Legal Services Overview and How to Get Help

Start Here If You Are New to Marine Corps Legal Services

The Marine Corps provides free legal services to active duty Marines through the Office of the Judge Advocate (JAG). You access legal services through your installation's Legal Services Support Section (LSSS) or Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA). Four primary attorney types serve Marines in different roles. Personal Services Attorney (PSA) handles personal legal matters (powers of attorney, wills, family law, SCRA invocations, debt). Defense Counsel represents Marines accused of UCMJ offenses or facing administrative separation boards. Trial Counsel prosecutes for the government. Special Victims' Counsel (SVC) represents victims of sexual assault and other qualifying offenses. Walk-in office hours exist at most installations for routine matters. Appointments are required for complex matters. Per MCO 5800.16 Vol 1MCO 5800.16 Vol 1 and Vol 5MCO 5800.16 Vol 5.

This page walks you through Marine Corps legal services from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The four primary attorney types (PSA, Defense, Trial, SVC)
• When to engage each type of attorney
• Walk-in office hours vs appointments
• What is free and what requires you to hire a private attorney
• The difference between JAG attorney advice and a hired attorney
• Confidentiality protections
• Where to find your installation's legal office

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 5800.16 Vol 1MCO 5800.16 Vol 1 and Vol 5MCO 5800.16 Vol 5, JAGMAN, and the Office of the Judge Advocate of the Marine Corps.

Why Free Legal Services Exist

The Marine Corps provides free legal services because.

• Marines and their families face unique legal challenges driven by deployment, PCS, and military service.
• Legal stress affects mission readiness.
• Basic legal documents (POA, wills) are universal pre-deployment needs.
• Constitutional and statutory rights protections require effective counsel.

JAG attorneys are commissioned officers (Marine Corps Judge Advocates and Navy Judge Advocates supporting Marines) who hold law licenses and meet rigorous professional standards.

The Four Primary Attorney Types

Personal Services Attorney (PSA)

The PSA is your first stop for personal legal matters that do NOT involve UCMJ allegations against you.

What the PSA Handles

• Powers of attorney (POA) preparation.
• Wills and estate planning.
• Family law issues (divorce, custody, child support).
• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) invocations and questions.
• Debt and consumer protection.
• Landlord-tenant disputes.
• Tax questions (general guidance, not preparation).
• Adoption legal questions.
• Guardianship questions.
• Notary services.

What the PSA Does NOT Do

• Represent you in civil court proceedings (you hire a civilian attorney).
• Represent you in UCMJ matters (Defense Counsel handles these).
• Represent you against the government in claims (separate process).

How to Engage

• Walk-in office hours at most installations.
• Appointment for complex matters.
• Some installations require advance scheduling for wills.

Defense Counsel

Defense Counsel represents Marines facing UCMJ accusations or administrative separation actions.

What Defense Counsel Handles

• Defense at NJP (Office Hours / Captain's Mast).
• Defense at courts-martial (Summary, Special, General).
• Defense at administrative separation boards.
• Defense at Boards of Inquiry (BOI).
• Pretrial confinement representation.
• Plea agreement negotiations.
• Sentencing advocacy.
• Appeals.

When You Receive Defense Counsel

You are entitled to free Defense Counsel if you are.

• Subject to NJP (you may consult Defense Counsel before deciding to accept or refuse NJP).
• Notified of preferral of court-martial charges.
• Notified of administrative separation processing.
• Subject to a Board of Inquiry.

Confidentiality

Communications with Defense Counsel are protected by the attorney-client privilege per Military Rule of Evidence 502. Defense Counsel cannot share what you say.

Trial Counsel

Trial Counsel represents the government (the Marine Corps) in courts-martial.

What Trial Counsel Does

• Prosecutes UCMJ violations on behalf of the government.
• Coordinates with NCIS and command investigators.
• Coordinates with victims and witnesses.

When You Interact with Trial Counsel

If you are.

• A witness in a court-martial.
• A victim in a court-martial (in addition to your SVC).
• A subject of investigation (consult Defense Counsel before speaking).

