Navy JAG chances Forum

[joshlyman]

Hey guys

I wanted to get some feedback on the Navy JAG student program selection process. I have read the "Military Law" thread but don't really want to comment on that behemoth and get a mix of responses.

So up to this point i've been focused on the DA track. Crim, evidence, trial ad, crim pro, you name it. Im a 2L, and never really thought seriously about JAG until my grandfather passed away this past summer (Navy vet) and aside from that I want the early trial practice and prosecutorial experience the JAG Corps can certainly provide. I also want to serve my country.

Here's the thing: im in the top third of a T2, im on a secondary journal (international law), mock trial team, and I can say that although im not in tip tip top shape, I am in shape and maintain myself physically (MMA enthusiast). So...what the hell am I missing? Is the rest just chance? I guess I just cannot wrap my head around the hyper-selective nature of the process. Any pointers from those who have experienced the process?

Thanks.

[joshlyman]

bump

[miacaprice1003]

I'm headed into Navy JAG after I finish the Bar and, realistically, there's no one thing that's going to "get you in." There are a number of things the accession board is likely looking for - enthusiasm (both for JAG and for the Navy), hard work (as reflected in schoolwork/job history), physical fitness (which you seem to have), flexibility/willingness to travel, and leadership qualities. They've even changed the interview process a bit, now including hypotheticals to see how you would address a particular set of circumstances. Take your time and respond carefully - the interview is massively important and a good interview can go a LONG way to bolstering your file. Recommendations are also important; recommenders should emphasize your leadership and hard-working nature...and though they only require 3 recs, sending 4 or 5 couldn't hurt to really hit the point home. Make sure these are people who really know you.

Mostly, I would say emphasize in your submitted materials your desire to be a JAG, your family background, your credentials (good grades, journal experience, mock trial work, desire to do trial work), and what you think you can bring to the table. Do that early and often because, with the changed interview format that I mentioned above, you may not get many opportunities during the interview to touch on those points. Go into the interview confident, be friendly (remember - these people are trying to figure out if they want you to be their colleague in the future), consider your answers carefully before speaking, and do all the the things you would as a courteous professional (be punctual, bring extra sets of materials, be prepared, send thank-you emails, etc.).

After that, it's up to the fates. Hope this helps.

[horrorbusiness]

I'm headed into Navy JAG after I finish the Bar and, realistically, there's no one thing that's going to "get you in." There are a number of things the accession board is likely looking for - enthusiasm (both for JAG and for the Navy), hard work (as reflected in schoolwork/job history), physical fitness (which you seem to have), flexibility/willingness to travel, and leadership qualities. They've even changed the interview process a bit, now including hypotheticals to see how you would address a particular set of circumstances. Take your time and respond carefully - the interview is massively important and a good interview can go a LONG way to bolstering your file. Recommendations are also important; recommenders should emphasize your leadership and hard-working nature...and though they only require 3 recs, sending 4 or 5 couldn't hurt to really hit the point home. Make sure these are people who really know you.

Mostly, I would say emphasize in your submitted materials your desire to be a JAG, your family background, your credentials (good grades, journal experience, mock trial work, desire to do trial work), and what you think you can bring to the table. Do that early and often because, with the changed interview format that I mentioned above, you may not get many opportunities during the interview to touch on those points. Go into the interview confident, be friendly (remember - these people are trying to figure out if they want you to be their colleague in the future), consider your answers carefully before speaking, and do all the the things you would as a courteous professional (be punctual, bring extra sets of materials, be prepared, send thank-you emails, etc.).

After that, it's up to the fates. Hope this helps.

Hey there. Just briefly, can you describe what JAG's all about and why it's appealing? I've read up on it a bit before, but would be interested in a personal opinion.

[89vision]

This was my top option until I discovered I had a medical condition (bipolar 1) that is typically non waiveable. If I talk to them, is there any chance to get an exception, if I can document I am receiving adequate treatment?

I've wanted to serve in some aspect for years. I have multiple family members who served int he Marines. My aunt was diagnosed as bipolar after she was finished serving, and she did not have any issues performing her job functions, but I doubt that matters.

I understand the liability aspects, but why wouldn't the exclusion of people with mental illness not violate the ADA? Is the military exempted from such practices? Sorry if that's a stupid question.

Good luck gaining admissions to the JAG corp. It sounds like a great program.

[miacaprice1003]

I'm headed into Navy JAG after I finish the Bar and, realistically, there's no one thing that's going to "get you in." There are a number of things the accession board is likely looking for - enthusiasm (both for JAG and for the Navy), hard work (as reflected in schoolwork/job history), physical fitness (which you seem to have), flexibility/willingness to travel, and leadership qualities. They've even changed the interview process a bit, now including hypotheticals to see how you would address a particular set of circumstances. Take your time and respond carefully - the interview is massively important and a good interview can go a LONG way to bolstering your file. Recommendations are also important; recommenders should emphasize your leadership and hard-working nature...and though they only require 3 recs, sending 4 or 5 couldn't hurt to really hit the point home. Make sure these are people who really know you.

Mostly, I would say emphasize in your submitted materials your desire to be a JAG, your family background, your credentials (good grades, journal experience, mock trial work, desire to do trial work), and what you think you can bring to the table. Do that early and often because, with the changed interview format that I mentioned above, you may not get many opportunities during the interview to touch on those points. Go into the interview confident, be friendly (remember - these people are trying to figure out if they want you to be their colleague in the future), consider your answers carefully before speaking, and do all the the things you would as a courteous professional (be punctual, bring extra sets of materials, be prepared, send thank-you emails, etc.).

