Judge Advocate General Corps

Alabama National Guard (ALNG) Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG) is comprised of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA), Judge Advocates for the Army and Air National Guard, and the Office of General Counsel and Staff. Our mission is to provide professional and timely legal support for the Joint Staff and our Army and Air National Guardsmen, Military Service Members, as well as our Military Veterans and qualified Dependents. The main office is located at Joint Forces Headquarters on Congressman Dickinson Drive in Montgomery—we also have offices at the 117th Air Refueling Wing, East Lake Blvd. in Birmingham and at the Fort McClellan Training Center in Anniston.

SUMMER LEGAL INTERNSHIPS: The OSJA in Montgomery is taking applications for summer legal internships for current law students, if you are interested please contact our office at (334) 271-7471 or send us an online message CLICK HERE.

Legal Services
The ALNG General Counsel is pleased to announce the opening of the Alabama National Guard Legal Services Office (ALNGLSO) located at Joint Force Headquarters, 1720 Congressman William L. Dickinson Drive, P.O. Box 3711, Montgomery, Alabama 36109-0711. Our operational mission is to provide no cost legal services to soldiers, retirees, and their family members in support of military readiness and retention. Our new director of the legal services office is Mr. Christopher A. Thigpen, 334.271.7471.

Legal services attorneys will not appear in civilian courts or give advice concerning private income producing activities -- within these limitations, the legal services staff may provide legal counseling, draft letters, draft wills and powers of attorney, provide notary service, negotiate legal disputes with third parties, review and explain legal documents (sales contracts, leases, court papers, etc.…), provide pro se assistance in limited situations, or make referrals to civilian attorneys when appropriate. This is not an exhaustive list of our services contact our office for more information.

The ALNGLSO is appointment only. To make an appointment or send Legal Services a message, CLICK HERE or call our Chief Paralegal, Mr. Jarrelle Chitty (jarrelle.r.chitty.civ@army.mil) at 334-271-7471.

Basic advice and services on personal legal matters including:
- Notary Services
- Estate Issues: wills, living wills, advance medical directives, powers of attorney and guardianships
- Family Matters (may be limited to legal advice only): adoption, paternity, divorce, custody, support and visitation
- Consumer Issues: contracts, auto repairs, warranties and bankruptcy
- Landlord-Tenant Issues, Real Property Law: home purchase or sale
- Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act Issues
- Veterans’ Reemployment Rights/USERRA
- Referrals to civilian attorneys for complex legal matters
Services NOT provided:
- Representation in any court
- Private business activities, including rental ownership issues
- Litigation or claims against any government entities
- Prepaid-legal-representation cases such as your insurance company defending you in a tort case
- Contingent Fee Cases
- Standards of Conduct Issues
- Legal issues or concerns raised on behalf of a person who is ineligible for legal assistance
For defenses to charges brought pursuant to the Military Code of Alabama or other adverse action or investigation, contact the Trial Defense Service offices: Army National Guard: Contact client intake at 910.214.1757 or ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mbx.tds-fts@army.mil or Air National Guard: Airmen seeking legal services should contact the 117 ARW base legal office at (205) 714-2305.
Military Trial Defense Services
- Trial Defense Service provides conflict-free legal services to Soldiers and Airman who are facing adverse criminal or administrative actions at no cost to the service member. We provide legal services for the following:
  - Representing soldiers charged with military criminal offenses at trial
  - Representing soldier during criminal investigations and before administrative or grade reduction boards
  - Counseling soldiers regarding pretrial restraint, nonjudicial punishment and various adverse administrative actions taken pursuant to military regulations
  - Legal consultations for any adverse military actions
  - Suspect Rights Consultations – including 15-6 investigations, command inquiries and other military investigations.
- Our services are limited to active Alabama Army National Guard members for military matters.
- Army National Guard: Contact client intake at 910.214.1757 or ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mbx.tds-fts@army.mil.
- Air National Guard: Airmen seeking legal services should contact the 117 ARW base legal office at (205) 714-2305.
Army National Guard JAG
Working for the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate

JAG Corps

The Alabama National Guard Office of the Staff Judge Advocate actively recruits members of the military to join the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. The JAG Corps provides an excellent opportunity for young lawyers to experience a number of different legal fields and to become involved in a broad range of cases. Judge Advocates may serve as prosecutors in criminal cases (courts-martial) or in legal assistance to provide counsel and advice to soldiers, retirees and their families. Legal fields include civil litigation and administrative, contract, international, labor and medical law. Contact us at 334-271-7471 if you are interested in learning more.

Paralegal

The Alabama National Guard Office of the Staff Judge Advocate actively recruits paralegals. If you are looking for a challenging opportunity to serve, and you have an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor's degree in another field and a certificate in paralegal studies, this field may be right for you. Paralegals assist the legal team by conducting research; drafting correspondence, reports and legal documents; filing documents with the court; maintaining filing systems and handling the phones/intake process. Paralegals must demonstrate excellent communication, computer, interpersonal, organizational and research skills. Contact us at 334-271-7471 if you are interested in learning more.

Internships

The Alabama National Guard Office of the Staff Judge Advocate offers internship opportunities for interested law students. Contact us at 334-271-7471 or your internship program with your law school.
Air National Guard JAG
Join the Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps

Contact the 117 ARW base legal office at (205) 714-2305.

If you are interested in serving in the Air National Guard as an Air Force Judge Advocate, learn more at: https://www.airforce.com/careers/specialty-careers/jag

If you are interested in serving in the Air National Guard as an Air Force Paralegal, learn more at: https://www.airforce.com/careers/law-and-order/paralegal
LSO Legal Publications and References
Fillable LSO Consultation Form

The purpose of this form is to assist the attorney in preparing legal documents for the client, and to prepare statistical reports on legal assistance services provided during the year. The information on this form is protected by the attorney-client privilege and may be released only in accordance with law or with approval of the client.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Last Will and Testament (LWT), Healthcare Directive (HCD) or Power and Living Will (LW)

A Last Will and Testament is a legal document which states your desires concerning what will happen to your property after your death. A Healthcare Directive and Living Will both let you pre-determine how you want to be treated in end-of-life situations.

CLICK HERE for ALNGLSO Will Worksheet.

Powers of Attorney

A Power of Attorney (POA) gives legal power to the person named in the document to make decisions on your behalf. That means they can manage and conduct affairs and act in matters in your name and on your behalf. You will be held legally responsible for those things that you have authorized your agent to do for you. We strongly recommend that you only give such a document to someone you trust completely and that you have a good reason for doing so. There are two types of POAs – 1) “General,” which authorizes your agent to do all things in your name and behalf, and 2) “Special,” which authorizes your agent to do only those certain things that you specify.

CLICK HERE for ALNGLSO Will Worksheet.

POA Revocation

Alabama Law provides that a power of attorney is terminated when: (1) the principal dies; (2) the principal becomes incapacitated, if the power of attorney is not durable; (3) the principal revokes the power of attorney; (4) the power of attorney provides that it terminates; (5) the purpose of the power of attorney is accomplished; (6) the principal revokes the agent's authority or the agent dies, becomes incapacitated, or resigns, and the power of attorney does not provide for another agent to act under the power of attorney; or (7) revoked by a fiduciary appointed by a court. Thus, just executing another power of attorney does not necessarily revoke a previous power—please contact our office is you wish to revoke a current or prior power of attorney.

Alabama Military Benefits

Benefits for Soldiers under Alabama law. Summary of rights and benefits provided under Alabama law for deployed Service members that is in addition to rights under applicable federal law.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs -- Alabama Laws Affecting Veterans

https://va.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/AL-Laws-Affecting-Veterans-July-2022-FINAL.pdf

Alabama Notarization and Certified Copy Services

Outlines what notarizations and certified copies service offer by the OSJA DLA.

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Pro Bono Resources for Veterans

This handout discusses free legal resources for eligible veterans that includes, but are not limited to, civil litigation, family law, public benefits, consumer law, foreclosure, and landlord/tenant issues.

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Civilian Pro Bono Legal Services Referrals

All attorneys found on this list offer pro bono services, and referral is permitted under AR 27-3, 4-3(g).

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Debt Collection and Consumer Protection

Provides information regarding federal and state laws related to debt collection and consumer protections.

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes, most commonly to obtain access to credit in your name.

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Soldier's Guide To Financial Liability Investigation Of Property Loss (FLIPL)

Soldiers are faced with the great responsibility of safeguarding the use, custody, and control of government property. If you are responsible for Government property that is damaged, destroyed, or lost, you may be the subject of a Financial Liability Investigation of Property Loss (FLIPL) to determine if you should be held financially liable for the loss.

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Army Evaluation Report Appeals Factsheet

Army Regulation (AR) 623-3, Chapter 4, Evaluation Redress Program, outlines the procedures for appealing Officer Evaluation Report (OERs), Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Reports (NCOERs), and Academic Evaluation Reports (AERs). The attached factsheet contains basic information that a service member will need to prepare an appeal—it is informational only and does not supplant seeking advice of our office for assistance and final review of appeal.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Upgrading Your Discharge And Acquiring Your Military Records

Veterans who desire a correction to their service record or who believe their discharge was unjust, erroneous, or warrants an upgrade, are encouraged to apply for review.

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Employment and Reemployment Rights of Members of the Uniformed Service Act

The purpose of the Employment and Reemployment Rights of Members of the Uniformed Service Act is to minimize life disruption of service members and their employers by providing prompt reemployment upon completion of service, and to prohibit discrimination against service members because of their service.

