Attorney

About the Opportunity

Serve as an attorney and a commissioned Marine Corps Officer.

Marine Judge Advocates provide legal counsel to Marines, commanders, and Marine Corps organizations while developing experience across a broad range of legal practice areas. From the beginning of their careers, Judge Advocates are entrusted with meaningful responsibility and the opportunity to develop as both attorneys and leaders.

About the Role

Marine Judge Advocates are licensed attorneys who serve as commissioned Marine Officers. The role offers a legal career that combines hands-on practice, leadership responsibility, and service.

Early in their careers, Judge Advocates may handle cases and advise clients across areas including criminal litigation, administrative law, government ethics, legal assistance, and operational law. New attorneys work alongside experienced Judge Advocates who provide mentorship and professional guidance as they take on increasing levels of responsibility.

Assignments vary throughout a Judge Advocates career, providing exposure to different areas of law and opportunities to serve in both legal and operational environments.

Possible Practices:

• Criminal Litigation: Serve as a prosecutor or defense counsel in courts-martial and represent clients in military and administrative proceedings.
• Command Legal Counsel: Advise commanders and Marine Corps organizations on administrative law, government ethics, investigations, personnel matters, and other legal issues.
• Legal Assistance: Provide legal counsel to Marines, Sailors, and their families on matters such as estate planning, landlord-tenant disputes, consumer issues, and family law.
• Operational & International Law: Advise operational units on rules of engagement, the law of armed conflict, international agreements, and other legal matters affecting military operations.
• Leadership: Serve as a Marine Officer with responsibilities that extend beyond the traditional practice of law, including leading and mentoring Marines.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet applicable Marine Corps commissioning requirements and should:

• Be accepted to or currently attending an ABA-accredited law school and pursuing a J.D., or have earned a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Be admitted to a state bar or, if a law school graduate, be eligible to take a state bar examination
• Meet applicable Marine Corps aptitude requirements
• Meet Marine Corps physical fitness and medical standards
• Demonstrate the leadership, judgment, integrity, and professionalism expected of a Marine Officer

Compensation & Benefits

Marine Judge Advocates receive competitive military compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. Depending on eligibility and service status, benefits may include healthcare coverage, paid leave, housing and other allowances, retirement benefits, and additional military benefits.

A Different Kind of Legal Career

As a Marine Judge Advocate, you will have the opportunity to develop as a litigator, legal advisor, and leader while taking on meaningful responsibility early in your career.

For law students and attorneys interested in substantive legal experience, leadership, and service as a Marine Officer, the Judge Advocate program offers a distinctive alternative to a traditional legal career.