers/careers/opportunities_lep.html
 
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