Do Military Lawyers Have to Pass the Bar?

Military law is its own separate practice from civilian affairs. Whether you’re interested in becoming a military criminal defense attorney or need to hire one for a case, it is important to understand how military crime works where you live. You also need answers to questions like, “Do military lawyers have to pass the bar?”

If you’re planning on becoming a lawyer, understanding the requirements from the start can improve your chances of success. If you are searching for a military criminal defense lawyer, it can be beneficial to know what standards to look for when researching law firms.

Becoming a Military Criminal Defense Attorney

The exact process of becoming a military criminal defense attorney can vary from person to person, depending on where they are located and other unique factors of their situations. That said, every military lawyer must pass an American state bar exam to practice military law.

Military criminal defense attorneys are required to pass at least one state bar that gives them the license to practice law. They must also earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an American Bar Association-accredited law school and become a commissioned officer of their chosen military branch.

About United States Military Laws

The United States military includes 2.86 million military personnel and civilians combined, which is around the same population as the third-largest city in the United States. It makes sense, then, why the military operates under its own set of unique laws. Military criminal defense lawyers can handle all types of military legal matters, such as:

• Administrative separations
• Official military record corrections
• General Courts-Martial
• Military disputes
• Discharge upgrades
• Special Courts-Martial

Total military spending has recently exceeded $916 billion, making the United States the country with the highest military spending in the world. This gives the military justice system substantial resources to prosecute anyone facing allegations of violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Each branch of the military is largely in charge of its own Court-Martial proceedings. For instance, the U.S. Marine Corps recorded 10 Special Courts-Martial and 11 General Courts-Martial in May 2025.

Military laws exist to protect service members and entire communities, but they are not perfect. As a seasoned military criminal defense firm, Aaron Meyer Law is dedicated to protecting our clients through every stage of the legal process, no matter the nature of the charges against them.

FAQs

Q: Are Military Criminal Defense Lawyers Members of the United States Military?

A: Military criminal defense attorneys do not have to be active members of the military. They must, however, earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). They must also be commissioned as official officers with whichever branch of the military they wish to practice law. This process can be difficult, but it also makes sure military criminal defense lawyers are prepared to defend any client they encounter.

Q: What Types of Cases Can Military Criminal Defense Attorneys Work On?

A: Military criminal defense attorneys defend clients who are affiliated with the military and involved in crimes that take place on a domestic military installation or, in some cases, abroad. These types of lawyers can cover all types of military criminal defense cases, including:

• Assault and battery
• Drug offenses
• Fraud
• Larceny
• Murder
• Sexual assault

Q: Is It Difficult to Become a Military Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: The process of becoming a military criminal defense lawyer, or any type of Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG) Officer, is no easy feat. It involves extensive training and certifications, and candidates must meet a variety of requirements. First, you must earn a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school. You must also have a license to practice law by passing at least one bar exam for a U.S. state or territory.

Q: Do I Have to Hire a Military Criminal Defense Lawyer If I Am Being Investigated?

A: You’re not required to hire a military criminal defense lawyer to handle your case, but it is widely recommended that you do. A legal professional can leverage their knowledge and past experience to build a defense against your charges. No matter how complicated your case may seem, you can count on an experienced criminal defense attorney from Aaron Meyer Law to represent you through it.

Hire a Military Criminal Defense Lawyer to Manage Your Case in California

Navigating a military legal matter can be complicated, especially if you’re trying to do everything on your own. That’s why you should hire a military criminal defense lawyer who knows how to defend you.

Even though it is recommended to work with a military criminal defense attorney, it’s beneficial that you also know about military criminal defense laws. That way, you can better understand the nature of your charges and move through your case more easily.

The skilled military criminal defense team at Aaron Meyer Law is qualified to handle complex military legal matters. Our firm has a strong record of successfully defending our clients in a wide range of cases.

Our founding attorney has earned more jury trial acquittals than any other military attorney on the West Coast of the country, and he has successfully handled countless administrative hearings throughout his years of practice. He worked in the Department of Defense’s busiest trial team, having been commissioned in 2004 as a Marine Officer and Judge Advocate (JAG) in the United States Marine Corps.

When you choose our team to defend your military criminal defense case, you can be reassured by knowing you’re working with top-rated professionals who are members of the:

• American Association for Justice
• Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Our office is conveniently located on Lake Forest Drive off I-5. When you visit, we can hear your story. Then, our team can build your defense and represent you throughout your case. If you’re ready to discuss your situation with us in more detail, reach out to set up a consultation with a member of our legal team today.