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Leaving Servicemember Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Proceeds To Minors

A SGLI policy is the largest single estate asset for many members of our military community, and careful management of this resource is vital to effective estate planning.

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Family Support, Child Custody and Paternity

Army policy on financial support of family members, child custody and visitation, paternity, and related matters.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Non-Support

Dependents or Ex Spouse. This handout provides guidance for dependents or ex-spouse who have a claim that a Service member is not properly supporting his or her legal dependents.

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Alabama law Soldiers & Airmen Civil Relief Act and Benefits for Service Members Deployed In State Active-Duty Status:

Section 31-12-1 Definitions.
Section 31-12-2 Relation to federal law.
Section 31-12-3 Military leave of absence from educational institution.
Section 31-12-4 Applicability of chapter.
Section 31-12-5 Compensation for state employees, etc., called into active duty.
Section 31-12-6 Compensation for local government employees called into active duty.
Section 31-12-7 Health insurance for public employees; participation in retirement systems. T
Section 31-12-8 Annual or sick leave.
Section 31-12-9 Paid military leave; membership in Retirement Systems.
Section 31-12-10 Purchase of military leave into Retirement System.

Child Support Rules in Alabama Law

CLICK HERE for more information.

Civilian Attorney Referrals

Please contact our office for civilian attorney referrals. Also, see the additional links page for referral information.

Soldier’s Guide to Immigration Services and Information

The information in this primer is designed to guide Soldiers on immigration services.

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Letter of Reprimand

A letter of reprimand (LOR) is an administrative censure given to an Airman for failure to comply with established standards.

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Alabama Military Exemption from Arrest/Civil Process

Alabama Law provides that no person belonging to the organized militia, except in the case of a felony or a breach of the peace, shall be arrested or served with any civil process while going to, remaining at, or returning from any place at which he or she may be required to attend for military duty. Section 31-2-79 Exemption of members of militia from arrest. See also, Section 275 Immunity of members from arrest while attending, going to or returning from musters, parades and elections.

Alabama Probate

The probate process is how an estate is handled, whether it is dictated by a will or in cases where there is no will, it is dictated by state law.

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Soldier’s Guide to Federal Income Tax Services and Information

The Alabama National Guard does not offer a traditional income tax center, however, the information in this primer is designed to provide soldiers with some basic information on federal income taxes and offer additional outside resources that may be able to offer them additional services.

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Military Lending Act

This handout discusses certain protections for qualifying Servicemembers who enters into a contract or agreement for credit.

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Consumer Protection in Alabama - Vehicle

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Consumer Protection in Alabama - Home

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Consumer Protection in Alabama - Financial

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Consumer Protection in Alabama - Identity

More information – under construction, coming soon!

Family Support, Child Custody and Paternity

Army policy on financial support of family members, child custody and visitation, paternity, and related matters.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Alabama National Guard Manual for Courts-Martial and State Military Department Regulation (SMDR 27-10) MILITARY JUSTICE GUIDE

These documents are the implementation documents and guidelines for the Alabama Code of Military Justice (ACMJ), Alabama Code (1975), Title 31, § 2A, et seq., as amended. Pursuant to Alabama Code (1975), Title 31, § 2, et seq., the implementation and rulemaking authority for the ACMJ is vested in the Governor of the State of Alabama (Commander in Chief), as delegated to The Adjutant General (TAG) of the State Military Forces. These documents prescribe policies and procedures governing the administration of military justice for the general court-martial jurisdiction of the State of Alabama Military Forces.

CLICK HERE for more information.
Additional Links
Alabama State Bar Legal Assistance: Get Legal Help | Alabama State Bar (alabar.org)

Alabama State Bar promotes public access to high quality legal services regardless of financial or other circumstances—thru the Volunteer Lawyers Programs (civil only, not criminal), Legal Services Alabama (civil only, not criminal), Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service (all types of legal matters - FEES APPLY), and Legal Information and Self-Help Forms.

Birmingham Bar Association: birminghambar.org

Serves the Birmingham and Jefferson County area

Alabama Code: http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/Alison/CoA.aspx

This website gives free access to the Alabama Code.

JAGCNET: The United States Army Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps

This website is a resource designed to educate and inform military members on their personal legal affairs.

DFAS – Garnishments: Defense Finance and Accounting Service > Garnishment (dfas.mil)

DFAS provides payment services for the U.S. Department of Defense. This page gives information on Child Support and Alimony, Former Spouses' Protection Act, Garnishments, Verification of Military Service, and more.

Alabama ALNG Legal Services Office – Legal Services Survey

The ALNGLSO’s mission is to provide eligible clients covered legal services in a timely and professional manner. Please use this survey link to tell us how we are doing and what we can improve on to better assist you.

Working for the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate