How to Be Military Paralegal - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 30, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of the military paralegal is to provide legal assistance to the service members of the armed forces. This is generally done through research, document preparation and organization, and case management. In addition, the military paralegal often serves as a liaison between the service members and their attorneys.

As a result of their work, service members are able to receive the legal advice they need to better understand their rights and obligations under the law. Furthermore, this assistance helps to ensure that service members are able to access the full range of legal services available to them, including representation in court.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related field. This typically takes four years, although there are accelerated programs available.
Join the military. All branches of the military have a need for paralegals, and enlisting is the quickest way to become a military paralegal.
Complete basic training. This can vary depending on your branch of service, but typically lasts between seven and thirteen weeks.
Attend a military paralegal course. This can be done while you are in basic training, or after you have completed it. The length of the course will depend on your branch of service, but can last anywhere from four to eight weeks.
Receive your assignment. Once you have completed the paralegal course, you will receive your assignment to a specific branch or unit. You may also be required to take additional courses or obtain certifications to specialize in certain types of law.
Develop and maintain your skills. As a military paralegal, you will need to stay up to date on all applicable laws and regulations, as well as any changes that may arise. Staying abreast of these changes is essential for success in this field.

The increasing demand for military paralegals is a direct result of the complexity of the legal issues and laws surrounding military service. With the ever-changing regulations, laws, and policies, military personnel and their families need knowledgeable paralegals to help them navigate the system. To be an effective and efficient military paralegal, one must have a strong understanding of the military justice system, legal research skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with clients.

They must also stay up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations that affect their clients. With the proper training and dedication, military paralegals can provide invaluable assistance to those who serve our country, helping them to get the justice they deserve.

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Job Description

Assist attorneys in preparing legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, briefs, contracts, and other administrative documents.
Maintain and update legal databases.
Research case law and relevant legal precedents.
Prepare summary reports of legal research.
Monitor deadlines and ensure timely completion of legal documents.
Investigate facts to help in the negotiation of legal disputes.
File court documents and maintain records of legal cases.
Prepare and submit claims to government agencies related to military law.
Draft correspondence and memoranda on behalf of attorneys.
Assist with trial preparation, including compiling and organizing exhibits and documents for court proceedings.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of military legal systems and processes
Knowledge of military court proceedings and administrative proceedings
Knowledge of the Uniform Code of Military Justice
Proficiency in researching and interpreting relevant legal documents
Ability to prepare and file pleadings, motions, and other legal documents
Ability to review and analyze evidence and relevant documents
Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
Ability to communicate effectively with clients, attorneys, and other professionals
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple assignments
High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion

Having a strong understanding of the military legal system is essential for a successful military paralegal. Military paralegals are responsible for researching and interpreting laws, as well as preparing legal documents and providing legal advice. They must be able to interpret complex laws, identify legal issues and find appropriate solutions.

Being able to effectively communicate is also an important skill for a military paralegal. They must be able to explain the law in simple terms and be able to work with clients to ensure they understand their rights and obligations. they must be organized, have excellent attention to detail, and be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Having knowledge of the military justice system, as well as the ability to effectively research and interpret laws, are essential skills for a successful military paralegal. These skills, when combined with strong communication abilities, provide the necessary foundation for a successful career in military law.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with military regulations and procedures?
Describe a difficult legal issue that you encountered in a military context, and how you handled it.
How do you prioritize tasks and manage multiple cases at once?
What challenges have you faced when researching and interpreting military law?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your work?
How do you handle confidential and sensitive information?
What strategies do you use to stay up-to-date on changes in military laws, regulations, and court decisions?
Can you provide some examples of how you've successfully collaborated with other professionals in a military legal setting?
How do you ensure compliance with Department of Defense standards and policies?
How do you ensure that clients understand the implications of their legal decisions?

Common Tools in Industry

Database Management Software. Software used to store and manage data, such as Microsoft Access (example).
Document Management Software. Software used to organize and store documents, such as Adobe Acrobat (example).
Legal Research Software. Software used to search for and analyze legal content, such as LexisNexis (example).
Legal Writing Software. Software used to write legal documents, such as WordPerfect (example).
Calendaring Software. Software used to organize and manage meetings, such as Microsoft Outlook (example).
Automated Forms Software. Software used to create and file legal forms, such as HotDocs (example).
Case Management Software. Software used to manage cases, such as Westlaw CaseLogistix (example).
Project Management Software. Software used to plan and track projects, such as Microsoft Project (example).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
American Bar Association (ABA)
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
National Military and Veterans Law Association (NMVLA)
National Association of Veteran Program Administrators (NAVPA)
Association of the United States Army (AUSA)
Defense Legal Services Agency (DLSA)
Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAGC)
National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)
National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)

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Common Important Terms

JAG Corps. The Judge Advocate General's Corps, commonly known as JAG Corps, is the branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing legal services to members of each branch of the military.
Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The UCMJ is a set of laws and regulations that govern the conduct of members of the U. S. military. It serves as a criminal code for military personnel.
Military Law. Military law is the body of law that governs the conduct of members of the military and covers both criminal and civil proceedings.
Rules of Evidence. The rules of evidence are the legal rules that govern what evidence can be presented in a court of law. In military courts, these rules are unique and differ from those used in civilian courts.
National Security Law. National security law is a branch of law dedicated to protecting the interests of a nation from foreign and domestic threats. It covers issues such as military operations, intelligence gathering, and immigration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Military Paralegal?

A Military Paralegal is a professional who provides legal services to military personnel and their families. They are responsible for providing assistance with a variety of legal issues, including court-martial proceedings, administrative law, family law, and contract law.

What qualifications do Military Paralegals need?

Military Paralegals typically need to have at least a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related field. They may also need to complete additional training or certification in order to work in the field.

How many Military Paralegals are there in the US?

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, there are approximately 1,300 military paralegals in the United States.

What types of duties do Military Paralegals perform?

Military Paralegals typically perform a variety of legal duties including researching and preparing legal documents, representing clients in court proceedings, providing advice and counsel to clients, and assisting with contract law.

What is the salary range for Military Paralegals?

The median salary for Military Paralegals is $47,260 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries can range from $31,000 to $68,000, depending on experience and location.