Practicing Law in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps Reserve Component

Consider this scenario: You sit at your desk, tirelessly typing and diligently billing after hours of legal research, and you yearn for fresh air. As you step outside the office, the bustling sidewalk greets you, a stark contrast to the confines of the office. Seeking a momentary escape, you decide to indulge in a quick social media recess and instantly open Instagram. At the top of the screen, you notice a familiar face: Aaron, a member of your law firm who is currently away on active-duty orders. Your friend joined the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps Reserve component earlier last year and is currently at Fort Liberty in Fayetteville, North Carolina, completing his annual training. The image that catches your attention is one of Aaron rappelling down a rope from a hovering UH-60 helicopter. The caption reads, “Another day in the office!” You can tell from his grin that the change in office scenery has benefited him immensely. You close the app and return to your desk, your mind buzzing with curiosity and intrigue, anxious to get on the phone with Aaron to learn more about this unique, part-time career opportunity.

Why Join the JAG Corps?

Tracing its history back to 1775, the U.S. Army JAG Corps is America’s first law firm. Whether you are looking to jump out of “perfectly good airplanes” or draft appellate briefs, the U.S. Army JAG Corps Reserve component offers many opportunities that can develop and build any legal practitioner into a better person, advocate, and leader.

Joining the U.S. Army JAG Corps may sound far-fetched, but have you ever wondered about assisting the Department of Defense navigate the federal acquisition process to obtain a new weapon system or mobilizing to Thailand to participate in a multinational-level exercise? The U.S. Army JAG Corps Reserve component has opportunities for part-time warriors that may offer just that and more. My own journey within the U.S. Army JAG Corps has proven to be exceedingly fulfilling, enriching me both personally and professionally. Having had the opportunity to serve both in the Reserve and Active Duty components, I wholeheartedly endorse service in America’s first law firm.

Consider the various practice areas the U.S. Army JAG Corps offers:

Administrative and Civil Law

Military commanders require guidance on a broad spectrum of civil and administrative legal matters. Legal advisors within the U.S. Army JAG Corps, at all levels of service, encompassing both Active Duty and Reserve components, must be able to interpret and maintain adherence to statutes, regulations, policies, and legal precedents that govern the Army. To help judge advocates (JAs) attain this level of competency, The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School (TJAGLCS) offers comprehensive training throughout the calendar year, covering various legal domains, including but not limited to military personnel law, contract and fiscal law, administrative investigations, regulatory law, and government ethics.

Criminal Law (Military Justice)

Even within the Reserve component, JAs are frequently afforded substantial opportunities to engage in criminal litigation. Army commanders consistently rely on their JAs for expert guidance on matters concerning soldier misconduct, appropriate disciplinary measures, and legal advice on the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Furthermore, JAs serve in pivotal roles as either trial or defense counsel, actively litigating cases ranging from assault to homicide. Additionally, JAs may seize the unique opportunity to serve as government or defense appellate counsel. As JAs progress in their careers, they may even ascend to the esteemed position of military judge—yes, even in the Reserve component.

Contract and Fiscal Law

The Army places substantial reliance on contracting, and the role of the JA in the acquisition process is paramount. JAs assigned to contract and fiscal billets greatly influence contracting officers’ adherence to the federal acquisition regulation, appropriations, and legal statutes governing government contracting. Moreover, JAs can also have the distinct opportunity to serve as trial attorneys in this area, defending against high-stakes bid protests and gaining firsthand experience in this specialized field. Whether defending against bid protests or facilitating the acquisition of multimillion-dollar weapon systems, this legal domain is inherently dynamic and exhilarating.

National Security Law

The Army and its leadership demand unwavering adherence to foreign and international laws. Consequently, JAs are tasked with navigating intricate international laws, treaties, and operational authorities. Furthermore, JAs must possess comprehensive knowledge of multi-domain operations, encompassing targeting, cyber, space, and military information support operations. In addition to supporting commanders in this unique area of law, JAs also have the opportunity to engage in bilateral and multinational exercises worldwide, offering the opportunity to promote interoperability and the unique chance to engage with foreign partners. In fact, the author generated this article while deployed to Thailand in support of one of Indo-Pacific Command’s largest multinational exercises, Cobra Gold.

Legal Assistance to Servicemembers

JAs offer invaluable legal support to military members and their loved ones, extending guidance on various personal legal affairs. This practice area encompasses counsel on diverse issues such as family law, estate planning (wills, powers of attorneys, medical directives), landlord-tenant conflict resolution, and even assistance with the adjudication of consumer disputes. The provision of this wide range of services not only makes the U.S. Army JAG Corps a pillar of support for service personnel but also nurtures a JA’s skills and expertise in diverse legal domains.

Financial Incentives

In addition to the opportunity to gain immediate experience, travel the world, and do exciting things, JAs in the Reserve component also have competitive financial incentives that make the experience much more appealing. First, JAs in the Reserve component enter the Army as officers at an advanced pay grade (First Lieutenant, 0-2) and can expect a promotion to a higher grade within 12 months of being commissioned. Significant salary increases will follow as a JA gains more experience and moves up the ranks. Further, Reserve Component JAs are eligible for student loan repayment of up to $30,000 (still taxable and subject to yearly authorization) or a $10,000 lump sum (still taxable and subject to yearly authorization). Also, JAs in the Reserve component have the opportunity to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and can enroll in a thrift savings plan (with government contributions). But wait, there is more!

Reserve component JAs are also eligible for additional benefits, including:

• Low-cost medical and dental coverage for themselves and their family members;
• Potential access to Veterans Affairs home loans;
• Travel at no cost on military flights to destinations worldwide and TSA Precheck throughout their career;
• Holistic wellness training on topics such as sleep, mindfulness, and nutrition;
• Opportunities to mentor; and
• Military spouse education opportunities and hiring programs such as the Military Spouse Attorney Hiring Program for JAs married to civilian attorneys.

My Experience in the U.S. Army JAG Corps

Serving in the U.S. Army JAG Corps has been one of my most profoundly fulfilling experiences. With each tour, whether in Europe or the Indo-Pacific area of operation, I embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures, forge meaningful connections with allies and partners, and broaden my understanding of the complex geopolitical landscape in which we operate. My experiences abroad have enriched my perspective and underscored the critical importance of international cooperation and collaboration in advancing shared security objectives. As an example, while serving as a National Security Law JA, I was mobilized to Korea to participate in a bilateral combined arms live fire exercise. Throughout the exercise, I had the privilege of collaborating closely with Korean JAs, delving into their perspectives and cultural nuances, and fostering legal interoperability across our domains. It was an unparalleled experience and one that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Through the years, I have had so many other rewarding experiences and ample opportunities to hone my litigation skills and sharpen my legal research and writing efforts. Whether advocating for servicemembers’ rights, providing legal counsel in complex operational environments, or giving a dynamic closing argument following a week-long panel trial, my experience as a member of the U.S. Army JAG Corps has exceeded my expectations.

Being Both a Solo Practitioner and a JA

Through immersive training programs at TJAGLCS and real-world experiences, solo practitioners can expand their expertise and refine their craft alongside seasoned legal professionals. The U.S. Army JAG Corps offers unparalleled opportunities for skill development and specialization across various legal domains, ranging from criminal law to administrative proceedings. And even in the Reserve component, the U.S. Army JAG Corps provides a supportive network and a sense of belonging, fostering collaboration and camaraderie among legal professionals. Candidly, I still keep in touch with and receive guidance and mentorship from JAs I worked with in the Reserve component while assigned to the 12th Legal Operations Detachment. As I continue to do, solo practitioners can leverage this network to access resources, mentorship, and invaluable insights, enhancing their efficacy and resilience in the face of professional challenges.

I hope this article underscores the compelling reasons why solo practitioners should consider embracing the U.S. Army JAG Reserve component experience. Whether they are seeking to broaden their skill set, forge lasting connections, or make a difference on a broader scale, the JAG Reserve component presents a gateway to professional fulfillment and personal growth for solo practitioners ready to seize the opportunity.