Why JAG?
I had long desired to join the military. My dream began to take shape when I met with campus military recruiters and discovered a career that perfectly combined my desire to serve our country, travel the world, teach, and practice law. The only difficult part was deciding which branch to choose. I ultimately applied to multiple services, and I am incredibly honored that the U.S. Air Force accepted my application.
Path to Service
During my first semester at Ave Maria Law, I had the opportunity to meet with recruiters. Knowing with certainty that I wanted to join the JAG Corps after graduation, I was encouraged to join the local ROTC detachment to gain military experience and demonstrate my drive to succeed on my application. Over my three years at Ave Maria Law, I had amazing mentors—including then-Professor Eugene Milhizer and Dean Joseph Falvey—who guided me and truly prepared me for my future practice.
The Work
The most unique aspect of practicing law in the U.S. Air Force is that your focus is never limited. Instead, you receive broad experience in fields ranging from criminal law (military justice) and civil law (legal assistance, claims, installation, and labor law) to military operations and international law. As you advance in your career, you are given incredible leadership opportunities, as well as deployment opportunities to practice law in operational environments.
JAG at a Glance
In my 22 years, I have been assigned throughout the United States (including Hawaii), Germany, Türkiye, South Korea (three times), and Belgium. I have deployed to Iraq and Qatar to support joint forces, coalition partners, and multiple military operations. Currently, I am embedded as an international military staff member inside NATO. The Air Force also fully funded my salary and tuition for an academic year to earn my LL.M. in Environmental Law. Additionally, I served as an instructor at the Air Force JAG School, teaching the next generation of military attorneys. Did you know you could experience all of these opportunities in a single career? If this piques your interest, I would love to connect with you as you begin your own path to service!
Law School Preparation
While nothing can fully prepare you for the unique demands of a JAG career, Ave Maria Law provided the foundational education and mentorship I needed to make the leap from the classroom to a global courtroom. Thanks to the opportunities I gained at Ave Maria Law, I felt exceptionally prepared to pursue my desire to serve in the world’s greatest Air Force!
Advice to Students
My advice to current students is simple: get involved. If you desire to pursue a path of service after graduation, focus on building a resume that reflects that passion. While you do not have to join ROTC as a law student, volunteering with student veteran organizations and legal clinics will make you stand out when completing your Staff Judge Advocate interview before the selection board.
Ave Maria Connection
I am a proud member of the second graduating class of Ave Maria Law. My initial decision to apply was driven by a desire to pursue a legal career, an aspiration sparked during my formative years. My decision to stay, however, was rooted in discovering a deeper purpose—one that I have been privileged to pursue every day since graduation.
In Your Own Words
Faith, family, and service have been the driving forces throughout my life. Ave Maria Law allowed me to pursue a rigorous legal education in a faith-filled environment, perfectly aligning with my desire to serve our country. I remain deeply indebted to the school for the outstanding education, mentorship, and opportunities that launched my career in the U.S. Air Force. As my JAG career nears its sunset, I look forward to continuing my mission of service in new domains, forever shaped by both my Ave Maria Law foundation and my time in the JAG Corps.
