Official websites use .mil
Secure .mil websites use HTTPS
Dec. 4, 2023
Naval Legal Service Command Commemorates 50th Birthday
Naval Legal Service Command (NLSC) – a vital component of the Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps that provides essential legal services to the Fleet, Sailors, and their families – marked its 50th anniversary on Dec. 3, 2023.
Sept. 29, 2023
Navy Victims’ Legal Counsel Program Marks 10th Anniversary
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Navy Victims’ Legal Counsel Program (VLCP) founding during a ceremony aboard the Washington Navy Yard on Sept. 29. VLCP – which provides legal services to survivors of sexual offenses or domestic violence – was first established during the summer of 2013.
Feb. 27, 2023
RLSO Southeast Legalman Competes in Armed Forces 2022 Basketball Tournament
Legalman 2nd Class Thomas E. Tebbs II, USN a paralegal at Region Legal Service Office Southeast (RLSO SE), proudly showed his skills in a court of an entirely different kind.
Dec. 23, 2022
Identity Theft
The holiday stand-down period is a welcome respite for Sailors to get away from the stress of deployments, duty sections, and qualifications. But while many are taking a much-needed rest and relaxation from protecting their nation, they themselves remain vulnerable to the ever-present risk of identity theft.
Dec. 22, 2022
A Guide to the Exceptional Family Member Program
The Department of Defense’s (DoD) most valuable assets are its warfighters and their families. Consequently, the DOD has taken steps to ensure that military families are given the support that they need in order to accomplish the mission. One of the DOD’s most important programs for achieving this goal is the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).
Oct. 26, 2022
Navy Judge Advocates Train Somali Partners
Mogadishu, Somalia — In September, Navy judge advocates completed a training mission to Mogadishu, Somalia in support of counter terrorism operations against the Al Shabaab militant group.
Oct. 17, 2022
Navy JAG Reserve Leadership Changes Office
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rear Adm. Mark R. Myers relieved Rear Adm. Les Reardanz as the deputy judge advocate general of the Navy for Reserve Affairs and Operations, and deputy commander of Naval Legal Service Command, at a change of office and retirement ceremony onboard the Washington Navy Yard on Oct. 14.
Oct. 4, 2022
RLSO Southeast Hosts Training Symposium Onboard Naval Station Mayport
MAYPORT, Fla. — In late August, Region Legal Service Office Southeast hosted a three-day training symposium for the first time since 2019. The learning event was a critical opportunity for judge advocates, Legalmen, and civilian employees spanning a large area of responsibility to reconnect and – as Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday has urged – Get Real, Get Better.
July 26, 2022
The U.S. Navy is Now Accepting Officer Applications for the Law Education Program
Active duty and full-time support officers interested in a challenging career change can apply for scholarships via the Law Education Program (LEP) announced in Naval Administrative message 162/22. Applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 LEP Selection Board must be received no later than 30 September 2022.
July 20, 2022
DSO West Holds Change of Command
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Defense Service Office (DSO) West held a change of command ceremony onboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, Calif., on June 9, 2022.
July 11, 2022
2022 Navy JAG Corps Summer Interns
The Navy JAG Corps is proud to host our 2022 summer interns! The Navy JAG Corps offers internships and externships to law students wishing to gain valuable legal experience, the opportunity for academic credit, and greater insight into life as a Navy judge advocate. Meet some of our summer interns.
July 5, 2022
Chiefs Take Action to Observe Juneteenth Holiday in Japan
YOKOSUKA, Japan — Chief Legalman Kezzi Colvin of Submarine Group 7, Yokosuka, Japan collaborated with Chief Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) Asia White of Navy Information Operations Command Hawaii to initiate an installation-wide Juneteenth celebration at the Purdy Gym Pavilion onboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka Japan on June 18, 2022.
June 27, 2022
Pride Month: It’s Hard to Be What You Don’t See. Why LGBTQ Visibility Matters.
Manama, Bahrain — Lt. Brittany R. Stromko, who serves as Victims’ Legal Counsel in Bahrain, shares personal reflections, as well as perspectives from other local JAG Corps personnel, about Pride Month, diversity in the JAG Corps, and living authentically as LGBTQ community members.
