I have a nice job offer in a private law firm but I want the experience that you get in the JAG corp and I want to serve my country. Though the private law firm money is good, I am not looking forward to being thrown in a corner to do research and take depositions for the next 4 years. In any event, I am afraid that if I turn down such a good offer to take a JAG position with such low pay that I am really hurting myself in the long run. Two basic question (elaboration would be appreciated): 1) will it be worth my while?, and 2) what sort of opportunities are out there after graduation (in other words do employers look kindly on JAG experiences)?
Thanks all for any insight you can give on my difficult decision.
2007-10-20 14:17:30 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
1. You won't have to worry about billable hours for 4 years.
2. You can wear the same style of clothing every day and literally be saluted for it.
3. You get litigation experience early on. Sure, it's UCMJ stuff...drugs, alcohol, with a smattering of sex offenses, usually...but it's litigation.
4. You may get deployed to dark and evil places where your comrades in arms are assigned to kill people and break stuff. Lawyering out of a tent is not something they teach you in law school.
The same opportunities are there afterward...only then you'd have 4 years of varied experience. Some employers will value it, and some won't. I've heard of employers who think nothing of looking a 20-30 year military veteran in the eye and saying "that's nice, but have you ever had a job?"
Can I recommend the Armed Forces as a 20-year career anymore? Sorry to say it, but no. I see a huge hollow force coming after this debacle is over with...it'll make Jimmy Carter's hollow force look excellent in comparison. We're going to take huge budget hits when this is over, because the voters are going to want the money going elsewhere.
MSgt, USAF (Retired)
2007-10-20 16:36:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Army Jag Corps
2016-10-28 13:47:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Should I accept a commission in the Army JAG Corps?
I have a nice job offer in a private law firm but I want the experience that you get in the JAG corp and I want to serve my country. Though the private law firm money is good, I am not looking forward to being thrown in a corner to do research and take depositions for the next 4 years. In any...
2015-08-13 16:10:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jag Corp
2016-12-16 12:25:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no way to equate civilian life to the full military experience. While you could easily meet a lot of interesting people in a large firm they will all be after the exact same "brass ring" at the firm.
I spent the bulk of my life in electronics. In comparing what I learned on active duty to what I later was witness to as a corporate tech instructor could fill the pages of Homers Odyssey. While learning was stressed in both the mentoring process in the military was void of desire for personal gain. The mentor did not feel you at his back. He was trained to train his replacement. Good Officers and NCO's do that with conviction. The result is less stress with higher retention.
I only had 2 experiences with JAG. The first I was a guard/driver for a Court Martial. In that I saw both compassion and hard line attitude. Not unlike the many civilian attorneys I came in contact with during my civilian career. The 2nd was to help 2 JAG prosocuters run a time lapse VCR so they could show a tape of a guy making a withdrawal from an ATM. Same kind of stuff the private world of law might get. They were both Lt's and jazzed as hell that they were going to be "in court". Neither could have been more than a year out of school.
I cannot say how the legal world looks at military experience. I know that in electronics it is a very big plus vs a tech school grad, AA or even a BA.
Another plus might be continuing ed without having to do 8 in the office at the same time. The military has been known to send guys to school, full time, if it benifits them.
The link details "Pro Pay"
SSG US Army 73-82
2007-10-20 16:46:30 · answer #5 · answered by Stand-up philosopher. It's good to be the King 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know a man who just recently left a private law firm to be a Jag lawyer. His only motivation was serving his country. You will take a major pay cut but if money is not your only motivater you will probably learn alot and I am 100% positive you will get a good job when you get out. Good luck and do ONLY what you think is right for you.
2007-10-20 15:18:27 · answer #6 · answered by melissaw219 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
join the JAG Corps! You will be a better man for doing your share and serving this great nation!
It will also help your resume when applying for a position in the private sector!
2007-10-20 18:58:09 · answer #7 · answered by Willie Wankerz 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Private law firm offers will always be there. Take the JAG up on their offer. There is time to make $$ after you have fulfilled your agreement. It will give you experience and more training.
2007-10-20 14:47:37 · answer #8 · answered by Charles S 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I new a few JAG lawyers. They either loved it or hated it. If you like camping or ruffen in, go for it. If you think staying Motel 6 is ruffen it, do not join.
2007-10-20 14:30:23 · answer #9 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Lets see you are a lawyer............Do us all a favor go jump off a cliff, a real high one.
2007-10-20 16:08:36 · answer #10 · answered by Flyflinger 5 · 0⤊ 10⤋