Marine Corps Staff Judge Advocate

United States Marine Corps; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days paid leave

Tax-advantaged housing allowance

Medical and dental coverage

Job summary

The United States Marine Corps seeks a Marine Judge Advocate who is a licensed attorney and commissioned officer. You will provide legal representation, guidance, and support across military justice, criminal litigation, administrative law, and operational law on active duty.

As a Judge Advocate, you may serve as trial counsel, defense counsel, or victims’ counsel, manage caseloads, and advise commanders on legal matters affecting personnel and missions.

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school and bar admission in a U.S. state.
• Strong research, writing, oral advocacy and analytical abilities.
• Ability to serve as a commissioned Marine Corps officer.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation and counsel in military justice and criminal litigation.
• Advise commanders on personnel policy, discipline, and operations.
• Litigate courts-martial and administrative proceedings.
• Develop case strategy and manage active caseloads through research and writing.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Analytical skills

Education

ABA-accredited law school

Bar admission

J.D. degree

Job description

Law Students, Recent J.D. Graduates & Licensed Attorneys Welcome to Apply!

Company Description

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection, leveraging the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver rapidly, combined-arms task forces on land, at sea, and in the air. As one of the six armed service branches in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States, the USMC is a key component of national defense.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Marine Judge Advocate serving as both a licensed attorney and commissioned Marine Corps officer. Judge Advocates provide legal representation, advice, and support across a broad range of practice areas, including military justice, criminal litigation, administrative law, operational law, ethics, investigations, and legal assistance. Depending on assignment, attorneys may serve as trial counsel, defense counsel, or victims’ legal counsel, where they manage active caseloads, conduct legal research and writing, develop case strategy, handle motions practice, and litigate courts-martial and administrative proceedings. Judge Advocates also advise commanders and senior leaders on legal matters affecting personnel, policy, discipline, and military operations. As their careers progress, attorneys may serve in positions including Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, military judge, staff judge advocate, operational law attorney, or senior litigation counsel.

Marine Judge Advocates receive competitive military officer compensation, a tax-advantaged housing allowance, and comprehensive medical and dental coverage. Benefits also include 30 days of paid leave each year, paid parental leave, retirement benefits with government contributions, eligibility for the VA Home Loan program, life insurance, and other military and federal benefits. Eligible attorneys may also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen eligible to receive a commission as a Marine Corps officer
• 150 on the LSAT – Waivers may be available for otherwise competitive applicants
• Currently enrolled in or graduated from an ABA-accredited law school
• Ability to meet Marine Corps medical, physical fitness, and height and weight standards
• Admission to the bar of any U.S. state, territory, the District of Columbia, or qualifying federal court prior to designation as a Judge Advocate (CA Bar is not required)
• Strong legal research, writing, oral advocacy, and analytical skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams
• Willingness and ability to complete Marine Corps officer training and serve in a full-time, on-site (active duty) military legal practice