Attorney - Judge Advocate

Becoming a Judge Advocate is a unique opportunity to practice law in a range of areas, develop courtroom experience, and lead a team.

Very few lawyers in the private sector get exposure to such variety and get hands-on experience in such a short time. And even fewer get the chance to support a purpose like the Marine Corps.

The Marine Corps Judge Advocate program operates like a court system. Its practitioners are known as Judge Advocates and are licensed attorneys qualified to represent the Marine Corps and Marines in military legal matters.

Often tasked to represent clients during courts martials, Judge Advocates will also be involved in civil litigation, tort claims, labor law, environmental law, and international law.

After training you will quickly begin to gain legal experience in a competitive legal field.

First & foremost, Judge Advocates manage the prosecution and defense of military law. They also are responsible for cases across the Department of Defense.

You will provide timely, efficient, and appropriate legal advice and support to commanders, Marines, Sailors, and their families to promote the readiness of the force and contribute to Marine Corps mission accomplishment.

Judge Advocates can be involved in civil litigation, tort claims, labor law, environmental law and international law.

You will be entrusted with complicated tasks and added levels of responsibility leading small teams on cases. You will also receive advanced training and experience in all facets of leadership and management.

Of course, in addition to legal experience, after training you will have the honor of serving as a Marine Corps Officer.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS :

• Competitive starting pay : $70,000-$75,000 starting salary; $90-$100,000 within 1-2 years.
• Funded LL.M. and S.J.D. programs, as well as paid advanced degrees using the G.I. Bill.
• Judge Advocate Continuation Pay (JACP) Program- this is a special pay incentive, which consists of a maximum of $110,000 per officer , paid in three phases throughout a judge advocate’s career.

Used to pay off student loan / law school debt.

• Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Medical insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) with government matching on up to 5% contributions.
• Paid time off (30 days annually)
• Paid parental leave.
• Relocation Assistance
• Tuition assistance.
• Initial assignments are most commonly on the East Coast (VA, NC, SC), West Coast (CA and AZ), or Hawaii (Overseas postings are also available).

CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES :

• Straight to the courtroom, no legal clerk work or having to do your time .
• Criminal litigation : Marine commanders are very involved in legal matters of misconduct for Marines and Sailors under their command.

You will act as defense counsel or prosecution.

• Leadership : after experience as a trial or defense counsel, Judge Advocates may act as Senior Trial or Defense Counsel, managing a team of Judge Advocates.
• Act as advisor to Marine leadership on international treaties and agreements on armed conflict (Geneva Conventions). Facilitate resolution of legal disputes with other nations and interpret Status of Forces Agreements.
• Deploy with operational units while providing legal services to commanders and deployed Marines including : rules of engagement, laws of war, detention operations, investigations, fiscal law, claims, and military justice.
• Variety of experience : Judge Advocates also practice civil law including legal assistance (estate planning, family law, tax matters), tort claims (represent interests of the US in tort issues such as Federal Tort Claims Act to the Military Claims Act), labor law (arbitration hearing and equal opportunity), and contract law (multi-billion-dollar contracts of military technologies and supplies).
• Advanced positions : Staff Judge Advocate, Judge, Legal Support Service Section Officer in Charge, Appellate counsel (arguing cases on behalf of the Navy / Marine Corps).

To apply, you must meet the below criteria :

• Be a U.S. Citizen.
• Be 35 years old or younger (can be extended to 42 based on physical fitness).
• Be physically active and meet Marine Corps fitness requirements.
• Preferred LSAT of 150 and either a previous SAT score of 1000 (math and verbal combined), or ACT score of 22.
• Scores can be waived for exceptional applicants.

Have questions? Want to learn more? Contact Captain Caleb Gordy via phone at 304-545-2105 or via email at caleb.gordy@marines.

usmc.mil to set-up an informational meeting.