10 Tips for Going to Law School During Active Duty

The military runs on special rules and regulations that include laws and codes that civilians don't understand. The armed forces have sub-divisions called the Judge Advocate General's Corps or JAG Corps, which are legal professionals representing active-duty service members under violations of military law.

These are military positions, but they still require the legal knowledge gained from a law degree, or Juris Doctor (JD). If you are an active-duty service member and want to pursue your law degree, there are several steps you need to take to understand how military education benefits work.

Tips for Attending Law School During Military Service

Attending school while on active duty is similar to attending as a civilian; however, there are differences to consider before you start the process, especially for law school. With proper planning, you can use your military benefits for college and understand what to expect in a law school degree program.

1. Research Military-Friendly Schools

Earning your law degree should start with finding military-friendly schools, which come in a few different forms. The primary hallmark of a military-friendly school is that it accepts educational benefits. Though most schools accept Department of Defense (DoD) or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits, there is no universal requirement to do so.

Active-duty law students should find a school that will accept these benefits to help lessen their need for other financial aid programs, especially student loans.

Other factors to consider when looking for a school considered military-friendly include:

• overall military enrollment
• on-campus office for veterans or active duty support
• whether it accepts military training as transfer credit

2. Choose the Right Law School Program

Finding a military-friendly school only narrows down your list of potential programs so much. Students must select the right program (e.g., criminal administrative or operational law). Lawyers in civilian firms often choose specialties that prepare them to work and try cases in a certain aspect of law, and military law is the same.

Consider what type of law you're most interested in and identify the programs that can give you this education while fitting any additional criteria, such as remote and online learning.

3. Apply for Law School

Once you've identified the right school and program, it's time to start the application process. Law school admissions are often competitive. Law school applications will vary based on individual schools, but most have similar requirements, such as:

• minimum high school or undergrad GPA
• qualifying Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score
• personal statements or letters of recommendations

4. Use Military Educational Benefits

Military veterans and active-duty service members are eligible for multiple benefits from the DoD and VA. These programs can cover part or all tuition costs, with some including housing and supply allowances. Vets and active-duty service members are only eligible to use one education benefits program, so it's important to choose the best one for your needs.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the newer version of the GI Bill program. This bill grants eligible service members financial assistance with tuition and supplies at accredited community colleges and universities. These funds can be used for undergraduate and graduate programs, including law school.

Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill is the older version of the GI Bill, but it also has some advantages over the newer Post-9/11 Bill. There are four different eligibility categories that students must qualify for before receiving these benefits. This benefits package can be combined with Military College Funds, also called Kickers.

Tuition Assistance

Each branch of the military offers tuition assistance and each program is different. This program potentially covers full tuition for qualified active-duty service members at accredited higher education institutions.

Military College Funds

Military College Funds, also called Kickers, are programs that provide additional money to active-duty service members using the Montgomery GI Bill. The individual branches have unique requirements, but most eligible service members can receive up to $950 in additional monthly payments to be used toward their education, including law school.

Military Scholarships

Multiple scholarship programs can cover law school tuition costs. The Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP) fully covers the tuition of 25 Army law students every year, including non-tuition school costs.

5. Seek Support and Resources

Members of the Armed Forces know that most projects aren't done alone, and you need to rely on your fellow service members � higher education is no different. Your law school will have multiple resources to help you prepare for your legal career, both in a JAG program and civilian law firm after your service ends.

Tutoring and Advising

Legal studies involve a lot of reading and intense coursework. Even if you feel comfortable with your legal studies, consider tutoring and advising services. These services may be offered by fellow students, allowing you to network, though some schools have professional tutors available. Advisors can help you plan your courses and degree plan so you can graduate on time. Military students can especially benefit from the help of advisors to make sure they can complete their education plan around their various service-based obligations.

Connect with Fellow Military Students

Tutoring is often a peer-to-peer service, but that isn't the only way you should connect with your fellow students. Try to find other military students who can relate to the same challenges you face. Many military-friendly colleges even have programs in place to help connect active-duty students.

6. Communicate With Your Professors

Getting help from fellow students is important, but you should also speak regularly with your professors. Most college professors offer office hours to meet with students in face-to-face or virtual sessions.

7. Coordinate With Military Superiors

Attending law school is complicated on its own, but there are additional challenges that come with active-duty service. Graduate degree programs are often like full-time jobs and active-duty service members will need to coordinate their studies around their other obligations. Speak with your superiors before your first year of law school to establish the best way to pursue your studies while honoring your commitments.

8. Take Care of Your Well-Being

Taking care of your well-being is a good tip for all college students, but it's especially important for active-duty service members. Fortunately, many programs in the military focus on your physical health, but it's important to look into mental health programs. The stresses of college can have negative impacts on other parts of your health and can affect your grades and your legal career.

9. Prepare for the LSAT

Your Law School Application Test score, or LSAT score, is one of the most important determining factors for admission to law school. Undergraduate degree programs often use SAT or ACT scores, but various graduate programs will use more specialized tests like the MCAT, GMAT, and LSAT for law schools. Many online programs can help you prepare with practice quizzes and other studying materials.

10. Find Flexible Internship Opportunities

Summer internships are a standard part of law school, but active-duty service members might be unable to complete this requirement as easily as others. There are flexible summer internships, including the JAG Corps Summer Intern Programs, that allow active-duty service members to honor both their law school and service commitments.