Attorney

Marine Corps Judge Advocates serve as commissioned officers and licensed attorneys, providing legal services in criminal, administrative, and operational law. Attorneys assume responsibility early in their careers and gain immediate courtroom and leadership experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as trial counsel (prosecutor) or defense counsel in courts-martial

• Provide legal advice on military justice, ethics, and administrative law

• Represent clients in appellate proceedings

• Support commanders on operational and compliance matters

• Assist Marines and their families with legal issues, including family and consumer law

• Conduct legal research and draft opinions

Location: Various (Worldwide)

Training Pipeline:

• Officer Candidates School (Quantico, VA)

• The Basic School (Quantico, VA)

• Naval Justice School (Newport, RI)

Law students will attend OCS, return to complete their Juris Doctor, and report to training upon bar certification.

Minimum Qualifications:

• U.S. citizenship (dual citizenship acceptable)

• Currently enrolled in or graduated from an ABA-accredited law school

• LSAT score of 150 (waiverable)

• Undergraduate GPA of 2.0 or higher

• Age 29 or younger (waivers up to 42 considered)

• Physically qualified with no major medical issues

Career Opportunities

• Criminal litigation

• Operational and international law

• Environmental, labor, and contract law

• Appellate advocacy

• Legal assistance and civil law

• Advanced education (LL.M. opportunities funded by the Marine Corps)

Benefits

• Competitive military pay and benefits

• Leadership development

• Funded legal education opportunities

• Worldwide duty assignments

• Professional training and advancement

Click “Apply” to submit your information and be connected with a Marine Officer Selection Officer for further guidance.