How Much Does a Lawyer in the Military Make?
As a lawyer, joining the military can be a unique and rewarding experience. Military lawyers, also known as Judge Advocates (JAGs), play a crucial role in the armed forces, advising on legal matters and providing justice for service members. In this article, we will delve into the salary structure of military lawyers and answer the question: how much does a lawyer in the military make?
Base Pay
According to the United States Government’s Office of Personnel Management, the base pay for a Judge Advocate in the military is determined by the rank and years of service. Here is a breakdown of the base pay ranges for military lawyers:
- Lieutenant (O-3): $49,743 – $70,333 per year (2-4 years of experience)
- Lieutenant Commander (O-4): $71,644 – $103,264 per year (5-9 years of experience)
- Commander (O-5): $83,344 – $123,494 per year (10-14 years of experience)
- Captain (O-6): $96,444 – $146,494 per year (15-20 years of experience)
- Major (O-4): $98,454 – $155,504 per year (10-14 years of experience)
Bonuses and Allowances
In addition to base pay, military lawyers may receive bonuses and allowances to enhance their compensation. These can include:
- Sign-On Bonus: A one-time payment made to attract new attorneys to the military
- Student Loan Repayment Program: A program that repays a portion of an attorney’s student loans
- Allowance for Expenses: An additional stipend to cover the costs of practicing law, such as travel expenses
- Housing Allowance: A supplement to base pay to offset the cost of housing
- Food Allowance: A stipend to cover the cost of meals
- Special Duty Pay: Additional pay for specialized assignments or duties
Here is an example of the total compensation package for a military lawyer:
| Rank | Base Pay | Sign-On Bonus | Allowance for Expenses | Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant (O-3) | $64,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $79,000 |
| Lieutenant Commander (O-4) | $93,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 | $123,000 |
Advantages of Joining the Military as a Lawyer
In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, joining the military as a lawyer can offer numerous advantages, including:
- Education Benefits: Military attorneys are eligible for education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Career Advancement: Military lawyers have opportunities for career advancement, including promotions and specialized training
- Travel and Cultural Experience: Military lawyers have the opportunity to work with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and travel to new locations
- Sense of Purpose: Military lawyers play a vital role in supporting the country’s defense and protecting its service members
- Opportunities for Mentorship: Military lawyers work with experienced mentors and leaders in the legal profession
- Job Security: Military lawyers have job security and are protected from unemployment and economic downturns
Conclusion
In conclusion, military lawyers, also known as Judge Advocates (JAGs), have a competitive salary structure that is determined by their rank and years of experience. In addition to base pay, military lawyers may receive bonuses and allowances, including a sign-on bonus, student loan repayment, and allowances for expenses and housing. Joining the military as a lawyer can offer numerous advantages, including education benefits, career advancement opportunities, travel and cultural experiences, and a sense of purpose. If you are a lawyer considering joining the military, this compensation package is certainly worth exploring further.
