How to become a member of the Coast Guard Judge Advocate General Team

CGJAG offers multiple employment opportunities to join our team, including:

• Active Duty:

  • Programs
    • Direct Commission Lawyer (DCL) Program: licensed attorneys and third-year law students 
    • Second-Year Law Student Direct Commission Lawyer (2L DCL) Program
  • Application Deadlines
    • Summer: due 21 July 2025
      • Contact a recruiter by 1 May 2025 to start your application
    • Winter: due 27 January 2026
      • Contact a recruiter by 1 November 2025 to start your application
  • Learn More

• Reserve:

  • Direct Commission Lawyer - Selected Reserve (DCL-SELRES) Program
    • Application Deadline
      • Summer: due 2 June 2025
        • Contact a recruiter by 1 April 2025 to apply
      • Learn More

• Internships & Externships

  • Application Deadlines
    • Summer internships: due 15 January
    • Spring externships: due 1 October
    • Fall externships: due 1 May
• Learn More

Visit the Coast Guard Recruiting website To apply for the, Direct Commission Law (DCL) or Direct Commission Law–Selected Reserve (DCL-SELRES) program

Civilian Attorney Positions

As a civilian in the U.S. Coast Guard, You will provide essential services in diverse legal matters.

For those interested in joining CGJAG as a civilian attorney, please find any open opportunities USAJOBS - Search

Any and all further questions may be directed to our CGJAG Accessions Team by email at: CoastGuardDCL@uscg.mil or phone at: (202) 372-3822.