Job Details
Public service is one of the most rewarding paths one can take. As a bar-certified attorney, working with service members and their families will open doors and create opportunities for long-term professional growth.
According to the American Bar Association, the average law student graduates with $130k in student loan debt. The median salary with a law school degree is $127k. As a Marine Corps Judge Advocate, the starting salary is up to $132k plus additional benefits including an $110k bonus for qualifying attorneys.
All Judge Advocates undergo specialized training at Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island. Upon completion of training, Marine Judge Advocates immediately take responsibility of caseloads in various fields, including criminal law, civil law, international law, operational law, and work as a trial attorney.
As a prosecutor, defense attorney, or victim's legal counsel you will litigate felony and misdemeanor criminal cases before military judges and juries. Additionally, as a prosecutor, you will coordinate with NCIS to direct criminal investigations into serious and complex crimes. In the course of your career, you may also argue appellate cases before the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals or the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
As you gain experience, you may eventually transition to other areas of law, such as Civil Law, Administrative Law and Legal Assistance, or act as in-house counsel to Marine Corps headquarters staff. You will research and write internal memoranda and opinions and advise commanders on all legal issues affecting the command - from fiscal law to government ethics and risk management. You will also work closely with Marines and their families on Family, Consumer, Tax, Estate, and Immigration Law issues.
Basic qualifications include:
- U.S. Citizen
- Under 35 years old
- LSAT greater than 150
- Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school