About Douglas Dribben Expertise I can answer questions about military law practice and procedure, as well as federal civilian criminal law. I can also answer questions about the military Judge Advocate Generals` Corps (JAG, like the TV show).
Experience I am a former federal prosecutor and retired military attorney. I have worked in civilian and military courts in the criminal law arena, and successfully prosecuted the first DNA case in the Middle District of Georgia. I am currently in the tort arena, handling cases against the federal government arising worldwide and our NATO partners arising in the US. I hold an LL.M. in military criminal law from the Judge Advocate General's School, Army, and have written about military law issues.
Publications The Military Law Review
The Army Lawyer
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Law Review
Awards and Honors Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Superior Performance Award as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (Department of Justice)
Question Could you reference a website, or other literature that can provide details on the JAG program? Also, is there a 'judge advocate general' equivalent in the Airforce?
Currently, I attend law school, at night. During the day, I work as a customized web-application developer. Upon graduation from law school, I would like to, eventually, practice e-commerce intellectual property litigation and consultation.
As preparation for a successful law career, I believe working with the JAG program would be extremely beneficial. However, I don't know any details of the program.
Answer Yes, there is a website for the JAG program. The Army's website is:
The JAG Corps has summer intern programs that are available to you if you have the time in the summer. Since you are a full-time employee, you may not have that opportunity, but you should check out the JAG recruiters (of all services) at your law school's placement office.
Any JAG Corps is a great way to learn courtroom skills for litigation. While our practice is generally confined to criminal law, if you excel at courtroom advocacy, you have a chance to be assigned to the Litigation Division, which works with the Justice Department representing the service in front of courts all over the US on many matters. We also have an intellectual property division, but that is small, and usually open only after years of demonstrated ability.
But the JAG Corps requires only a three-year commitment, and during that first commitment, you will be in court as a first chair attorney in a federal felony case, as all court-martials are. Also, you can travel, have the world to choose from for assignment locations, and will receive additional continuing legal education from the JAG School (you may ultimately get an LLM, as the school is fully ABA-accredited). And, if you choose to stay beyond the three year commitment, we have a program to help you with school loans - $10k at essentially the end of the first 3 years, $25k essentially 2 years later, and another $25k at the 10 year mark.
Check out the websites, and see a JAG recruiter, either at your school or call the main office at:
