Reserve JAG with non-legal civilian career Forum

[Anonymous User]

I am interested in doing JAG with a reserve component after graduation but I'm looking into non-legal jobs for my full-time civilian career.

My state's National Guard said they want you to be employed as a practicing lawyer full-time before they will consider you.

Is this common practice?






Note: Before anyone says anything, I realize that: A) JAG is very competitive and B) I am an idiot for going to law school and not working as an attorney.

[Anonymous User]

Bump.

[kaysta]

Not sure what your question is. If you're really asking if it's common practice, your state NG doesnt give a shit if it's common practice or not, so that won't help you. If you're actually asking if it's true or not, can't tell as you havent given your home state. Are you moving to another state just for JAG reserve?
Anyhow, from what I recall, you need prior military experience to serve in JAG reserves. But don't take my word for it

[kaysta]

Cursory search would seem to indicate that you don't need prior military for Army JAG reserves.
You should probably be asking a recruiter these questions though I'd say this

A) JAG is very competitive

will be an issue
Also note, if this policy has changed recently my advice could be incorrect

[twenty]

Assuming the information here is accurate: https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/sites/jaro ... 2D004EFDCD

• Be a graduate of an ABA-approved law school.
• Be a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a state or federal court.

So yes, it is common practice.

[kaysta]

Assuming the information here is accurate: https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/sites/jaro ... 2D004EFDCD

• Be a graduate of an ABA-approved law school.
• Be a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a state or federal court.

So yes, it is common practice.

What you've quoted does not answer the question

[twenty]

Yeah, misread OP.

[kaysta]

Yeah, misread OP.

I got lost reading that question, not sure OP is actually in ls yet

[Anonymous User]

OP here.

Evidently my post was confusing so I'll clarify my situation and what I am asking:

I am a rising 3L with prior service in the military reserves. I am not planning on practicing law after graduation but would still like to take the bar and serve in JAG in the military reserves. I am aware of at least one reserve service component that requires civilian legal employment to serve in JAG. This was not a formal policy but rather a preference of the ranking officer in charge of recruiting.

Do other reserve branches have this same "unofficial" requirement? Does anyone here currently serving in JAG with a reserve component serve with anyone who is not a practicing lawyer outside of the military?

I am asking to determine the feasibility of this plan and determine if I should pursue this career option or not.

[TheSpanishMain]

I am a rising 3L with prior service in the military reserves. I am not planning on practicing law after graduation but would still like to take the bar and serve in JAG in the military reserves. I am aware of at least one reserve service component that requires civilian legal employment to serve in JAG. This was not a formal policy but rather a preference of the ranking officer in charge of recruiting.

If you're talking about Air Force Reserve JAG, my understanding (which I'm not claiming is Gospel truth, so take it for what it's worth) is that they prefer you to have civilian legal experience OR prior military experience. So you might still be competitive, depending on how extensive your prior service is.

[kaysta]

OP here.

Evidently my post was confusing so I'll clarify my situation and what I am asking:

I am a rising 3L with prior service in the military reserves. I am not planning on practicing law after graduation but would still like to take the bar and serve in JAG in the military reserves. I am aware of at least one reserve service component that requires civilian legal employment to serve in JAG. This was not a formal policy but rather a preference of the ranking officer in charge of recruiting.

Do other reserve branches have this same "unofficial" requirement? Does anyone here currently serving in JAG with a reserve component serve with anyone who is not a practicing lawyer outside of the military?

I am asking to determine the feasibility of this plan and determine if I should pursue this career option or not.

got it this makes more sense. sorry man I can't help you but to answer your question, I've never heard of anyone with no experience as a practicing attorney serving in JAG reserve. That said, I'm not JAG reserve. which branch are you, and I'm assuming you're not looking to switch to another branch for JAG

[kaysta]

read that wrong again, I didn't see you were reserves prior to law school, I was thinking OCS for some reason