Marine Corps Judge Advocate AMA
Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2016 10:11 am
The few, the proud, the Marines. If you have done any research on becoming an Officer in the world's greatest fighting force, you know that there is a very direct pathway. Unlike other services, there is no special training for professional degrees. Every candidate must attend Officer Candidates School (OCS). This past summer, the Judge Advocate attrition was approximately 70%. That should give some light to the difficulty of the program. After completing OCS, Second Lieutenants are required to attend The Basic School (TBS) for six months. This is the place where you learn all the requirements of being a Rifle Platoon Commander. If war breaks out, all Marine Officers need to be prepared to lead an infantry unit. After TBS, Judge Advocates attend the Naval Justice School (NJS) in Newport, RI. At NJS, they learn the basic aspects of military law, including the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Criminal Law and Procedure, Operational Law, Trial Advocacy, and Administrative Law. I would be happy to share my experience of going through Officer Candidate School with anyone who is considering it. It's tough to beat guaranteed legal employment and getting time in service while finishing out school.
I am currently a 2L and will be getting time in service, a tuition reimbursement check for a portion of my tuition, and the opportunity to take an additional year upon graduation to do a Federal Clerkship or LLM. During the summer, you can work an internship at any Marine Corps base where there is an opening and funding, while getting paid as a Second Lieutenant (or First Lieutenant if you get promoted prior to that date). Also, you can start this program before even going into 1L. You will need above 150 on LSAT, admission to an ABA law school, and be accepted to OCS.
I look forward to any questions.
I am currently a 2L and will be getting time in service, a tuition reimbursement check for a portion of my tuition, and the opportunity to take an additional year upon graduation to do a Federal Clerkship or LLM. During the summer, you can work an internship at any Marine Corps base where there is an opening and funding, while getting paid as a Second Lieutenant (or First Lieutenant if you get promoted prior to that date). Also, you can start this program before even going into 1L. You will need above 150 on LSAT, admission to an ABA law school, and be accepted to OCS.
I look forward to any questions.