June 8, 2022
Pride Month: LGBTQ Life in Japan
Yokosuka, Japan — JAG Corps members Lt. j.g. Annalise Bonner and Lt. Akshay Jakatdar open up about their personal experiences as members of the LGBTQ community in Japan.
May 26, 2022
Combatant Command Staff Judge Advocates
The Chairman's Legal Counsel, Brigadier General Robert Borcherding, hosted the Combatant Command Staff Judge Advocates for a series of briefs in the Pentagon designed to build relationships across the interagency and to share lessons learned on the issues facing the combatant commanders across the globe and across the warfighting domains.
May 23, 2022
JAG Corps Announces 2022 In-Service Procurement Program Selectees
The Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps In-Service Procurement Program (IPP) Selection Board met to consider 18 highly qualified applicants for Fiscal Year 2022 in March. The board uses a whole-person concept to identify applicants with the greatest potential for successful service as a Navy judge advocate. Noteworthy to this year’s board, a Senior Enlisted Leader, Master Chief Legalman Renate Pryor, served as a recorder.
May 5, 2022
Not Just Survivors, but Warriors, Fighting Back Against the Nazis
Lt. Ryan Feingold, USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) command deputy judge advocate, from Miami, Florida, has served in the U.S. Navy for five and a half years. He grew up in a Jewish household and his grandparents on both sides of his family were survivors of the Holocaust.
April 26, 2022
Motivated Sailors Wanted! Join the Legalman Rate!
The Navy’s Legalman community is seeking motivated E-3 and E-4 Sailors who are want to establish a rate or expand their career opportunities through both direct conversion or Professional Apprenticeship Career Track (PACT). This is an outstanding opportunity for Sailors who have good judgement, resourceful in high pressure situations, and excels in a culture of learning.
April 11, 2022
Legalman is Joint Command Shore Sailor of the Year
Legalman 1st Class Luisa Rosado De Los Santos – who currently serves as the Law Office Manager for the Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – was named the 2021 Joint Command Shore Sailor of the Year. The award was presented by her senior enlisted leader during a special ceremony at the Pentagon on March 1, 2022.
RLSO Southeast Hosts a Visit from Commander, Navy Legal Service Command
Jacksonville, Fla. — In February and March, Region Legal Service Office Southeast, Defense Service Office Southeast, and Southeastern Region Victim’s Legal Counsel hosted two special visits from Commander of Naval Legal Service Command Rear Adm. David G. Wilson.
April 5, 2022
Judge Advocates Support Composite Training Unit Exercise
Several Navy and Marine Corps judge advocates took part in the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) for the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in January and February of this year.
March 21, 2022
2021 JAG Legalman of the Year and Naval Legal Service Command Service Member of the Year
Washington, D.C. — Navy Legalman 1st Class Phillip Farris – who is assigned to Carrier Strike Group Twelve – has been named the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) 2021 Legalman of the Year. Navy Legalman 1st Class Hailee Montes – who is assigned to Region Legal Service Office (RLSO) Northwest Detachment Hawaii – is the Naval Legal Service Command (NLSC) 2021 Service Member of the Year.
Feb. 28, 2022
JAG Community Observes Black History Month
Washington, D.C. — As Black History Month 2022 draws to a close, the Navy JAG community – which includes more than 2,500 officers, enlisted personnel, and civilians in locations around the globe – continues celebrating the many contributions of the organization’s Black members, both past and present.
Feb. 15, 2022
2020 and 2021 Judge Advocate Award Winners Celebrated
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In December 2021, the Judge Advocates Association (JAA) named four Navy judge advocates as recipients of the organization’s 2020 and 2021 JAA Outstanding Career Armed Services Attorney Awards.
Feb. 14, 2022
Combatting Identity Theft and Social Security Fraud
In this day and age, stolen identities are more commonplace than stolen goods. Identity theft affects everyone and can lead to debilitating financial consequences if you do not take the proper steps to mitigate it. In this case, the best solution is prevention. But if you are unsuccessful in preventing identity theft, you can still protect yourself by contacting the right authorities.
