Transitioning from the military to big law is both an exciting and challenging journey. Veterans bring invaluable skills like leadership, an understanding of risk, and discipline, yet translating these qualities into a legal environment can be complex. As a veteran, it’s essential to highlight these strengths effectively, network strategically, and approach interviews with the same dedication you demonstrated in the military. Here are some practical steps to make this transition successfully.
Networking within the veteran community is invaluable. Veterans who’ve successfully transitioned into big law often want to help others do the same (and don’t limit yourself to JAGs in big law). Events like the Veterans Career Legal Fair or Jobs for JAGs offer a unique opportunity to connect with those who understand both your background and your target industry. Take advantage of networking within your military branch—the Marine Corps, for example, has a powerful network known as the “Marine mafia,” which is renowned for helping fellow Marines transition to civilian roles. The key is to start these conversations early and show genuine interest in learning from others.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for finding veterans who work in law, especially at specific firms or in particular practice areas. Use LinkedIn’s search filters to identify veterans at your target firms and practice areas. When reaching out, don’t be discouraged if some people fail to respond; for every message that goes unanswered, several others will result in productive connections.
Don’t be afraid to cold email. Cold emailing is another way to build relationships with professionals in big law. While emails alone may not do the job, face-to-face meetings or calls often lead to more significant connections. When reaching out, prioritize veterans within the firm you want to work at as they’re more likely to relate to your background and be open to connecting; however, do not be afraid to email non-veterans—many are willing and excited to help. In addition, check out law firms’ employee resource groups; many now have a Veteran Employee Resource Group, which will provide great contacts to reach out to. Offer to grab a coffee or set up a brief phone call, which provides an opportunity to demonstrate your initiative and commitment and ask thoughtful questions. The best rule of thumb: In person is better than a call; a call is better than an email; an email is better than nothing.
Networking is time-consuming, but it’s crucial. Accept every call, coffee invite, and informal meeting that comes your way. Aim to schedule short calls throughout the day—on your drive in, during lunch, and your drive home. There will be some duds. However, most will provide valuable insight and could even lead to an interview. At the end of each conversation, ask if they can recommend anyone else to speak with. This simple question demonstrates initiative and will expand your network. People are often happy to refer you to others if they feel you’re serious and dedicated, so make it a habit to ask for referrals during every networking interaction.
It's also important to keep track of who you spoke to, what firm they work for, and when you spoke to them. An Excel spreadsheet of your contacts will help organize your effort to build and leverage the network efficiently. It will also be a tool you can easily reference when partners or associates ask who you've spoken to at the firm or what other firms you have been contacting. Remember, cast a wide net. You never know which firm will have an opening in the interest area or practice group at that particular time.
One of the biggest challenges for veterans entering big law is explaining military experience in a way that resonates with civilian employers. Your military background offers a wealth of qualities that are highly valued in law, including leadership, strategic thinking, and risk management. However, describing them in a “civilianized” manner is crucial but can be difficult to do. Consistently emphasize the qualities that make you a strong fit for big law, such as resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. Be clear about why you’re drawn to big law and what practice areas interest you. Frame your military experience as an asset, highlighting how it makes you uniquely qualified for high-stakes and complex legal challenges.
Use these three tips to help you overcome the challenge of translating your military experience into civilian terms:
One of the best ways to stand out, far more effective than simply applying through official channels, is to reach out directly to a mid-level or senior associate in the practice area you're interested in. This approach is particularly valuable if you can connect with someone who has a military background or veteran ties. A referral from someone at that firm almost guarantees that your application will get a closer look, ensuring that someone actually reviews it. By contrast, a cold application often feels like a challenging, if not impossible, path to making an impression in such a competitive field.
When transitioning from the military to big law, many veterans fall into the trap of believing they need to stay as close to their military or defense-focused roles as possible, aiming for government contracts, national security, or criminal defense positions. However, casting a wider net can reveal opportunities in areas like white-collar defense, corporate and employment litigation, or regulatory compliance, where the skill set from your JAG or other military legal roles can add significant value. For instance, although JAG investigations work isn’t identical to white-collar defense, you can demonstrate how core investigative and legal skills are transferred effectively, ultimately making you a strong candidate in this area. Don’t hesitate to explore practice areas outside of those directly aligned with your military experience—big law values diverse backgrounds and transferable skills that can strengthen various teams.
Approach each interview with the same thoroughness you’d apply to an opening statement or a schoolhouse you attended while in the military. Research the firm, understand the interviewers’ backgrounds, and review recent cases or deals the firm has worked on. Show your dedication to the firm by preparing thoughtful questions about their work, values, and goals. Demonstrating a high level of preparation and understanding of the firm’s work reflects well on your commitment to the field and the firm’s mission.
Be prepared to discuss your academic performance and know what entry level you’re aiming for within the firm. Firms appreciate it when candidates think about these details, as it helps set realistic expectations for both the candidate and the firm. This is particularly important if you’re considering coming in as a more senior associate or have questions about where your experience fits within the firm's structure. The more competitive the firm, the harder it is to join at a senior associate level unless you’re lateraling in from a similar firm. Unlike law firms that might automatically recognize your years of legal experience, big law often scrutinizes whether your experience aligns with the exacting standards and specific needs of each associate year group. So, while it’s vital to highlight your military experience and legal skills, be prepared to enter at a slightly lower year level. This can be advantageous, giving you time to acclimate and gain specialized experience that will allow you to thrive long-term in a big law environment.
As you progress in your legal career, don’t forget to support other veterans making the transition. By offering guidance and sharing your experiences, you can build a strong network of veterans who help each other. Not only does this create a positive impact, but it also strengthens your professional network and keeps you connected to the broader veteran community.
These strategies provide a roadmap for veterans entering big law, highlighting ways to convey the value of military experience, build meaningful connections, and approach every interaction with purpose. By following these steps and staying committed to the process, veterans can navigate the transition to big law and build successful, impactful careers.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the US Marine Corps, Dep’t of the Navy, Dep’t of Defense, or the US Government.
