Cecily Zamora
If you are considering pursuing a law degree while serving in the military, there are a few options available to you. The military offers various programs that allow active-duty personnel to attend law school, such as the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Entry Programs for the Air Force and Navy, which provide financial support and the opportunity to remain on active duty while pursuing a legal education. Additionally, the military also offers tuition assistance programs and the GI Bill, which can help cover the cost of tuition for active-duty service members pursuing a degree. However, it's important to note that most good law schools will not offer the flexibility required to balance law school with military service. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider your options and select a program that aligns with your career goals and commitments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Opportunities to study law while serving in the military | Yes |
| Funding options | Tuition Assistance (TA), GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program, ROTC, Reserve duty, Excess Leave Program (ELP), FLEP |
| Requirements | Academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military record, work experience, SJA recommendation |
| Post-graduation career options | Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG), internships, clerking, high-paying law jobs |
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What You'll Learn
Military benefits for law school
If you are currently serving in the military and want to attend law school, there are several benefits and programs available to you. Here are some military benefits that can help you pursue a legal education:
- Tuition Assistance (TA): TA is a benefit offered to active-duty military personnel, which can help pay for tuition for college courses, including law school. The amount of assistance provided varies, but it can cover a significant portion of the cost. For example, in the Marines, TA provides about $5,000 per year for tuition.
- GI Bill: The GI Bill is a benefit that can be used to fund education after military service. However, in some cases, it can also be used while still serving on active duty. The GI Bill can cover the cost of law school, and in certain instances, you may also be able to pocket scholarship money as a stipend.
- Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Entry Programs: The military offers JAG entry programs for those seeking to become military lawyers. These programs are highly competitive and selective. If selected for a JAG program, you may receive tuition assistance, fees, and a book allowance while continuing to serve on active duty and receiving your full pay and benefits. The specific requirements and benefits vary between branches of the military.
- Excess Leave Program (ELP): The Air Force offers the ELP, which allows active-duty officers to pursue law school while on excess leave. While you are responsible for all expenses and won't receive pay, you continue to accrue time for promotion and remain eligible for other active-duty benefits.
- Student Loan Repayment: The military may offer student loan repayment incentives to entice service members to extend their service. These repayment programs are typically capped at around $60,000.
- Reserve/Guard Benefits: Joining the reserves or guard and utilizing state benefits can help cut down on tuition costs.
It is important to note that the availability and specifics of these benefits may vary depending on the branch of the military and your individual circumstances. It is always a good idea to consult with a recruiter or education center on base to understand the exact benefits and requirements for utilizing military benefits for law school.
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JAG entry programs
If you're currently serving in the military and are considering a career in law, there are several JAG entry programs you can explore. JAG, or Judge Advocate General's Corps, offers opportunities for military personnel to pursue legal careers within the military. Here are some options for JAG entry programs:
- Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP): This program is offered by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. It covers the cost of law school for a limited number of active-duty officers and enlisted members each year. The selection process is highly competitive, considering factors such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military record, work experience, and recommendations. If selected for FLEP, you'll receive full pay, allowances, and benefits while attending law school.
- Excess Leave Program (ELP): The U.S. Air Force offers this option for active-duty officers to pursue law school while on "excess leave." Although you won't receive pay or allowances during this program, you won't need to repay the leave, and you'll continue to accrue time for promotion and retirement purposes. You'll also remain eligible for other active-duty benefits.
- Direct Commission Course (DCC): The U.S. Army offers this six-week rigorous training course for those joining as a Judge Advocate. It covers physical, weapons, and leadership training to prepare individuals to serve as officers. After completing the DCC, participants attend the Judge Advocate Basic Training Course, which provides a comprehensive introduction to military law and the JAG Corps.
- Navy JAG Student Program: The U.S. Navy offers a Student Program for those pursuing law school. Participants serve as ensigns (O-1) in a non-paid status during law school and promote to lieutenant junior grade (O-2) after passing the bar exam. The Navy JAG Corps offers a competitive starting salary, ranging from $80,000 to $108,000, with opportunities for rapid pay increases and retention bonuses. The program also includes benefits such as access to military commissaries and officers' clubs worldwide.
- Intraservice Transfer: If you're already a licensed attorney serving in the Air Force, you can request an intraservice transfer to the JAG Corps. To be eligible, you must meet certain requirements, including having between four and ten years of active federal commissioned service and graduating from an ABA-approved law school.
These JAG entry programs offer diverse pathways for military personnel to transition into legal careers within the military. Each program has its own unique benefits, requirements, and selection processes, so it's important for interested individuals to carefully review the details of each program before applying.
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Excess leave program
The Excess Leave program is a scheme that allows military personnel to pursue educational opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable due to the demands of military service. The program provides service members with the opportunity to take an extended period of leave, typically ranging from one to four years, to focus on their studies full-time. This can be an attractive option for those wishing to study law, as it provides a dedicated period to focus on academic pursuits without the usual interruptions and commitments of military life.
The program is typically open to all active-duty military personnel who meet the eligibility requirements, which often include having a certain amount of time remaining on their service contract and being in good standing with their unit. In some cases, priority may be given to those with a demonstrated interest in a particular field of study, such as law, and those who intend to pursue a career in that field post-military.
The application process for the Excess Leave program can vary depending on the branch of service and specific regulations. Generally, it involves submitting a formal request through the chain of command, including a detailed plan outlining the intended course of study and how it will be completed. A robust application will also demonstrate how the degree will benefit the individual's military career and how they plan to reintegrate into military life upon completion of their studies.
