Lawyer in NGSF

D9 (RIP) · 08-12-2008, 15:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roguish Lawyer

In my firm, you could not do it even as an associate. Why not go the JAG route?

It is also worth noting that it is only BARELY possible to have over 6,800 posts on this website and be an attorney at the same time.

**Roguish Lawyer** · 08-12-2008, 15:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by D9

It is also worth noting that it is only BARELY possible to have over 6,800 posts on this website and be an attorney at the same time.

LOL

SF_BHT · 08-12-2008, 18:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by D9

It is also worth noting that it is only BARELY possible to have over 6,800 posts on this website and be an attorney at the same time.

He is billing his time here as Professional Consultations.......

DTH350 · 08-14-2008, 11:18

Meridian,

I am starting my third-year of law school this week. I, too, have long had a desire to tryout for SF, especially with my sights on NG (20th SFG). I have spoken with many current and former SF guys. I have also spoken with many civilian legal employers. government employers (mostly District Attorneys), and many JAGs. What I have learned is that no matter with how many people I speak, they cannot give me the answer. It just boils down to asking yourself how much are you willing to sacrifice. All I know is that it will be extremely difficult to successfully practice law as a civilian and be SF.
I just finished a two month internship with Army JAG - overall a great experience. The SJA sat me down before I left. Having heard of my plans to tryout for SF, he advised me against it - actually, he flat out said, "don't do it, don't do it, don't do it." He told me that I was a better asset to the Army as a JAG using the skills I learned in law school. I was told that if wanted to get real hooah, which I obviously do, I could try and get slots for Airborne and possibly even Ranger school. He said if I wanted to get deployed and get some downrange experience that it would be no problem. I am currently asking myself whether I could better serve my country and my family as a JAG or as SF. I know I could be a great JAG, but I am selfish and I want the hooah. If I could get attached as a JAG to a high-speed unit and attend some of the high-speed schools, I would most probably go JAG, as I could serve my country, better support my family, and still sit in the rocking chair in my later years able to reminisce on some pretty cool experiences. The thought that keeps kicking me in the back of the head is, "we need more combat guys, more boots on the ground." It's a tough decision. I would suggest, however, at least taking at look at JAG - perhaps your same motivations can be fulfilled through taking a different path.
I am currently researching the possibililty of getting into high-speed schools as a JAG. If you are interested, I will let you know what I find out. Either way, best of luck to you.

**The Reaper** · 08-14-2008, 11:51

I have known exactly two JAGs who were SF qualified who were not prior service SF enlisted.

They both went through in the old days when that was permitted.

The SFQC is an MOS producing school, and is not intended to entertain anyone's Walter Mitty fantasies. Sounds like some people have watched too many episodes of JAG, and want to be a SEAL, a fighter pilot, and a lawyer.

The JAG Corps is organized and staffed to produce lawyers to meet the Army's needs. Unless you are assigned to an Airborne unit, you have no need for Airborne School. A few get to go because the skill is needed and the school is short. Very few JAGs will get to go to Ranger School, because it is not needed, the school is long, and people get hurt there.

I wanted to be an astronaut and a cowboy at one time, but made a reality check, decided what I really wanted to do, and did it.

I recommend that others do likewise.

I stand by my earlier comments. You are not going to be practicing law at a "big firm" for very long whilst going through the pipeline, much less while making operational deployments for seven months at the whack. If you have six years to take off, join the Army as an 18X, take your shot, and either become an SF soldier or an Infantryman till your ETS back to a legal career. If not, stay where you are and be happy.

Best of luck, either way.

TR

DTH350 · 08-14-2008, 12:38

Absolutely, unless you are assigned to an Airborne unit, you have no need to go to Airborne school. I was told that upon commissioning a JAG gets to pick his top three assignments and that the Army is pretty good with working with new JAGs to situate them with one of the three. If I am in the top of my JAG class and in top physical condition, I might stand a good chance at being placed with a high-speed unit, no? I am seriously asking - I have been told so many different things - a COL SJA told the above.
Yes, I have watched too many episodes of JAG, but you have to admit...it would be pretty cool to be a JAG/SEAL/fighter pilot even if it's only possible in dream land

**The Reaper** · 08-14-2008, 12:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTH350

Absolutely, unless you are assigned to an Airborne unit, you have no need to go to Airborne school. I was told that upon commissioning a JAG gets to pick his top three assignments and that the Army is pretty good with working with new JAGs to situate them with one of the three. If I am in the top of my JAG class and in top physical condition, I might stand a good chance at being placed with a high-speed unit, no? I am seriously asking - I have been told so many different things - a COL SJA told the above.
Yes, I have watched too many episodes of JAG, but you have to admit...it would be pretty cool to be a JAG/SEAL/fighter pilot even if it's only possible in dream land

You do not need to be an SF soldier to be a legal advisor in an SF unit.

The UCMJ is the same throughout the Army.

TR

SF_BHT · 08-14-2008, 12:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTH350

Absolutely, unless you are assigned to an Airborne unit, you have no need to go to Airborne school. I was told that upon commissioning a JAG gets to pick his top three assignments and that the Army is pretty good with working with new JAGs to situate them with one of the three. If I am in the top of my JAG class and in top physical condition, I might stand a good chance at being placed with a high-speed unit, no? I am seriously asking - I have been told so many different things - a COL SJA told the above.
Yes, I have watched too many episodes of JAG, but you have to admit...it would be pretty cool to be a JAG/SEAL/fighter pilot even if it's only possible in dream land

Key word is Needs of the Army. Yes everyone that goes to ROTC and West point and Doctors & Lawyers get to gave your 3 choices. That does not mean you get any of them. Timing, Timing, Timing ........ If there is not a Position Open you just do not get it. I will tell you also that New Jags normally do not get more senior assignments in SOF Units. They are far and few between and they need JAG's that have experience to deal with the non standard problems that will pop-up. You will need to do a few years in a division then put in for a SOF slot if one is open and corresponds with your departure date. If you are at Ft Bragg, in 18ABC or 82 Airplane Gang you are in a better position to slide into one of these positions. There is a JAG Mafia and you need to get the secret hand shake before moving up. Just my take on it after having a few JAG friends at Bragg.
Oh Guess what it is really hard to waste a SF or other SOF specialty school on a non SOF guy today.... The old days of every NBC officer, JAG, DOC going to the Q Course and Scuba and Halo school are over........
Just my 2 cents

Juan · 08-16-2008, 17:18

I'm a civilian lawyer in Guard SF. I think it's possible to have a successful legal career and to be a contributing member of a Guard ODA. There are tradeoffs, as the previous posters have said, and the compatibility of law practice with military service depends a lot on what type of law you do and on the institution and individuals you work for.

I'm happy to discuss specifics with the originator of this thread, or with any other lawyers or law students considering NG SF.

Gstonz · 08-21-2008, 20:39

Ive been practicing law here in MA for 14 years. I only wish in hindsight that I stayed in group. Law is blind but SF is the "Quiet profession". Just ask Team Sergeant.

Meridian · 08-22-2008, 09:50

I just wanted to thank you all for your thoughtful responses. Your replies (and private messages) have provided me with more useful information on this topic than any other source. I hope this reply doesn't have a chilling effect on this thread, but I wanted to let you know that I've really appreciated your feedback. Thanks again.