Military Law

[heyarnold]

What's the protocol for Briefcases / Messenger Bags? Do they need to be either black or olive to match ABU's? Is there an everyday messenger bag that y'all often see, but something different (like a fancy portfolio accordion folder) that you see in the courtroom ?

Any recommendations or online links would be much appreciated

[Patrick Bateman]

What's the protocol for Briefcases / Messenger Bags? Do they need to be either black or olive to match ABU's? Is there an everyday messenger bag that y'all often see, but something different (like a fancy portfolio accordion folder) that you see in the courtroom ?

Any recommendations or online links would be much appreciated

AFI 36-2903 is your one stop shopping location for all questions related to uniforms and accessories.

http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/produ ... 6-2903.pdf

I recommend sticking with black as it can be worn with ABUs, OCPs, Blues, and Service Dress. Other colors may be permitted with ABU/OCP but are not authorized for Blues/Service Dress. Keep it simple.

When you are a junior trial counsel, I don't think it really matters what you are using. You have home field advantage with a court-room that will be located in or near your legal office, so schlepping documents and books around is not that big of a deal.

For those going on to be ADCs and STCs, you want something durable and functional over fancy. With all the travel, anything you have is going to get beat to hell. You will also want something light given you are going to be running through airports with it.

Personally, I think a junior TC with a fancy black briefcase or bag would look a little silly - basically that you are trying way too hard to look like a lawyer on TV. No military judge or panel of officers is going to be impressed with that as you are sitting there with the three "thanks for joining" ribbons on your chest.

I have used a black Timbuk2 messenger for basically all of my military and civilian career:

https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/all ... senger-bag

Great quality, does not stand out, and lasts forever. I had one all through law school and most of my active duty time until a protein shake spilled inside of it and it ended up smelling like death - that was the only reason I had to replace it. Even with DOJ/USAO, I was not using my fancy bags/briefcases for most of the work - why beat up a nice piece of leather by jamming it in the airplane's overhead?

[Anonymous User]

Has anyone heard back regarding timeline or orders for the January JAG class?

[csjdoc]

Has anyone heard back regarding timeline or orders for the January JAG class?

I'm going to assume that you're referring to Army JAG. If you're seated for the January class, you'll received confirmation around the middle of November. You'll receive your orders around the week of Christmas and the January class will begin on January 21, 2019.

[LLC1]

looking for advice/options re jag -
i signed a contract and accepted a commission but the situation is a bit muddy as far as licensing so i have questions ... i've taken the bar, didn't quite pass, trying to transfer, unclear how long of a process that'll be and if it'll ultimately be successful :/

1. what happens if i do not get my license on time (i.e. within a year of commissioning)? initiated the transfer process, would remain pending through february bar exams but apparently transfers can take quite a while. would i be discharged? & what kind of discharge is that? or are there extensions?

2. given the contract & oath, do i have any honorable ways of being let out of it? definitely not a CO nor would i try to make the claim but just curious as to whether that's an option at all because i have been operating under the presumption it is not

3. bar prep and the ensuing mess re licensing were beyond terrible for my mental health. i'm seeing a therapist now/again. i disclosed in my files using counseling years before but for transitions and whatnot; this time i'm working on what might be moderate depression. am i supposed to disclose seeing a therapist or is this still protected health information? and would any of this have any effect on my contract/commission?

[Anonymous User]

looking for advice/options re jag -
i signed a contract and accepted a commission but the situation is a bit muddy as far as licensing so i have questions ... i've taken the bar, didn't quite pass, trying to transfer, unclear how long of a process that'll be and if it'll ultimately be successful :/

1. what happens if i do not get my license on time (i.e. within a year of commissioning)? initiated the transfer process, would remain pending through february bar exams but apparently transfers can take quite a while. would i be discharged? & what kind of discharge is that? or are there extensions?

2. given the contract & oath, do i have any honorable ways of being let out of it? definitely not a CO nor would i try to make the claim but just curious as to whether that's an option at all because i have been operating under the presumption it is not

3. bar prep and the ensuing mess re licensing were beyond terrible for my mental health. i'm seeing a therapist now/again. i disclosed in my files using counseling years before but for transitions and whatnot; this time i'm working on what might be moderate depression. am i supposed to disclose seeing a therapist or is this still protected health information? and would any of this have any effect on my contract/commission?

Can you explain what type of contract you signed?

Most services do not allow you to commission until you are fully qualified I.e. medically and bar good standing.

Unless you did something like ROTC?