Once approved, individuals on excess leave are typically granted the same benefits as other service members, including medical coverage, base privileges, and continued accrual of retirement benefits. They may also be eligible for additional educational benefits, such as tuition assistance or the Post-9/11 GI Bill, to help fund their studies. It is essential to note that, during this period, individuals remain subject to military laws and regulations and may be recalled to active duty if necessary.
Upon completing their studies, individuals on excess leave are expected to return to active duty and serve the remainder of their service obligation. This provides an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained during their studies in a practical, real-world setting. For those studying law, this could involve working in a legal capacity within the military, such as serving as a judge advocate or providing legal assistance to service members and their families.
The Excess Leave program offers a unique opportunity for military personnel to pursue their educational goals without separating or transitioning out of the military. It provides the time and focus needed to undertake challenging courses of study, such as law, while maintaining the benefits and support structure of military service. For those interested in a legal career, this program can be a valuable stepping stone, offering both academic credentials and practical experience in a highly specialized field.
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Intraservice transfer
If you are a licensed attorney and are currently serving in the Air Force, you can make a career shift to the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) by requesting an intraservice transfer. To be eligible for this transfer, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have served a minimum of four years and a maximum of ten years of total active federal commissioned service.
- Be a graduate of an ABA-approved law school.
- Have been admitted to practice law in the highest court of any U.S. state, commonwealth, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Have completed all active-duty service commitments before the transfer or appointment effective date.
The Air Force Personnel Center must agree to all selections, and candidates are evaluated on various factors, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military record, work experience, and the SJA recommendation.
There are several programs available for those interested in pursuing a legal education while serving in the military. The Excess Leave Program (ELP) is an option for active-duty Air Force officers to pursue law school while on "excess leave." Although this type of leave does not count against your regular leave and does not need to be repaid, you will be responsible for all expenses, including application fees and tuition. However, you will continue to accrue time for promotion and retirement, and you will remain eligible for other active-duty benefits.
Another option is the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP), which provides selected candidates with tuition, fees, and a book allowance while they continue to serve on active duty and receive their full pay and benefits. This program is open to both active-duty officers and enlisted members, and the selection process is competitive, considering various factors such as academic performance, community service, and work experience.
Additionally, active-duty military personnel can utilize tuition assistance (TA) to fund their legal education. TA provides financial support for active-duty service members to take college courses, and the amount and availability of TA can vary depending on the military branch. For example, in the Marines, service members must have 24 months of service before becoming eligible for TA, which provides about $5,000 per year for tuition.
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Military-friendly colleges
If you are currently serving in the military and want to pursue a law degree, there are several options available to you. Firstly, you can utilise tuition assistance programmes such as the GI Bill or Yellow Ribbon Program, which can help cover the cost of tuition and fees. Additionally, each military branch has its own education benefits, such as the Marine Corps' PLC-LAW program or the Air Force's Excess Leave Program (ELP) and Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP). These programs offer various benefits, including tuition assistance, full pay and allowances, or the opportunity to pursue legal ambitions while on excess leave.
It is important to note that most good law schools will not offer convenience and flexibility, so you may need to select a school based on your specific needs and constraints as a military service member. Additionally, becoming a military lawyer is a competitive, rigorous, and highly selective process. The application process considers academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military record, work experience, and recommendations.
- Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law: Located in Chicago, this school is known for its innovative approach to legal education and strong focus on experiential learning. It offers a dynamic curriculum that emphasises real-world applications through extensive clinical programs, externships, and simulations.
- Penn Carey Law: Penn Carey Law provides a rigorous curriculum supported by distinguished faculty and extensive resources. The school's integration with other renowned Penn programs, such as business, medicine, and technology, allows for a well-rounded and versatile legal education. It is known for its collegial atmosphere and commitment to public service, preparing graduates for diverse careers in law, academia, government, and the private sector.
- Harvard Law School: As the oldest law school in the country and one of the most prestigious in the world, Harvard Law School has a long history of academic excellence and influential alumni. Its JD program enrols nearly 600 students per class, making it one of the largest law school programs.
- New York University School of Law (NYU Law): Founded in 1835, NYU Law is the first law school in New York City and one of the oldest in the US. It offers a diverse range of specialised legal fields, including international, tax, and public interest law. Its extensive alumni network, strong clinical programs, and proximity to major legal and financial institutions provide students with abundant opportunities for professional development and hands-on experience.
- Columbia Law School: Located in Manhattan's Morningside Heights neighbourhood, Columbia Law School has an excellent reputation for legal education.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to study law while serving in the US military. There are several programs that allow active-duty military personnel to pursue a legal education, including the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Entry Programs for Active Duty Military in the Air Force and Navy, and the Platoon Leaders Class-Law (PLC-LAW) program offered by the Marine Corps. These programs often provide financial support in the form of tuition assistance, pay, and benefits while attending law school. However, the selection process for these programs is highly competitive and rigorous.
The requirements vary depending on the specific program and branch of the military. Generally, academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military record, work experience, and recommendations are considered during the application process. Some programs may also require you to have completed a certain amount of service or be a graduate of an ABA-approved law school.
Studying law in the military can provide unique opportunities for hands-on learning and practical experience in military law. It also offers financial benefits, such as tuition assistance, pay, and allowances. Additionally, a background in military law can enhance your employability and lead to high-paying job prospects in the legal field.
The application process varies depending on the specific program and branch of the military. You can start by researching the official websites of the military branch you are interested in and looking for their law education or JAG entry programs. These websites will provide detailed information on the eligibility requirements, application process, and any necessary documentation. You can also visit your education center on base to get more information and assistance with the application process.
