ALCOAST 141/18 - APR 2018 BECOME A COAST GUARD JUDGE ADVOCATE - AY19 SOLICITATION FOR JURIS DOCTOR (JD) LAW ADVANCED EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY

united states coast guard

R 131513 APR 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-094//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01500//
ALCOAST 141/18
COMDTNOTE 1500
SUBJ:  BECOME A COAST GUARD JUDGE ADVOCATE - AY19 SOLICITATION FOR JURIS DOCTOR (JD)
LAW ADVANCED EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY
A. COMCOGARD PSC Washington DC 06 APR 18 ALCGPSC 057/18
B. COMCOGARD FORCECOM NORFOLK VA 23 FEB 18 ALCOAST 074/18
C. Performance, Training and Education Manual, COMDTINST M1500.10 (series)
D. Law Advanced Education Program for Juris Doctor and Master of Laws Degrees,
COMDTINST 1524.2 (series)
1.  I need eight high performing officers committed to making a positive difference as the
newest members of the Coast Guard legal program (CGJAG). From law enforcement to disaster
response, from intelligence operations to marine safety and security, CGJAG is actively
engaged in every Coast Guard mission. We provide commanders a decision-making advantage
and drive mission execution by delivering proactive legal advice and counsel across the
full spectrum of Coast Guard operations. I am looking for the very best officers with a
proven track record of high performance and a commitment to excellence.
2.  Commissioned officers meeting the requirements specified in REF (A) are eligible to
apply; however, we are considering policy to allow enlisted members to apply in future
assignment years. We will select eight officers to attend law school beginning in fall
2019 to obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, with an anticipated graduation in spring 2022.
The preferred selectees will be tour complete officers in grades O-2 or O-3. Non-tour
complete officers may request a waiver from PSC. Other applicants may also be considered
depending on experience and qualifications. I seek candidates from all accession points
and a broad range of specialties. If you have applied before, consider applying again.
3.  Selectees will work with the legal Program Manager to choose an ABA accredited law
school, typically near CG Headquarters, an Area Command, a District Office, or the Legal
Service Command (LSC) to allow for valuable Coast Guard legal office summer internships.
Upon successful attainment of a JD, officers will have a challenging and rewarding
follow-on legal tour.
4.  The Coast Guard pays tuition and authorized fees within the FORCECOM established AE
funding structure. The required active duty obligation is three months for each month of
education for the first year and one month for each month of education thereafter, normally
resulting in a five-year service obligation.
5.  Submit your application by 15 June 2018 via the Direct Access e-resume process using
your work e-mail address. Follow REF (A) to complete your application. Your e-resume
should include a personal narrative and a command endorsement. Use the narrative to
describe how you would add value to CGJAG and how the Coast Guard will benefit from your
selection. You should ensure all academic transcripts are included in your EI-PDR. A
current LSAT score is also required. LSAT scores taken on or after June 2014 will be
considered; successful applicants typically score in the mid-150s or higher. Due to
limited testing opportunities, LSAT scores will be accepted after the application deadline;
send a copy of your scores directly to CG-PSC-OPM-1 (HQS-SMB-CGPSC-opm-1-PGPanels@uscg.mil)
prior to the date the panel convenes. Proven past performance in the Coast Guard is a
significant criterion for selection. However, a strong academic record and solid LSAT
score are indicators of a member’s ability to pass a state bar examination and are also
key elements considered in the selection process.
6.  Contact the legal Program Manager for more information regarding CGJAG. Contact OPM-1
for more information regarding the e-resume application process.
7.  POCs:
    a) Program Manager: CDR Brooke Grant, 202-372-3817;
    b) PG/AE Coordinator: LT Lauren Binger, 202-795-6441;
    c) PG/AE YN: YN3 Nel Bruno Felix, 202-795-6439.
8.  Action: Widest dissemination of this ALCOAST is requested.
9.  RADM Steven J. Andersen, Judge Advocate General, sends.
10.  Internet release authorized.