Feb. 10, 2022
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate: Evolving Guidance & Procedures
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In recent months, the Department of the Navy has taken significant steps to counter the ongoing threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to the health and safety of the Fleet. On Aug. 31, 2021, NAVADMIN 190/21 announced the Navy’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.
Jan. 10, 2022
Reserve Master Chief Wins Washington State Bar Association Award
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Dec. 13, 2021, the Washington State Bar Association presented Reserve Master Chief Legalman Sally A. Webster – who also works as an attorney for Microsoft Corporation – with the organization’s Pro Bono and Public Service Award at the 2021 APEX Awards virtual event.
Jan. 7, 2022
RLSO Southeast Scores First Place in Three Categories at MWR Race
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Dec. 10, 2021, 10 members of the JAG Community's Region Legal Service Office (RLSO) Southeast team participated in a group fitness training event – a local 5K race. Three earned first place medals for their respective division and age categories.
JAG Community Member Receives LATINA Style Award
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In September 2021, Legalman 1st Class Lorena Morales received a LATINA Style Distinguished Military Service Award at the 18th Annual National LATINA Symposium. Morales currently serves as a paralegal in the Legal Assistance Office at Region Legal Service Office Southwest’s branch office in Lemoore, Calif.
Dec. 16, 2021
Reserve Judge Advocates Support Hurricane Recovery
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cmdr. Mark deVry and Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Dursa – both admiralty Law specialists affiliated with the Navy Reserve Law Program – recently returned home after volunteering on short notice to assist Louisiana officials in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. The storm – which made landfall in late August and early September – was the deadliest and most intense Louisiana hurricane since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Nov. 24, 2021
Navy Reserve Law Program Captain Retires
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Capt. Kevin Kelly, an accomplished and esteemed member of the Navy Reserve Law Program (NRLP), retired on Nov. 1, 2021 after 32 years of military service.
Nov. 19, 2021
Judge Advocate is the “Voice" of the Shock Trials
Washington, D.C. — This summer, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) successfully completed its Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST). JAG Community member Lt. Abbie Ortman – who was serving as the discipline officer, or “mini judge,” aboard the Ford – served as the “voice” of the FSST.
Nov. 5, 2021
Three Judge Advocates Selected as ICAP Fellows
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three Navy judge advocates have been named 2021 fellows in the International Career Advancement Program. The program is sponsored by the Navy and hosted by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver.
Oct. 27, 2021
Judge Advocate Presents Authored Paper at McMullen Naval History Symposium
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Lt. Cmdr. Dennis E. Harbin – a judge advocate currently serving as a joint legal observer and trainer for the J7 Directorate in the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – joined academics and historians from around the globe to present at the U.S. Naval Academy's McMullen Naval History Symposium Sept. 23-24, 2021.
Oct. 21, 2021
Naval Air Station Sigonella: Angela Del Popolo In the Spotlight
SIGONELLA, ITALY — Angela Del Popolo loves languages, which helps in her job as a language specialist for the Region Legal Service Office Europe Africa Central Detachment Sigonella.
Oct. 19, 2021
Navy Reserve Captain Receives NAPABA Award
Washington, D.C. — In September, Capt. John Han – a seasoned and decorated member of the Navy Reserve Law Program – was awarded the Military and Veteran Service Award from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. The award will be presented to Han at the 2021 NAPABA Convention in December in Washington, D.C.
Oct. 1, 2021
Navy Judge Advocate Receives Prestigious Award from National Intelligence University
Washington, DC — JAG community member Lt. Cmdr. Alex Homme was awarded the Judge Allan Nathanial Kornblum Award upon his July graduation from National Intelligence University master’s degree program. Homme is an active-duty judge advocate, who currently serves as Deputy Special Assistant for Legal Matters at the Office of the Naval Inspector General in Washington, D.C.
Sept. 28, 2021
Judge Advocate Wins ABA Outstanding Young Military Lawyer Award
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Bar Association (ABA) has awarded Lt. Michelle Flash – a Navy JAG community member currently serving as staff judge advocate at Naval Special Warfare Group 10 – the 2021 ABA Outstanding Young Military Lawyer Award.
