After serving the country, it’s no surprise why Attorney Joseph Taraska, along with so many military veterans find a calling to work in the legal field. With the number of transferable skills cultivated while defending the nation, the transition into defending the legal rights of that nation’s citizens is anything but bumpy.
Regardless of the rank or branch one served, military experience only builds a stronger candidate for law schools and eventual law careers, making it one of the top choices of employment for veterans once they leave the battlefield.
Skills Cultivated in The Military
It goes without saying that the military is a time of transformation for those enlisted, but there are certain skills in particular that make a law career a clear choice for veterans.
Collaborative skills are undoubtedly one of the most important things that a lawyer, or someone working in law, can have. Compared to the layman, a veteran tends to hold teamwork in higher importance, taking their team’s comments and thoughts into account in a way beneficial for the entire team.
These are skills as useful in the courtroom as they may be in action.
Real-life experience, though not dedicated to law practice, aids exponentially in the transition to a career in legal practice. All branches of the military, even those that aren’t necessarily in combat, are able to act in times of dire need – pressured by the threat of distinct consequences.
Being accustomed to focusing at that level of high stakes is something that most entry-level law students can’t say they have.
Leadership is another skill found in all veterans. Though being able to effectively work with a time is of importance, almost more important is the understanding that, at any point in time, you may need to be the one in charge. Fluency in wearing both hats – being both leader and follower, is something vital to being an asset in the legal field.
Where To Seek Post-Military Education
Having access to schools with Yellow Ribbon Programs is but one of the benefits that veterans have. This program offers aid to pay for out-of-state tuition, private schools, schools out of the country, etc.
These programs also apply to law schools, making the dream of working as an attorney, lawyer, paralegal, etc. accessible to those who are on active duty, or are the spouse using the transferable benefits of an active-duty member.
Georgetown Law
Georgetown Law Center is one of the most prestigious, rigorous legal programs in the country, and they proudly offer the Yellow Ribbon Program to help current active duty members achieve their educational dreams.
San Diego School of Law
The San Diego School Of Law also offers the program, allowing active-duty military the chance to earn their J.D. without shouldering the cost of tuition and other eligible fees.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University proudly offers this program with another added benefit. Should a veteran’s coverage lapse before their 3rd year, the school will offer the veteran a scholarship equating to a year’s worth of Yellow Ribbon benefits.
Harvard Law School
Finally, the Yellow Ribbon Program at Harvard Law School covers tuition, books, housing, and other eligible fees. Seeking a degree in the legal field could easily be one of the best post-military careers for many veterans who ascertain the appropriate skills and knowledge to make an impact in the field, and these veterans now have a way to educate themselves and live a successful post-military life.
