Anonymous User wrote:I was wondering if anyone knew how much of a possibility it is to transition from JAG after 4yrs/at O-3 to the FBI or CIA (assuming Arabic proficiency) or to an AUSA/D.Ct. Clerkship? I did JAG my 1L summer. I loved the lifestyle/community but was pretty meh on the actual job. On top of Arabic proficiency, let's also assume T14 median/slightly above (assuming my 2L/3L grades don't change that much).
Possible?
Sure. I can think of 3-4 peers/friends from my JASOC class that are now FBI Agents (I'm assuming you mean Agent versus GC). The jump to a CIA Case Officer (also assuming you mean something NCS versus GC) is less obvious - I have no idea if legal skills will give you any edge in that role. I think the transition to FBI is a little more direct given they are Federal law enforcement and time as an officer and trial counsel would lend itself to some of those macro skill sets.
AUSA - this has been discussed to death. Only if you have significant trial experience (which you are not getting in the first four years alone) and some of the more competitive districts (SDNY, EDVA, etc) may not be interested unless you are checking additional boxes.
Clerkship - I have no idea about the market for already licensed and practicing lawyers going to clerk. Can't say if time as a JAG helps that case versus any other type of legal practice.
Going in for four years with the expectation that you won't like the work is not setting yourself up for success. Having the attitude that the work is beneath you or otherwise not worth your time will be obvious. I've worked with JAGs where it is obvious they are only doing the job because they consider wearing the uniform a helpful springboard into something bigger and better -- they were generally not team players and not liked.
I don't think anyone has to sign up for their initial tour with the mindset that they are doing 20+, but I think successful JAGs go in with an open mind and are performers from day one.