U.S. Navy Legalman (LN) Job Overview

Legalmen are the Navy's version of paralegals. Through training and experience, they possess knowledge and expertise regarding military and civilian legal systems and substantive and procedural law which qualify them to do work of a legal nature under the supervision of an attorney. Legalmen receive extensive military justice training in administrative and civil law, substantive and procedural law, court-martial procedures, and nonjudicial punishment.

Under the supervision of a Navy Judge Advocate, Legalmen work in a variety of billets to include Naval Legal Service Offices; Region Legal Service Offices; Staff Judge Advocate Offices; and afloat commands. Additionally, the most experienced Legalmen may be assigned to an Independent Duty Legalman role both at commands ashore and at sea.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities of a Legalmen include: providing legal assistance in areas of the law such as wills and estates, consumer advocacy, landlord/tenant, immigration and naturalization, tax, and family law, all of which include drafting and reviewing technical legal documents for attorney signature. Certain military justice duties include preparation of records and hearings, investigations, courts-martial and courts of inquiry, processing appeals, and the coordination of nonjudicial punishment. Legalmen also act as trial paralegals for both the trial and defense counsel.

Responsibilities of a United States Navy Legalman include:

• Provide legal assistance in such matters as voter registration, indebtedness, Social Security, veterans' benefits, civilian counsel, power of attorney, wills, motor vehicle licensing, taxes, immigration, and customs
• Prepare records of hearings, investigations, courts-martial, and courts of inquiry
• Prepare reports of mast proceedings
• Process appeals
• Help personnel prepare legal forms, letters, and requests
• Assist personnel in filing claims, and conducting their investigations

Working Environment

People in this rating usually work in an office environment. They work closely with others and do mostly mental work.

A-School (Job School) Information

Newport, Rhode Island - Nine weeks

ASVAB Score Requirement: VE + MK = 105

Security Clearance Requirement: Secret

Other Requirements

It is not an entry-level position. Recruits are not eligible to enlist with a guarantee for this rating. Petty Officers (in the pay grade of E-4 or E-5) may apply to re-train into this rating from other ratings.

• Must have normal hearing
• Must have no speech impediment
• Must be a U.S. Citizen

High school diploma graduate or equivalent. Must type 40 words per minute when enlisted. Must have no record of conviction by civil court for any offense other than minor traffic. Not eligible if substance abuse waiver required. Must possess valid driver's license or be eligible to obtain one.

Current Manning Levels for This Rating: CREO Listing

Advancement opportunities and career progression are directly linked to a rating's manning level (i.e., personnel in understaffed ratings have greater promotion opportunity than those in overmanned ratings).

Sea and Shore Rotation for This Rating

Sea tours and shore tours for sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 months ashore until retirement.

• First Sea Tour: 48 months
• First Shore Tour: 48 months
• Second Sea Tour: 36 months
• Second Shore Tour: 48 months
• Third Sea Tour: 36 months
• Third Shore Tour: 48 months
• Fourth Sea Tour: 36 months
• Forth Shore Tour: 48 months

Information courtesy of the Navy Personnel Command.