How to Become A Military Lawyer In South Africa

A military lawyer is the person to call when a service member or spouse faces legal action within military court proceedings. They can provide a defense or push back against the evidence mounted against their client.

Does military pay for law school?

And the Army is willing to pay the law school tuition, with the help of the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP). Officers selected for FLEP attend a civilian law school of their choice, for three years of legal studies, while remaining on active duty with full pay and benefits.

Can I join Army as a lawyer?

JAG23 is a special entry scheme for the aspirants who want to join army as lawyers. All law graduates (both Male and Female), who want to join the Indian army can apply through this entry. There won’t be any written exam, if shortlisted, you will directly face the SSB Interview.

Do military lawyers get deployed?

Yes, JAGs do get deployed to areas all over the world. JAGs serve as legal advisers to military commanders and have many responsibilities, including providing legal opinions on whether military actions comply with the laws of armed conflict to prosecuting or defending service members in courts martial.

How to Become A Military Lawyer In South Africa

Educational Requirements

To become a military lawyer, a candidate must complete an undergraduate degree, apply for and pass the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and complete law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law.

Pick from below, depending on your education level that best describes your situation.

Pre-law Undergraduate Programs

Online and Campus Law and Legal Studies Programs

ABA Accredited Law Schools – Juris Doctor (JD) Degree

Role and Skills of a Military Lawyer

The role of a military attorney is as broad as that of a civilian attorney. They will participate in matters of both civil and criminal nature. One of the primary differences of a military court is the military tribunal that deals with enemies during wartime.

Some of the roles of the military lawyer include:

Advising military clients brought before the courts.

Handling the legal discipline of military personnel.

Drafting and preparing legal documents.

Creating and maintaining military handbooks.

Preparing a client for trial.

Advising commanders on international law, military law, and civilian law.

Acting as council for court-martial.

Examples of Cases for Military Lawyers

The military court, while similar to civilian court, also differs. Therefore, the cases that a military lawyer participates in may be different. A few examples are:

Offenses- Military rules provide a variety of offenses that military personnel may be charged with. While many of the criminal offenses are similar to civilian courts such as murder and theft, the military oversees special offenses unique to the armed forces. These offenses include: desertion, murder in combat, and insubordination.

Court-Martial- One of the prevailing outcomes of any criminal proceeding against military personnel is a Court-Martial. If a person is found guilty of a crime, a court-martial is likely. The military attorney may represent the offending party or the military branch they serve.

Landlord Tenant Disputes- Moving is one of the hallmarks of military life. As such, it is not uncommon for military personnel to find the need to hire an attorney in a landlord-tenant dispute.

While military lawyers do not represent clients dealing with other civil issues such as divorce or child custody, they will represent a military client in a landlord-tenant case.

Military Lawyer Salary & Job Outlook

The job outlook of a military lawyer will vary. Each branch of the military may have different needs. For instance, the Marines are a small branch of the service and serve as part of the Navy.

The Marines may not need as many legal personnel than the Army. Speaking with a recruiting officer may offer insight into the possibilities of a career as a lawyer in the military.

The salary of a military attorney is set by rank and years in the military. A new attorney may start out at R 574297.73a year. As they move up the ranks they can earn six digit incomes.

Does military pay for law school In South Africa?

And the Army is willing to pay the law school tuition, with the help of the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP). Officers selected for FLEP attend a civilian law school of their choice, for three years of legal studies, while remaining on active duty with full pay and benefits.

Can I join Army as a lawyer In South Africa?

JAG23 is a special entry scheme for the aspirants who want to join army as lawyers. All law graduates (both Male and Female), who want to join the Indian army can apply through this entry. There won’t be any written exam, if shortlisted, you will directly face the SSB Interview.

Do military lawyers get deployed In South Africa?

Yes, JAGs do get deployed to areas all over the world. JAGs serve as legal advisers to military commanders and have many responsibilities, including providing legal opinions on whether military actions comply with the laws of armed conflict to prosecuting or defending service members in courts martial.

Do military lawyers see combat In South Africa?

With the war in Iraq now its in fifth year, In South Africa military lawyers are playing a more hands-on role. The men and women who make up the military’s Judge Advocate General Corps, or known as JAGs, and they’re advising American commanders on combat decisions.

How do I register as a military lawyer In South Africa?

Minimum 55% aggregate marks in LLB Degree (three years professional after graduation or five years after 10+2 examination). The candidates should be eligible for registration as an advocate with Bar Council of In South Africa. Candidate should be from a College/University recognized by Bar Council of In South Africa

Can a civilian be a military lawyer In South Africa?

Become a Military Lawyer

Both civilian and military attorneys represent their clients to protect and defend the accused’s rights. If you’re interested in becoming a military lawyer, prepare to join the military and go through additional training. Then after your service, you could become a civilian military attorney.

Do you have to be in the military to be a JAG lawyer In South Africa?

A four-year commitment to serve is required to become a member of Army JAG Corps. Air Force candidates can apply in a variety of ways including completing law school and the Bar Exam, or by entering as an established civilian attorney. In all cases, a five-week Air Force Officer Training course is required.

Are military lawyers free In South Africa?

There is no charge for services provided by military legal assistance offices. All services provided by a military legal assistance lawyer are free to eligible personnel. If your legal problem involves costs or fees (for example, a filing fee to file a case with the court), you will probably have to pay these charges.

What is a military court called?

A court-martial or court martial (plural courts-martial or courts martial, as “martial” is a postpositive adjective) is a military court or a trial conducted in such a court. Most military forces maintain a judicial system that tries defendants for breaches of military discipline.