Trial Counsel does NOT represent you. Trial Counsel represents the government.

Special Victims' Counsel (SVC)

SVC represents victims of qualifying offenses.

Qualifying Offenses for SVC

• Sexual assault offenses.
• Domestic violence offenses (in some cases).
• Other qualifying victim offenses per UCMJ Article 6b and DoD policy.

What SVC Handles

• Advising the victim on rights throughout the investigation and prosecution.
• Representing the victim's interests at hearings.
• Coordinating with Defense Counsel and Trial Counsel.
• Article 6b UCMJ victim rights enforcement.

The Sexual Assault Reporting and Special Victims' Counsel leaf covers SVC services in detail.

Confidentiality

Communications with SVC are confidential under attorney-client privilege.

Walk-In Office Hours vs Appointments

Walk-In Office Hours

Most LSSS or OSJA offices hold walk-in hours for routine matters. Common walk-in services.

• POA preparation.
• Notary services.
• Brief consultations on personal legal questions.
• Initial intake on more complex matters.

Walk-in hours vary by installation. Check your installation's legal office schedule.

Appointments

Required for complex matters such as.

• Will preparation (typically requires advance scheduling).
• Family law representation discussion.
• Estate planning beyond basic will.
• SCRA implementation for complex civilian-side disputes.

Pre-Deployment Surge

Many installations surge legal services in the weeks before unit deployments to ensure all deploying Marines have current POAs and wills.

What Is Free vs What You Hire a Civilian Attorney For

Free Through JAG

• All legal advice and counseling on personal matters within JAG scope.
• POA, will, and notary preparation.
• SCRA invocations and questions.
• Defense Counsel for UCMJ matters.
• Defense Counsel for administrative separation.
• SVC for qualifying victim offenses.

You Must Hire a Civilian Attorney For

• Representation in civilian court proceedings (divorce, custody hearings, civil litigation).
• Civilian criminal defense.
• Tax preparation services.
• Real estate closings.
• Business or commercial legal matters.
• Civil rights claims against the government (some exceptions).

JAG attorneys advise on these matters but cannot represent you in court. JAG can refer you to civilian attorneys including the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Lawyers Helping Veterans, and the State Bar Lawyer Referral Service.

Confidentiality

Communications with JAG attorneys are protected by the attorney-client privilege under Military Rule of Evidence 502.

What This Means

• The attorney cannot share what you tell them with your command.
• The attorney cannot share what you tell them with NCIS or investigators.
• Even if the attorney leaves the position, the privilege follows them.

Limited Exceptions

• The attorney must report imminent threats of harm to others.
• The attorney must report ongoing or future criminal conduct in some circumstances.
• The privilege does NOT protect statements about future crimes or fraud (the attorney still cannot help you commit a crime).

When Privilege Starts

Privilege starts the moment you begin talking to the attorney with the expectation of legal counsel. It applies to walk-in consultations, appointments, and follow-up communications.

Finding Your Installation's Legal Office

Marine Corps Installations

Each installation has either.

• A Legal Services Support Section (LSSS) for the larger installations (MCBs).
• An Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA) for the smaller installations.

Common Locations

• Camp Lejeune. Carolina Legal Assistance Office.
• Camp Pendleton. LSSS Pacific.
• 29 Palms. OSJA.
• Quantico. OSJA.
• Okinawa. III MEF Legal.
• Other installations. Check the base directory or call the base operator.

Online Directory

The Office of the Judge Advocate of the Marine Corps publishes an installation legal office directory. Coordinate with your unit S-1 or chain of command for the current contact information.

What to Bring When You Visit JAG

For POA or Will

• Government ID (CAC).
• Names, addresses, and DOBs of beneficiaries or attorneys-in-fact.
• Specific assets or powers you want to address.
• Any prior POA or will documents.

For Family Law

• Marriage certificate.
• Birth certificates (for children).
• Existing court orders (custody, support).
• Recent LES.
• Documents related to the issue (e.g., served paperwork).

For SCRA

• Lease, mortgage, or loan documents.
• Orders triggering SCRA protections (PCS orders, deployment orders).
• Existing correspondence with the creditor or landlord.

