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Prior to law school, I was active duty Army (enlisted for 9 years). I got out and went to law school. I’m now a senior attorney at a mid size firm (around AmLaw 150) and will likely make partner at the end of this year. I’m happy with this part of my career and not looking to rock the boat. That said, I’ve been interested in joining the National Guard or reserves as a JAG officer for a while and am thinking seriously about applying soon.

Is there anyone out there in the reserves or guard with a similar day job that can tell me if I’m crazy? Is it possible to manage your military responsibilities and still bill 2,000+ hours a year without being miserable?


I’d also be interested to hear just generally about people’s experiences as a reserve/guard JAG officer. What do you do on drill weekend? Are you attending to JAG responsibilities throughout the month even when you’re not at drill? What’s the “real” time commitment? What else should I know/be asking?

The experience will vary, and each person may tell you different things. I was a reserve JAG in biglaw (general litigation). Personally, billing 2000+ hours plus weekend drills kicked my butt. It was extremely difficult balancing that with a spouse and kids. My firm was supportive, but the thought of having to do reserve work on the weekends when I was doing my normal job was unsustainable for me, so I left the firm (still a reservist). I've talked to others who have said similar things.

That said, I know other JAGs in biglaw who manage it. The ones I know tend to be partners (some associates). When I speak to them, they appear to like it. They also tend to be in practice groups that goes well with the military background (National Security, Cyber or Privacy law, White-Collar Defense, etc.)

But I think it's telling that during weekend drills in person, these are the folks in the back of the room answering their biglaw emails?