Sept. 23, 2021
Legalman Earns Commission During Career Intermission
MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Proving the Navy can help you achieve your goals, Legalman 1st Class Chelse Wilson took advantage of the Career Intermission Program (CIP) to earn a law degree and receive a commission into the Judge Advocate General Corps.
Sept. 21, 2021
RLSO Southeast Holds Change of Command
Jacksonville, Fla. — Region Legal Service Office Southeast held a change of command ceremony on July 30, 2021, in the courtroom in Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.
Sept. 13, 2021
Health Law Judge Advocate Discusses Changing Practice Area
Falls Church, Va. — Deputy staff judge advocate Lt. Conrad W. Cascadden – a JAG community member currently assigned to the Navy’s Bureau of Medicine and Surgery – recently participated in a question-and-answer session to discuss his background and share his perspectives on practicing health law during the Military Health System transformation.
Sept. 8, 2021
What You Should Know About the Navy’s Fraternization Instruction
In November 2020, the Navy published an update to its Fraternization Policy. The new instruction, OPNAVINST 5370.2E, provides updated reporting procedures for instances of fraternization, as well as a more robust discussion section to help members navigate a determination of what relationships might violate the policy. This article is meant to offer a synopsis of the newly published instruction – a lawful general order – and to clarify what responsibilities it imposes upon all servicemembers.
Aug. 24, 2021
Navy Region Legal Service Offices Merge
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii — On Aug. 15, 2021, two Navy commands – Region Legal Service Office (RLSO) Hawaii and RLSO Northwest – merged. The merger created a unified RLSO headquartered in Bremerton, Wash., with a detachment in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as well as three branch offices in Washington State.
Aug. 18, 2021
Navy JAG Corps Welcomes New Leadership
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps held a change of office ceremony Aug. 18, 2021, onboard U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.
July 31, 2021
Judge Advocate Receives McGinnis Family Award for Outstanding Performance in Fleet Seminar Education
OAHU, Hawaii — Lt. Cmdr. Joseph "JoHo" Horton – who serves as staff judge advocate for Joint Inter-Agency Task Force-West, Camp H.M. Smith, Oahu, Hawaii – was awarded the McGinnis Family Award for Outstanding Performance in Fleet Seminar Education at the U.S. Naval War College Joint Professional Military Education graduation, held June 24, 2021.
Naval Justice School Marks 75th Anniversary
NEWPORT, R.I. — On July 6, the Navy JAG community commemorated the 75th anniversary of the founding of its Naval Justice School. A special ceremony that included distinguished guests – as well as students and staff – took place at Naval Station Newport, where the school is headquartered.
July 29, 2021
2021 Navy JAG Corps Summer Interns
The Navy JAG Corps is proud to host our 2021 summer interns! The Navy JAG Corps offers internships and externships to law students wishing to gain valuable legal experience, the opportunity for academic credit, and greater insight into life as a Navy judge advocate. Meet some of our summer interns.
July 28, 2021
JAG Community Member Wins ABA Career Judge Advocate Award
WASHINGTON, DC — The American Bar Association has announced that Navy judge advocate Cmdr. Abigail L. Meyers – who currently serves as Operations Officer at the Naval Justice School – has been selected to receive the ABA Outstanding Military Service Career Judge Advocate Award, sponsored by the Standing Committee on Armed Forces Law.
July 26, 2021
DSO Pacific Holds Change of Command
YOKOSUKA, Japan — Defense Service Office Pacific held a change of command ceremony at the Adm. Arleigh A. Burke Officers’ Club onboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan on July 16, 2021.
July 24, 2021
RLSO Hawaii Holds Change of Command and Prepares for Consolidation
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii — Region Legal Service Office Hawaii held a change of command ceremony on July 21, 2021, aboard Battleship Missouri (BB 63) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Rear Adm. Darse E. “Del” Crandall, Commander, Naval Legal Service Command, presided over the ceremony in which Capt. Bradley A. Appleman was relieved by Cmdr. Michele V. Rosen as commanding officer.