After that, it's up to the fates. Hope this helps.

Hey there. Just briefly, can you describe what JAG's all about and why it's appealing? I've read up on it a bit before, but would be interested in a personal opinion.

Sorry for the delay. What drew me in was a few things:

First and foremost was the experience you get up front. The Navy isn't shy about throwing you into the mix right away. They train you and they surround you with people who can be of help, but really, you're expected to jump right in with both feet from day one. It's not like a law firm where, in most cases, you won't even see the inside of a courtroom or do the actual drafting of documents until your third year.

Second was the variety of work. As a JAG you can be asked to do anything from trial work to administrative law to personal matters (wills, divorces) to providing legal advice to officers and sailors in the field. And it can be on military issues, environmental issues, tax issues - you name it. A lot of government entities I interviewed with were going to pigeonhole me into a particular division and that is all I would be doing. If I hated it, too bad - I'd be stuck and for quite some time. In the Navy, you do a tour (and each tour you might do multiple types of assignments). If you didn't like the duty station or the types of assignment, next tour you can try to see if you can change it up.

Third are the locations and travel. If you don't like moving every 1-2 years, the military is not a good choice. That said, if you're like me and you enjoy that kind of change of pace, there are plenty of opportunities for it.

Finally, it feels like a worthy cause to me. I'm not defending scummy corporations or doing work that's unrewarding. Even if all you do is write wills for sailors who are being deployed, what you are doing is massively important to people who are putting their country first. To me, that's huge.

If you have any other questions, let me know. Good luck!

[miacaprice1003]

This was my top option until I discovered I had a medical condition (bipolar 1) that is typically non waiveable. If I talk to them, is there any chance to get an exception, if I can document I am receiving adequate treatment?

I've wanted to serve in some aspect for years. I have multiple family members who served int he Marines. My aunt was diagnosed as bipolar after she was finished serving, and she did not have any issues performing her job functions, but I doubt that matters.

I understand the liability aspects, but why wouldn't the exclusion of people with mental illness not violate the ADA? Is the military exempted from such practices? Sorry if that's a stupid question.

Good luck gaining admissions to the JAG corp. It sounds like a great program.

Honestly, you'd do best just calling up a recruiter or the JAG Accessions office (for Navy, it's in Millington, TN and the contact number should be on the JAG website). They're probably the only ones who can tell you with any authority whether or not it's waiveable or an automatic ding.

[willwash]

Hey guys

I wanted to get some feedback on the Navy JAG student program selection process. I have read the "Military Law" thread but don't really want to comment on that behemoth and get a mix of responses.

So up to this point i've been focused on the DA track. Crim, evidence, trial ad, crim pro, you name it. Im a 2L, and never really thought seriously about JAG until my grandfather passed away this past summer (Navy vet) and aside from that I want the early trial practice and prosecutorial experience the JAG Corps can certainly provide. I also want to serve my country.

Here's the thing: im in the top third of a T2, im on a secondary journal (international law), mock trial team, and I can say that although im not in tip tip top shape, I am in shape and maintain myself physically (MMA enthusiast). So...what the hell am I missing? Is the rest just chance? I guess I just cannot wrap my head around the hyper-selective nature of the process. Any pointers from those who have experienced the process?

Thanks.

No kidding! I'm an active duty Naval Aviator looking to transition to JAG, and my only choice is to go on sabbatical from active duty, go to law school, and apply like everyone else. I've been told that my prior service is "one thing" the board will look at, but basically I will be considered on the same plane as everyone else. Yes, you read correctly: despite my having 6.5 years as a naval officer with 2 combat deployments in which I was required to make snap decisions based on theater ROE, meaning I would bring a practical, real-world understanding of how the legalese affects the tactical picture (and our capabilities and limitations) that can be matched by virtually no other applicant, I still have to just throw my name in the hat at a 5-8% selection rate. Meanwhile, I'm going on sabbatical for the express purpose of going to law school and transitioning to the JAG corps, and they can't set me up with orders beforehand.

[navy_jag]

I'm surprised prior active duty wouldn't play a bigger part. . . Do any prior duty or current JAGs have any first hand experience with this? I'm prior enlisted got my UG during my 4, graduated 4.0, LOR for accession board from CO/XO, 5 consecutive EPs and am moving on to LS hoping to go JAG. Similar situation as the officer who commented. I would think the fact that we had successful military service under our belt would be a BIG plus. Maybe not. . . Anyone know?

[Fed_Atty]

I am a current Navy JAG officer with prior military experience. Personally, I think the military boost is substantial. In my Basic Lawyer class we had a strong representation, particularly from the Navy, of people from top schools - Harvard, UVA, Georgetown, etc. Those who came from lower ranked schools, like myself, typically had military experience.

My personal feeling is that prior officer experience is valued over prior enlisted experience and prior Navy experience is valued over other services. However, this is only my view, not that of the Navy.

It is a pretty exciting career field, and I can see why people are interested in joining up.

[navy_jag]

I am a current Navy JAG officer with prior military experience. Personally, I think the military boost is substantial. In my Basic Lawyer class we had a strong representation, particularly from the Navy, of people from top schools - Harvard, UVA, Georgetown, etc. Those who came from lower ranked schools, like myself, typically had military experience.

My personal feeling is that prior officer experience is valued over prior enlisted experience and prior Navy experience is valued over other services. However, this is only my view, not that of the Navy.

It is a pretty exciting career field, and I can see why people are interested in joining up.

Awesome feedback! Thank you!