Attorney

Job Description

The Marine Corps is currently hiring lawyers interested in earning their commission as an officer in the United States Marine Corps as a Judge Advocate (similar to JAG for the other branches).

The Marine Corps has 595 uniformed, active-duty attorneys serving at bases and stations around the world in support of national security operations. Practice areas primarily include criminal and civil litigation, administrative law, legislative affairs, contracts, trusts and estates, command advice, and international affairs.

Service as a Marine Corps Judge Advocate allows attorneys to use their legal education and training to support military operations. Marine Judge Advocates are expected to maintain the same physical and martial traits expected of every Marine Officer and have extensive leadership opportunities. Offering a career path that avoids complacency in a single practice area, the monotony of billable hours, or the demands of commercial clients, a career as a Marine Judge Advocate allows attorneys to use their legal expertise for the benefit of Marines and national security. Judge advocates earn the title “Marine,” while using their legal expertise in support of America’s finest.

As unrestricted line officers, Marine Judge Advocates also have opportunities to serve in a wide variety of positions, from commanding battalions of Marines to arguing appellate cases before the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals or the United States Court of Appeals of the Armed Forces.

Applicants for this position must be pursuing or possess a J.D. from an ABA-accredited institution, and must be licensed to practice law in any state or federal jurisdiction. Applicants must be no older than 41 years of age, and must possess a high level of physical fitness. This position requires an initial four-year commitment.

The salary for this position varies based on location, but is generally between $70,000 and $80,000 upon completion of entry-level training, and up to $120,000 after two years of service. Applicants will receive up to three years of service credit for time spent in law school, which expedites promotion to Captain (O3). This position includes a 401(k) with matching payments, 30 paid vacation days per year in addition to 10 federal holidays, medical and dental insurance, and eligibility for G.I. Bill entitlements after completion of initial commitment, and an annuity retirement plan set at 40% of ending salary upon completion of 20 years of service.

For careerists, the Marine Corps offers continued educational benefits at no cost, including a number of Masters in Law programs (LL.M.) including programs in criminal law, cyber law, labor law, and operational law, a Master’s Degree in National Security Studies, and a number follow on schools on a range of military studies from Joint Military Operations to Strategic Intelligence Studies.

For more information regarding this position, contact Captain Nicholas Brediger at Nicholas.Brediger@marines.usmc.mil with a cover letter and resume, including law school transcript if practicing for less than three years.