For UCMJ Matters

• Any charge sheets, NJP notification, or investigation documents.
• Your statement (do NOT prepare a statement before consulting Defense Counsel).
• Names of witnesses.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is the difference between PSA and Defense Counsel?

PSA handles personal matters (POA, wills, family, SCRA). Defense Counsel handles UCMJ matters (NJP, court-martial, administrative separation). Different attorneys for different functions.

When am I entitled to free Defense Counsel?

When subject to NJP (consultation right), notified of preferred court-martial charges, notified of administrative separation, or subject to a Board of Inquiry.

What is Trial Counsel?

The prosecutor in courts-martial. Trial Counsel represents the government, NOT you. Do not speak with Trial Counsel about a case in which you may be a subject without first consulting Defense Counsel.

When do I get a Special Victims' Counsel?

When you are a victim of a qualifying offense (sexual assault, domestic violence in some cases, others per UCMJ Article 6b). The Sexual Assault Reporting leaf covers SVC services.

Do I have to pay for JAG services?

No. JAG personal services for active duty Marines are free.

Can JAG represent me in civilian court?

No. JAG can advise you on civilian matters but cannot appear in civilian court on your behalf. You hire a civilian attorney for civilian court representation.

Is what I tell my JAG attorney confidential?

Yes, protected by Military Rule of Evidence 502 attorney-client privilege. Limited exceptions for imminent harm to others and certain future crime/fraud situations.

What is the difference between LSSS and OSJA?

Both are installation legal offices. LSSS is at larger Marine Corps installations and serves a broader population. OSJA is at smaller installations or in specific commands. Functions are similar.

Can I go to JAG just to ask a question?

Yes. Walk-in office hours exist for routine questions and consultations.

What if my installation does not have a JAG office?

Your nearest installation provides services. Coordinate with your unit S-1 to identify the nearest legal office.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Personal legal matters (POA, wills, family). Personal Services Attorney at your installation LSSS or OSJA.
• UCMJ allegations or charges. Defense Counsel at your installation LSSS or OSJA.
• Sexual assault as a victim. Special Victims' Counsel through SAPR. The Sexual Assault Reporting and SVC leaf covers the framework.
• Court-martial witness or victim. Coordinate through Trial Counsel and (if applicable) SVC.
• Pre-deployment legal preparation. Personal Services Attorney during deployment surge.
• Personal property claims after PCS. Claims Attorney at your installation LSSS or OSJA. The Personal Property Claims leaf covers the framework.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Legal Services landing page lists all topics.
• Article 31 Rights and Investigations covers your rights when questioned.
• NJP (Non-Judicial Punishment) covers the Captain's Mast process.
• Court-Martial Process covers Summary, Special, and General courts-martial.
• Powers of Attorney and Wills covers free JAG-prepared documents.
• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) covers civilian protections.
• Family Law for Marines covers divorce, custody, and family matters.
• Article 138 and IG Complaints covers complaints against superiors.
• Sexual Assault Reporting and Special Victims' Counsel covers SAPR and SVC.
• Personal Property Claims covers PCS damage claims.
• Administrative Separation covers discharge characterizations.
• Foreign Jurisdiction and SOFA covers OCONUS legal matters.

Related Roles

• Leaders connect Marines to JAG legal services and recognize when a Marine needs Defense Counsel.
• Admin at S-1 supports POA, will preparation scheduling, and JAG referrals.
• Commanders ensure unit Marines have access to legal services pre-deployment and respect attorney-client privilege.

The Marine Corps provides free legal services through JAG. Four primary attorney types. PSA for personal matters. Defense Counsel for UCMJ and admin separation. Trial Counsel prosecutes (does NOT represent you). SVC represents qualifying victims. Walk-in office hours and appointments. Confidentiality protected by Military Rule of Evidence 502. Free for personal matters but you hire a civilian attorney for civilian court representation. Per MCO 5800.16 Vol 1MCO 5800.16 Vol 1 and Vol 5MCO 5800.16 Vol 5.