Overview

The paralegal specialist provides legal/administrative support in all areas of criminal law, international law, civil/administrative law, contract law and fiscal law. They assist judges, Judge Advocates and unit commanders with a wide range of legal matters and judicial work.

Job Duties

• Paralegal support to unit commanders and the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate
• Provide legal documents in courts-martial, Article 15 actions, and other military justice matters
• Review line of duty determinations, AR 15-6 investigations, separation board proceedings, and other administrative law matters
• Assistance in family law such as powers of attorney, wills, and separation decrees

Requirements

Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

Training

Training for a paralegal specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training, and 10 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. 

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Legal terminology and research techniques
  
• Preparation of legal documents
  
• Army judicial process
  
• Interviewing witnesses

Helpful Skills

• Ability to supervise those in a command
  
• Provide technical guidance to subordinates
  
• Maintain law/administrative library
  
• Monitor and review actions for accuracy

Compensation

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and 30 days paid vacation. Learn more about total compensation.

Education Benefits

In the U.S. Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

Future Civilian Careers

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career as a legal assistant, paralegal, or court clerk.

PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH SUCCESS (PaYS) Program

Those interested in this job may be eligible for civilian employment, after the Army, by enrolling in the Army PaYS program. The PaYS program is a recruitment option that guarantees a job interview with military friendly employers that are looking for experience and trained Veterans to join their organization. Find out more about the Army PaYS Program at http://www.armypays.com.

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