What is a military lawyer?

A military lawyer, also known as a Judge Advocate, is an attorney who provides legal services and advice to members of the armed forces. Military lawyers handle a wide range of legal matters involving service members, from courts martial, administrative proceedings, criminal defense, and more. In some cases, they may also provide legal counsel to military veterans or other government officials. Military lawyers are commissioned officers in the U.S. armed forces and must commission through the military’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. In order to do so, they must attend a four-year college, law school, pass the bar exam, and complete a legal education program. In New Hampshire, military lawyers must be licensed in the state and are able to provide legal services and advice to members of the armed forces stationed in the state. Military lawyers may also be appointed as defense counsel for members of the armed services facing criminal charges in state or federal court. Military lawyers have a responsibility to ensure that members of the armed services receive the best legal representation available and that they receive fair and just outcomes in all legal proceedings. They also provide a crucial legal resource to ensure that members of the armed services and veterans receive the legal protections and assistance they are entitled to.

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