2026 Army JAGC Summer Associate Program

Basic Information

The Army JAG Corps hires first and second-year law students to serve as paid summer associates in Army legal offices across the country. For two months, summer associates will perform assignments in the areas of family law, estate planning, landlord-tenant law, environmental law, labor and employment law, contract and fiscal law and more.

Summer Associates will gain invaluable insights into life as a federal attorney. The purpose of Army JAGC Summer Associate program is to bring increased awareness and interest to civilian attorney positions within our JAG Corps and attract talented, hard-working, and energetic legal minds into our civilian attorney ranks. The Army JAGC Summer Associate Program is separate and apart from the Army JAG Corps Intern Program, which provides law school students with the opportunity to observe Army active duty and reserve judge advocates.

The Army’s mission is critical to our nation! Apply and learn how to practice law from federal civilian attorneys who provide principled counsel to Army leaders every day. Want to learn more? Listen to the Summer Associate Program discussion on the podcast “Hold My Reg.” This episode features comments from former Summer Associate Anna Salter. Anna’s remarks cover her personal experiences and takeaways, including how the program introduced her to a professional mentor. “Hold My Reg” is the official podcast of the Administrative and Civil Law Department of The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, Virginia.

LOCATIONS

  • Arlington, VA
  • Austin, TX
  • Fort Bliss, TX
  • Fort Carson, CO
  • Fort Eustis, VA
  • Fort Gordon, GA
  • Fort Hood, TX
  • Fort Jackson, SC
  • Fort Knox, KY
  • Fort Leavenworth, KS
  • Fort Liberty, NC
  • Fort Meade, MD
  • Fort Polk, LA
  • Fort Riley, KS
  • Fort Sill, OK
  • Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
  • Presidio of Monterey, CA
  • Quantico, VA
  • Redstone Arsenal, AL
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Scott AFB, IL
  • West Point, NY

The program will work with selectees regarding location placement. Available locations subject to change annually.

Salary/Compensation

  • 1Ls will be paid as GS5, salary dependent on geographic information
  • 2Ls will be paid as GS7, salary dependent on geographic information
  • Please see General Schedule (opm.gov)

2L Application Process

Each Applicant is asked to submit:

  • Statement of Interest
  • Resume
  • 3 Professional References (Names and contact information)
  • Grades (Undergraduate and law school)

The application process for 2L candidates will open July 01 and close August 08, 2025. Selected applicants will undergo a screening interview via TEAMS in late August or early September 2025. Students will interview with a panel of three attorneys who will evaluate the student’s work ethic, writing, professionalism, and grades. Application documents should be emailed to the Summer Associate Program Team at usarmy.pentagon.hqda-otjag.mbx.jagc-atty-hiring-actions@army.mil.

1L Application Process

Each Applicant is asked to submit:

  • Statement of Interest
  • Resume
  • References (Names and contact information)
  • Grades (Undergraduate and law school)

The application process for 1L candidates will be similar to the process for 2L candidates. However, 1L applications will not be considered until January 2026. Please check your law school’s career services platform and this website for updated information.

Final Selection

  • The Army has concluded its 2025 Summer Associate Program selections. The Army is expected to conclude its fall selection process for 2Ls by October 2025 and winter selection process for 1Ls by mid-February, 2026.
  • All applicants who received an interview will be notified of their selection status.
  • If a student accepts a program placement, that is considered final. Students should stop seeking other summer opportunities as they are committed to the Army Summer Associate program upon acceptance.
  • When a student accepts the Summer Associate position, they will receive an opportunity to specify location preference and practice area(s) of interest.

Timeline for 2Ls and 1Ls

  • October 2025: 2L candidates notified of selection
  • January 2026: 2L selectee location preferences and hiring documents processed
  • February 2026: 1L candidates notified of selection
  • April 2026: 1L selectee location preferences and hiring documents processed
  • June 1, 2026: First day of Army JAG Corps Summer Associate Program
  • August 7, 2026: Last day of Army JAG Corps Summer Associate Program

Interview Tips

Anticipate Questions.

Once you have learned you will be interviewed, begin thinking about answers to the following questions:

  • What attributes and qualities do I possess that make me a great candidate for this position?
  • What are my career goals? What are my goals for the position?
  • What are your goals upon completing law school?

During the Interview.

  • Breathe! Try to be yourself and let your personality shine to help the interviewer learn if you’ll be a good fit for the program. Everyone gets nervous!
  • Come ready to ask the interviewers a few questions.

Code of Conduct

Summer associates will be expected to adhere to the 14 General Principles of Ethical Conduct and pass a background check.

Contact Information

Questions about the program can be directed to the Summer Associate Program Team at usarmy.pentagon.hqda-otjag.mbx.jagc-atty-hiring-actions@army.mil or your law school’s career services office. Please allow 3 business days for reply.