This guide provides helpful information for those considering to enlist in the Navy Reserve as a Legalman (LN) during Fiscal Year 2025.
Thinking about becoming a Legalman (LN) in the Navy Reserve? Smart move.
This role puts you at the heart of military law, working alongside JAG officers to handle legal matters that keep the Navy running smoothly.
But is it the right fit for you?
This guide will break down everything—job duties, training, career progression, benefits, and more.
Let’s dive in.
Job Role and Responsibilities
Job Description
Navy Reserve Legalman (LN) personnel function as military law paralegals with expertise in legal research and administrative justice. Legal professionals in the Navy Reserve function as paralegals under JAG officer supervision to assist legal proceedings and draft documents while offering military justice guidance.
Daily Tasks
- Assist attorneys in preparing legal cases
- Conduct legal research and draft reports
- Prepare wills, powers of attorney, and contracts
- Handle administrative separation cases
- Process claims for military personnel and their families
- Advise sailors on legal rights and procedures
- Support courts-martial and investigative proceedings
Mission Contribution
Legalmen ensure Navy legal operations run smoothly, allowing commanders and sailors to focus on their missions. They uphold military justice, assist in legal protections, and ensure compliance with Navy regulations.
Technology and Equipment
- Case management software
- Digital legal research databases (e.g., LexisNexis)
- Secure Navy communication systems
- Standard office software for legal documentation
- Encrypted document handling tools
Work Environment
Setting and Schedule
- Primary Work Locations:
- Naval Reserve Centers
- JAG (Judge Advocate General) Offices
- Aboard Navy ships (if activated)
- Typical Schedule:
- Drill weekends once a month
- Two-week annual training
- Additional active-duty periods possible
- Active Duty Assignments:
- If mobilized, could serve in deployed or shore-based legal offices
Leadership and Communication
- LNs work under JAG officers and alongside enlisted personnel
- Heavy written and verbal communication required for legal documentation
- Structured chain of command—Legalmen report to higher-ranking legal personnel
Team Dynamics and Autonomy
- Balance of teamwork and independent work
- Must be comfortable handling sensitive legal matters alone
- Works closely with attorneys, officers, and enlisted personnel
Job Satisfaction and Retention
- High retention rates due to specialized skills and civilian job benefits
- Success measured by accuracy, professionalism, and ability to handle legal workloads
Training and Skill Development
Initial Training
All Navy Reserve Legalmen must complete two main phases of training before assuming their duties.
- Navy Recruit Training (Boot Camp)
- Location: Great Lakes, Illinois
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Focus Areas:
- Military customs, discipline, and physical fitness
- Basic seamanship and Navy regulations
- Introduction to legal and administrative procedures
- Legalman “A” School
- Location: Naval Justice School (Newport, Rhode Island)
- Duration: Approximately 11 weeks
- Coursework Includes:
- Military justice system (Uniform Code of Military Justice – UCMJ)
- Legal research and writing
- Administrative and civil law
- Courts-martial and legal proceedings
- Ethics and confidentiality in military law
Advanced Training
- Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
- Offered periodically for LNs to stay updated on new military law developments
- Specialized Certifications
- Opportunities for paralegal certification, which translates directly to civilian legal careers
- JAG-Sponsored Training Programs
- Advanced training in military justice, investigations, and trial support
- On-the-Job Training (OJT)
- Hands-on experience in Navy legal offices under JAG officers
Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations
Physical Requirements
Legal work won’t have you rucking through the desert, but you’re still a sailor in uniform. That means meeting fitness standards—no exceptions.
Navy Reserve Physical Readiness Test (PRT)
| Test | Males (17-24) | Females (17-24) | Males (25-34) | Females (25-34) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Push-Ups (2 min) | 42 | 19 | 34 | 15 |
| Plank Hold | 1:30 min | 1:30 min | 1:30 min | 1:30 min |
| 1.5-Mile Run | 12:30 min | 14:45 min | 13:45 min | 15:45 min |
| Body Fat % | Max 23% | Max 34% | Max 23% | Max 34% |
Miss a requirement: You’ll get a second chance, but multiple failures can lead to administrative separation.
Medical Evaluations
The Navy doesn’t just screen for physical ability—they need legal professionals who can handle classified information and high-pressure environments.
- Entrance Medical Screening – Conducted at MEPS before enlistment.
- Routine Evaluations – Every five years, or more if needed.
- Vision & Hearing – Correctable to 20/20, no severe hearing impairment.
- Psychological Screening – No history of major mental health issues that could impact judgment or security clearance.
Legalmen handle sensitive legal matters—you must be sharp, healthy, and mentally stable to serve.
Deployment and Duty Stations
Deployment Details
Legalmen rarely deploy. But when they do, it’s strictly mission-driven—mobilized to handle military justice cases, legal admin support, or tribunals. Expect assignments in domestic JAG offices, with some overseas billets. Active-duty recalls happen, though infrequently.
- Typical Deployment Length: 6–12 months (if activated)
- Deployment Locations: Naval bases, embassies, legal support hubs
- Mobilization Triggers: Wartime legal needs, courts-martial, special operations
Location Flexibility
- Home-Based Drills: You train near home at a Navy Reserve Center.
- Annual Training: Two weeks per year, location varies.
- Preferred Assignments? Sort of. The Navy balances unit needs with personal requests.
Bottom line—LNs serve where law meets mission. If the Navy needs legal support in Bahrain, Japan, or Washington, D.C., you might get the call. But most stay stateside.
Compensation, Benefits, and Lifestyle
Financial Benefits
Drilling once a month and training two weeks a year might not sound like much, but the Navy Reserve pays well—especially when you factor in allowances, bonuses, and retirement perks.
Base Pay (Drill Pay) – Monthly Earnings
| Paygrade | 4+ Years | 6+ Years | 8+ Years | 10+ Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-3 | ~$330 | ~$355 | ~$375 | ~$400 |
| E-5 | ~$480 | ~$520 | ~$560 | ~$600 |
| E-7 | ~$700 | ~$750 | ~$800 | ~$850 |
Annual Training Pay: Multiply monthly drill pay by two for the two-week mandatory training period.
Active Duty Pay: If mobilized, you’ll earn full-time military pay, plus housing and food allowances.
Additional Benefits
| Benefit | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Tricare Reserve Select (affordable coverage for Reservists and families) |
| Housing | Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) when activated for 30+ days |
| Tuition Assistance | Up to 100% tuition coverage for approved programs |
| GI Bill | Earn education benefits for future use (if eligible) |
| Retirement | Pension after 20 years, payable at age 60 |
Work-Life Balance
- Drill weekends: Once a month, typically Saturday-Sunday.
- Annual Training: Two weeks a year—location varies.
- Deployments: Rare, but possible. Legalmen are not front-line personnel.
- Civilian Career Friendly: You keep your day job, train on weekends, and gain legal experience that transfers directly to paralegal and legal assistant roles.
Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations
Job Hazards
LNs don’t dodge bullets, but they navigate a different battlefield—high-pressure legal cases, classified intelligence, and ethical tightropes. Every document signed, every case reviewed, and every legal decision carries real-world consequences for sailors and commanders.
- High-Stakes Legal Work → Mistakes in courts-martial, investigations, or claims processing can derail careers.
- Confidentiality Exposure → Mishandling classified legal documents or privileged case details jeopardizes national security and personal careers.
- Mental and Emotional Toll → Disciplinary cases, administrative separations, and legal disputes create constant pressure.
Safety Protocols
Security measures exist for a reason—every Legalman is trained to safeguard classified information and execute legal procedures flawlessly.
- Document Security → Clearance levels determine access to legal files, restricted case materials, and classified briefings.
- Ethical Standards → Confidentiality breaches lead to immediate disciplinary action under the UCMJ.
- Oversight & Review → Legal cases pass through multiple layers of verification before final decisions are made.
Security and Legal Requirements
| Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Secret Clearance | Grants access to classified legal materials and sensitive casework. |
| UCMJ Compliance | Requires absolute integrity—even minor infractions can end a career. |
| Obligation to Serve | Mobilization orders require immediate reporting for active duty legal support. |
This isn’t a job for someone who cuts corners. Legalmen must operate at 100% precision, 100% of the time.
Impact on Family and Personal Life
Family Considerations
The Navy Reserve operates on a predictable drill schedule—one weekend a month, two weeks a year. That consistency makes it easier to balance military service with civilian life. Unlike active-duty personnel, LNs in the Reserve aren’t constantly relocating or deploying for extended periods.
- Stable Living Situation → Most training and legal work happens near home at a Navy Reserve Center.
- Minimal Disruptions → Mobilizations are rare and typically tied to legal support missions.
- Family Support Systems → Military family services provide childcare, spouse assistance programs, and financial counseling.
Relocation and Flexibility
Most Navy Reserve Legalmen stay in one place for years. Assignments are based on regional needs, but there’s some flexibility for relocation requests and unit transfers.
- Drill Locations → Reservists typically drill within commuting distance.
- Annual Training → Two weeks per year, location varies but often includes JAG offices, legal training centers, or naval bases.
