Join Coast Guard JAG

Become a member of the Coast Guard Judge Advocate General team!

Every day, the Coast Guard protects the environment, rescues those in peril, and disrupts attempts to subvert U.S. law. The Coast Guard is an armed service and the principal agency responsible for our maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship. A broad suite of legal authorities underpin the Coast Guard’s eleven statutory missions. CGJAG, including judge advocates, civilian counsel, reserve attorneys, and enlisted and civilian support staff, are involved in every facet of Coast Guard operations and mission support.

Are you a law student or a practicing attorney interested in serving in uniform?

Coast Guard judge advocates are commissioned officers, licensed attorneys, and leaders who support the Coast Guard and its members in a diverse range of legal practice areas every day. Licensed attorneys and law students may apply to our Direct Commission Lawyer (DCL) and Second-Year Law Student Direct Commission Lawyer (2L DCL) programs.

DIRECT COMMISSION LAWYER PROGRAMS

Application Deadlines

Fall 2026 Selection Panel: Estimated July 2026
- Contact a recruiter by 1 May 2026 to start your application
- Only 3Ls, law school graduates who can provide proof of bar admission prior to commissioning, and licensed attorneys may apply. Law student year is determined by status at the time of the selection panel.
Spring 2027 Selection Panel: estimated January 2027 application deadline
- Contact a recruiter by 1 November 2026 to start the application process
- 2Ls, 3Ls, law school graduates who will be licensed prior to commissioning, and attorneys may apply. Law student year is determined by status at the time of the selection panel

Apply now! Connect with a Coast Guard recruiter.

Active duty Direct Commission Lawyers may be eligible for up to a $45k accession bonus!

Are you a Coast Guard member interested in becoming a judge advocate?

Selected officer and enlisted Coast Guard members can attend law school while on active duty and become a Coast Guard judge advocate after graduation.

FUNDED J.D. PROGRAM

Are you already a law student? Coast Guard members can also apply to the Direct Commission Lawyer programs.

Are you already a licensed attorney? Coast Guard officers grade O-3 and above may request to join

Are you an attorney interested in serving in uniform part-time?

Coast Guard reserve judge advocates augment active duty Coast Guard members and are Always Ready to deploy to disaster sites to provide critical on-site legal support during Coast Guard contingency operations.

RESERVE DIRECT COMMISSION LAWYER PROGRAM

Application Deadline

Fall 2026 Selection Panel: Estimated July 2026 application deadline
- Contact a recruiter by 1 April 2026 to start your application process
- Only licensed attorneys may apply.

Apply now! Connect with a Coast Guard recruiter.

Are you a law student interested in learning what it means to be a Coast Guard judge advocate?

LEGAL INTERNSHIPS & EXTERNSHIPS

During a summer or semester, work alongside judge advocates and civilian attorneys, gaining valuable legal experience, the opportunity for academic credit, and greater insight into life as a Coast Guard judge advocate.

Apply now! Coast Guard Legal Internship Application Form

Application Deadlines

Summer internships: due 15 January
Spring externships: due 1 October
Fall externships: due 1 May

Are you an attorney who wants to support the Coast Guard?

CIVILIAN ATTORNEYS

As a civilian in the U.S. Coast Guard, you will provide essential services in diverse legal matters. The Coast Guard recruits talented lawyers for a variety of responsibility levels. You’ll work alongside judge advocates to support the Coast Guard and its members. We also hire paralegals and support staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm currently a 1L, what opportunities are available to me?
- 1Ls can apply for a 1L summer internship or 2L fall externship.
I'm currently a 2L, what opportunities are available to me?
- 2Ls can apply for the Second-Year Law Student Direct Commission Lawyer Program
- 2Ls can also apply for a 2L spring externship, 2L summer internship, or 3L fall externship.
I'm currently a 3L what opportunities are available to me?
- 3Ls can apply for the Direct Commission Lawyer Program. Apply by the winter deadline to be considered by the spring selection panel. You’ll start active duty after graduating and taking the bar exam. Apply by the summer deadline to be considered by the fall selection panel. You’ll start active duty in the spring, after showing proof of bar admission.
- 3Ls can also apply for a 3L spring externship.
I’m currently a law school graduate, what opportunities are available to me?
- Law school graduates can apply for the Direct Commission Lawyer program, contingent upon proof of bar admission prior to commissioning.
I’m a licensed attorney, what opportunities are available to me?
- Licensed attorneys can apply for the Direct Commission Lawyer and Direct Commission Lawyer – Selected Reserve programs or civilian attorney positions.