Military Lawyers
Military Career
General Information
Description
A military lawyer's job is similar to a civilian lawyer in their day-to-day duties. Representing clientele under jurisdiction of military courts and law is the primary difference. Military lawyers handle a wide variety of legal issues including international law, operations law, environmental law, as well as military and civilian personnel issues. From trial preparation to post-trial actions, lawyers provide important legal counsel every step of the way.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Lawyers work in legal offices and courtrooms on land and aboard ships.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
Related Military Careers
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Officer
- Managerial/professional
- College degree required
Military Workforce
Lawyers in the Military
3,070
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$103,599
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$23,255 - $252,494
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
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First professional degree 67%
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Doctoral degree 30%
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Post-doctoral training 1%
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High school 0%
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Some college 0%
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Master's degree 0%
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Bachelor's degree 0%
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Associate's degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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Post-secondary certificate 0%
Military training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for lawyers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include: Military trial proceduresApplication of the Uniform Code of Military JusticeMethods of obtaining evidenceCourt-martial advocacy techniques
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Related College Majors
Select major to see colleges that offer it
Knowledge
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
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