- Mobilization Possibilities → In rare cases, the Navy can activate LNs for temporary duty at a domestic or overseas legal office.
A Reservist’s legal career fits into their civilian life, not the other way around. That’s what makes this role appealing for law students, paralegals, and those looking for a structured, part-time military career.
Post-Service Opportunities
Transition to Civilian Life
Legalmen leave the Navy Reserve with real-world legal experience, security clearances, and professional training that directly transfers to civilian careers. Employers value military discipline, legal expertise, and experience in high-pressure environments.
- Paralegal & Legal Assistant Roles → Military legal training meets or exceeds civilian paralegal standards.
- Government & Law Enforcement Careers → Federal agencies, state legal offices, and police departments prioritize veterans with legal backgrounds.
- Private Sector Legal Jobs → Corporate legal departments and law firms actively recruit veterans with legal and administrative skills.
- Pathway to Law School → The Navy’s education benefits reduce law school costs, and JAG experience strengthens law school applications.
Military Transition Support
The Navy doesn’t leave veterans to figure things out alone. Structured transition programs help Legalmen move into the civilian workforce.
| Program | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| SkillBridge | Allows sailors to intern at civilian legal offices before separation. |
| Post-9/11 GI Bill | Covers tuition for law school or paralegal certification. |
| Veterans’ Preference | Gives former Legalmen hiring priority for government jobs. |
| Navy COOL | Funds professional certifications while still serving. |
The transition isn’t just about finding a job. It’s about leveraging military experience into a stronger career.
Qualifications, Requirements, and Application Process
Basic Qualifications
Legalmen handle sensitive legal work, classified documents, and high-stakes cases—entry standards reflect that responsibility.
| Requirement | Minimum Standard |
|---|---|
| Age | 17–39 years old |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| ASVAB Score | VE+MK = 105 and VE = 52 or VE+AR = 105 and VE = 52 |
| Security Clearance | SECRET (or higher, depending on assignment) |
| Physical Fitness | Must pass Navy Reserve PRT |
Application Process
- Meet with a Navy Reserve Recruiter – Confirm eligibility, discuss career goals.
- Take the ASVAB – Must meet the required composite scores in Verbal Expression (VE), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), or Arithmetic Reasoning (AR).
- Complete Medical Screening – Conducted at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station).
- Background Check & Security Clearance – In-depth review of financial, criminal, and personal history.
- Attend Boot Camp – 8 weeks at Great Lakes, Illinois.
- Legalman “A” School – 11 weeks at Naval Justice School (Newport, RI).
Selection Criteria and Competitiveness
This is a limited, competitive rating—strong test scores and prior legal experience increase selection chances. Candidates with paralegal training, administrative backgrounds, or coursework in law/criminal justice stand out.
Is This a Good Job for You? The Right (and Wrong) Fit
Ideal Candidate Profile
Some jobs let you wing it. This isn’t one of them. The best LNs have sharp attention to detail, a strong moral compass, and the ability to handle high-pressure legal work without missing a step.
- Highly organized – Legal documents, case files, and court proceedings require absolute precision.
- Analytical thinker – Military law is complex. Legalmen must interpret, apply, and explain regulations with authority.
- Excellent communicator – Strong written and verbal skills are non-negotiable.
- Trustworthy & discreet – Legalmen handle classified information and sensitive cases—integrity is everything.
- Committed to structure & discipline – The military legal system follows strict protocols. Cutting corners doesn’t work here.
Potential Challenges
- Repetitive legal work – Not every task is exciting. Some days involve document reviews, claims processing, and administrative casework.
- High responsibility, zero room for error – A single mistake can compromise a legal case, affect a service member’s career, or violate military law.
- Ethical dilemmas – LNs enforce rules, not bend them. Handling courts-martial and disciplinary actions requires professional detachment.
- Not a physically active role – This is a desk-heavy job—great for some, frustrating for those who want more action.
Career and Lifestyle Alignment
This role makes sense for:
- Law students, paralegals, or those considering legal careers.
- People who want military service without combat deployments.
- Detail-oriented professionals who thrive in structured environments.
- Reservists looking for a career that translates directly into the civilian workforce.
This role doesn’t fit:
- Those who want high-adrenaline, physically demanding work.
- People who struggle with routine legal documentation and strict regulations.
- Anyone uncomfortable handling serious legal matters like courts-martial or disciplinary actions.
Legalmen don’t just “help out” in legal offices—they are key players in the military justice system. If that excites you, this job is a perfect fit.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming an Legalman (LN) in the Navy Reserve, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
You may also be interested in the following related Navy Reserve Enlisted Administrative jobs:
