{"id":149396,"date":"2026-04-22T13:10:55","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T21:10:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2026\/04\/22\/law-in-motion-the-coast-guard-jag-program\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T13:10:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T21:10:55","slug":"law-in-motion-the-coast-guard-jag-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2026\/04\/22\/law-in-motion-the-coast-guard-jag-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Law in Motion: The Coast Guard JAG Program"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"197529\" class=\"elementor elementor-197529\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4d470d64 elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"4d470d64\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-65d0c545\" data-id=\"65d0c545\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4b51699f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4b51699f\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-222251b2\" data-id=\"222251b2\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-424b7b93 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"424b7b93\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Law in Motion: The Coast Guard JAG Program<\/h1>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4378a9ba elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"4378a9ba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-4402b1a elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/author\/susan-cushing\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-author\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-info__item-prefix\">By<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSusan Cushing\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74380450 elementor-share-buttons--view-icon elementor-share-buttons--skin-flat elementor-share-buttons--shape-circle elementor-share-buttons--align-center elementor-share-buttons--color-custom elementor-grid-0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-122649 elementor-widget-share-buttons\" data-id=\"74380450\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"share-buttons.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-grid\">\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_facebook\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-facebook\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_twitter\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-twitter\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_linkedin\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on linkedin\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-linkedin\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_pinterest\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on pinterest\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-pinterest\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_email\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on email\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-envelope\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-351bc743 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"351bc743\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>After graduating from law school, Jordan Martin did what many young attorneys are trained to do \u2013 he followed the path that had been carefully laid out before him. He joined a large law firm, where the pace was demanding but predictable, and success was measured in billable hours and upward mobility. From there, he transitioned into an in-house role with an insurance company, trading one form of structure for another. On paper, it was a solid beginning \u2013 exactly the kind of trajectory law students are encouraged to pursue.<\/p>\n<p>But something wasn\u2019t right.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI didn\u2019t feel fulfilled,\u201d Martin says. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t the kind of work I wanted to be doing long term.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a realization that often arrives quietly, buried beneath deadlines and expectations. For some, it takes years to fully acknowledge. For Martin, it came early and proved impossible to ignore.<\/p>\n<p>He began to reconsider not just his job, but the broader question of what he wanted his legal career to represent. The answer, it turned out, would lead him far beyond the traditional boundaries of private practice and into a role where the law is not simply applied, but lived in real time.<\/p>\n<p>Today, as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Coast Guard\u2019s Office of the Judge Advocate General (CGJAG), Martin\u2019s career reflects a fundamentally different model of legal practice\u2014one that is defined by range, immediacy and impact. His work spans national security, international operations, and maritime law, placing him at the intersection of legal analysis and operational decision-making in ways that few attorneys ever experience.<\/p>\n<p>For law students and practicing attorneys alike, his path offers a compelling alternative\u2014one that challenges long-held assumptions about what a successful legal career can look like.<\/p>\n<p>The Coast Guard\u2019s doesn\u2019t have a distinct \u201cJAG Corps\u201d but rather a legal program.\u00a0 Unlike the Army, Navy, and Air Force, our judge advocates are unrestricted line officers who can also serve in non-legal positions!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-61c01c29 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"61c01c29\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7cfca03d\" data-id=\"7cfca03d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5068cfae elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5068cfae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Whites-768x1024.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-197532\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-170b7d71\" data-id=\"170b7d71\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c551e6d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2c551e6d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Early Influences and the Seeds of Service<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c1e4c52 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4c1e4c52\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Martin did not grow up in a military household, but the influence of service was never far from his life. Raised in southern Virginia, he recalls being surrounded by individuals who had served in the Coast Guard and other branches of the military.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere were a lot of people in my life who had been in the military,\u201d he says. \u201cEven though I didn\u2019t come from a military family, it was always something that was around me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania where he was deeply involved in the rowing program. The discipline and teamwork required by the sport would later mirror many aspects of his professional life, though at the time, his focus remained squarely on academics and future career opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>He continued his education at the University of Miami School of Law where he was exposed to broad areas of legal practice. It was there, amid the demands of law school, that he first encountered the possibility of military service in a more concrete way.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI went to some military recruiting events,\u201d he recalls. \u201cAt the time, I thought it was interesting, but I didn\u2019t feel a strong pull to pursue it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As he continued on with the more traditional legal career path, the idea of service remained in the background.<\/p>\n<p>It would not stay there for long.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-66162d46 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"66162d46\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-72720517\" data-id=\"72720517\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d843965 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1d843965\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">A Turning Point: Rethinking the Traditional Path<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-45bd97a6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"45bd97a6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Martin\u2019s early professional experiences provided clarity, even if not in the way he initially expected.<\/p>\n<p>Working in both a large law firm and later in-house, he gained firsthand exposure to the realities of litigation and corporate legal work. While the experience was valuable, it ultimately reinforced a growing sense that something was missing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI realized pretty quickly that I wanted something different,\u201d he says. \u201cI wanted more variety, and I wanted to feel like the work I was doing actually mattered.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That desire\u2014for both professional diversity and a stronger sense of purpose\u2014became the catalyst for change.<\/p>\n<p>The Coast Guard\u2019s JAG program, which he had once considered only in passing, now offered a path forward. It was not an obvious choice, nor an easy one. The program is highly selective, bringing in only a small number of candidates each year. But for Martin, it represented an opportunity to redefine what his legal career could be.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-41cd938\" data-id=\"41cd938\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-18ddaba0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"18ddaba0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Sector-San-Juan-768x1024.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-197539\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Promotion Ceremony to Lieutenant Commander<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5bbd45b8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5bbd45b8\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3f65fe0e\" data-id=\"3f65fe0e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-57fd8935 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"57fd8935\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">A Branch Often Misunderstood<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-755db34c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"755db34c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"595\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NJS.jpg?resize=755%2C595&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-197538\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Naval Justice School Coast Guard Class Picture<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4026a418 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4026a418\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>One of the first things Martin learned after joining the Coast Guard was how frequently its role is misunderstood.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPeople don\u2019t always realize that the Coast Guard is one of the armed forces,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>It is a distinction that matters. While the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security in peacetime, it remains an integral part of the nation\u2019s military framework. Its responsibilities extend far beyond domestic waters, encompassing missions that directly impact national security and international stability.<\/p>\n<p>The Coast Guard\u2019s reach is both broad and deeply interconnected with other branches of government and allied nations. For its attorneys, that means practicing law in an environment where legal guidance is not abstract or removed, but embedded directly within operational decision-making.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-71f452f5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"71f452f5\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-11a684b4\" data-id=\"11a684b4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c1559ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4c1559ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The SOUTHCOM Assignment<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7bb0b9b8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7bb0b9b8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Nowhere was that reality more evident than during Martin\u2019s assignment at U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), one of the Department of Defense\u2019s unified combatant commands.<\/p>\n<p>Serving as chief of maritime law, Martin operated at a level of responsibility that few attorneys encounter so early in their careers. In this role, he advised senior military leadership\u2014including a four-star combatant commander\u2014on a wide array of legal issues tied to operations throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re working across agencies and across countries,\u201d Martin says. \u201cIt\u2019s not just one organization\u2014it\u2019s a coordinated effort.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>His work at SOUTHCOM spanned a range of complex and high-stakes matters. He provided legal guidance on counternarcotics operations aimed at disrupting transnational criminal organizations, advised on migrant interdiction efforts that required careful navigation of both domestic and international law, and supported multinational maritime operations involving partner nations.<\/p>\n<p>The role required constant coordination with the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Justice, as well as with foreign governments and international organizations. In many cases, the legal questions at hand were not confined to a single jurisdiction, but instead required a nuanced understanding of overlapping authorities and competing priorities.<\/p>\n<p>It was, in every sense, law in motion.<\/p>\n<p>Rather than analyzing issues from a distance, Martin was part of the decision-making process itself, providing real-time legal insight that informed operational choices with immediate and far-reaching consequences.<\/p>\n<p>That experience underscores a critical point\u2014one that is central to understanding the Coast Guard\u2019s role within the broader military and national security landscape. Despite operating under a different department, the Coast Guard is deeply integrated into the nation\u2019s most significant strategic efforts.<\/p>\n<p>Its attorneys are not observers. They are participants.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5c8dbdc7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5c8dbdc7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DCO.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-197535\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Friends And Colleagues At Direct Commission Officer School Operational Familiarization<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5228547 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5228547\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-37850d7\" data-id=\"37850d7\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16ea90e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"16ea90e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CGONE-2-1024x768.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-197540\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-177b546\" data-id=\"177b546\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aed65d5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"aed65d5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">A Practice Defined by Range and Adaptability<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56ddadd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"56ddadd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>That same sense of immediacy and breadth carries through to Martin\u2019s current work.<\/p>\n<p>As a Coast Guard judge advocate, he routinely navigates a wide spectrum of legal issues, often shifting between disciplines within the same day. His responsibilities include advising leadership on matters of military justice, administrative law, ethics, and regulatory compliance, as well as providing guidance on operational decisions tied to ongoing missions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have clients across different sectors who come to me with all kinds of questions,\u201d he says. \u201cYou\u2019re constantly shifting between different areas of law.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The work requires not only a strong legal foundation, but also the ability to adapt quickly and think broadly. Unlike many civilian roles, where specialization is often necessary, Coast Guard attorneys are expected to develop a working knowledge across multiple areas of law, applying that knowledge in contexts that are constantly evolving.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to more traditional legal work, Martin and his colleagues often engage with issues that are unique to the Coast Guard\u2019s missions. This can include advising on maritime regulations, establishing safety zones, and addressing environmental concerns related to navigable waterways. It may also involve working directly with civilian agencies and private entities to ensure compliance with federal law.<\/p>\n<p>The result is a practice that is as varied as it is demanding\u2014and one that offers a level of engagement that is difficult to replicate in more conventional settings.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-baf176e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"baf176e\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4a9bb7a\" data-id=\"4a9bb7a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d25b5f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0d25b5f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Pathway: Opening the Door to Service<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c004cb0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c004cb0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>For those considering a similar path, the Coast Guard offers a structured yet flexible entry point through its Direct Commission Lawyer Program.<\/p>\n<p>What distinguishes this pathway is its accessibility. Unlike many career tracks that require early commitment, the Direct Commission Lawyer Program is open to individuals at multiple stages of their legal journey. Law students can begin exploring the program as early as their first summer, while additional opportunities exist for second- and third-year students, as well as licensed attorneys already in practice.<\/p>\n<p>Through internships and externships, participants are able to work alongside Coast Guard judge advocates, gaining hands-on experience that goes far beyond observation. They assist with real legal matters, contribute to ongoing cases and advisory work, and develop a clearer understanding of the scope and nature of Coast Guard legal practice.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese programs give you a real sense of what the work is like,\u201d Martin says. \u201cYou\u2019re not just observing\u2014you\u2019re actually involved.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, the program maintains a high level of selectivity, admitting only a small number of candidates each year. For those who are accepted, however, it offers a rare opportunity to begin practicing law in a setting where the impact of that work is both immediate and meaningful.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-f1f5727\" data-id=\"f1f5727\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d37723c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"d37723c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mona-Island-768x1024.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-197537\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Operational Familiarization Flight Around Puerto Rico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-029eac0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"029eac0\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-f934bfa\" data-id=\"f934bfa\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4160237 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4160237\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Balancing Purpose with Practical Considerations<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-24b14f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"24b14f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/family2-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-197536\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">LCDR Martin With His Wife, Katelyn And Son, Luca<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0dad1ed elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0dad1ed\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>For many attorneys, the decision to pursue public service is shaped not only by professional goals, but also by financial realities.<\/p>\n<p>Martin acknowledges that programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness play an important role in making that decision more accessible.<\/p>\n<p>Through the program, individuals working in qualifying public service roles can make income-based payments on their federal student loans, with any remaining balance forgiven after 10 years of service.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s definitely part of the equation,\u201d he says. \u201cIt allows you to pursue this kind of work without feeling like you\u2019re giving up financial stability.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While not unique to the Coast Guard, the program complements the broader appeal of a career that offers both meaningful work and long-term practical benefits.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1bda389 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1bda389\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-98bc01f\" data-id=\"98bc01f\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f5cadd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6f5cadd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Redefining the Legal Career Path<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e15e9c2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e15e9c2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Looking back, Martin\u2019s decision to leave traditional legal practice was driven by a desire for something more\u2014more variety, more engagement, and a stronger sense of purpose.<\/p>\n<p>In the Coast Guard, he found a career that delivers all three.<\/p>\n<p>His work now places him at the intersection of law and operations, where legal guidance is not theoretical, but integral to missions that shape national and global outcomes. It is a career that demands flexibility, rewards curiosity, and offers a perspective on the law that extends far beyond the courtroom.<\/p>\n<p>For law students and attorneys willing to consider a less conventional path, the Coast Guard JAG program offers a compelling alternative\u2014one that expands both the scope of legal practice and the definition of professional success.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wanted to do something that mattered,\u201d Martin says. \u201cAnd this has given me that.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4d15e288 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4d15e288\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-48800460\" data-id=\"48800460\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37946f1d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"37946f1d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"p1\">For more information, visit<br \/><span><a href=\"http:\/\/uscg.mil\/Resources\/Legal\/%20JoinCGJAG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-wplink-url-error=\"true\">uscg.mil\/Resources\/Legal\/<br \/>JoinCGJAG.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-112424b7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"112424b7\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4ecdca19\" data-id=\"4ecdca19\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a906440 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a906440\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Read More Stories<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-183fa711 elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_hero_9_elementor\" data-id=\"183fa711\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"jnews_hero_9_elementor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock jeg_heroblock_9 jeg_col_3o3 jeg_hero_style_1 jnews_module_197529_0_69ea0ac51e191   tiny-slider\" data-margin=\"0\" data-autoplay=\"yes\" data-delay=\"3000\">\n<div class=\"jeg_hero_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock_wrapper\">\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_1 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/law-in-motion-the-coast-guard-jag-program\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Portrait-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Portrait-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\" class=\"category-attorney-feature\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Feature<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/law-in-motion-the-coast-guard-jag-program\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Law in Motion: The Coast Guard JAG Program<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/law-in-motion-the-coast-guard-jag-program\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> April 22, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_2 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/greg-prosmushkin\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Greg-Prosmushkin--750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Greg-Prosmushkin--750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a 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data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Steven1-1-750x600.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Steven1-1-750x600.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\" class=\"category-attorney-interview\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Q&amp;A<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/steven-kunysz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Steven Kunysz: A Natural Progression<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/steven-kunysz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 30, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock_wrapper\">\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_1 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/sherrie-boutwell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boutwell-Sherrie-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boutwell-Sherrie-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\" class=\"category-attorney-interview\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Q&amp;A<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/sherrie-boutwell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sherrie Boutwell: An ERISA Practice Before Its Time<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/sherrie-boutwell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 30, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_2 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/somita-basu-zakiya-j-norton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Somita-Basu-Zakiya-Norton-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Somita-Basu-Zakiya-Norton-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\" class=\"category-attorney-interview\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Q&amp;A<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/somita-basu-zakiya-j-norton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Somita Basu &amp; Zakiya J. Norton: A Combined Perseverance<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/somita-basu-zakiya-j-norton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 30, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock_wrapper\">\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_1 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/darbie-tamsett\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Darbie-Tamsett-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Darbie-Tamsett-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\" class=\"category-attorney-feature\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Feature<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/darbie-tamsett\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Darbie Tamsett: Building Legacies<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/darbie-tamsett\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 30, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_2 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/ray-thomas\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ray-Thomas-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ray-Thomas-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\" class=\"category-attorney-feature\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Feature<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/ray-thomas\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ray Thomas: To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/ray-thomas\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 27, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/law-in-motion-the-coast-guard-jag-program\" target=\"_blank\">Law in Motion: The Coast Guard JAG Program<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney at Law Magazine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"moove_gdpr_cookie_modal\" class=\"gdpr_lightbox-hide\" role=\"complementary\" aria-label=\"GDPR Settings Screen\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-modal-content moove-clearfix logo-position-left moove_gdpr_modal_theme_v1\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-modal-left-content\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-company-logo-holder\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/black%400.5x.png?resize=172%2C63&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"172\" height=\"63\" class=\"img-responsive\" title=\"\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-modal-right-content\">\n<div class=\"main-modal-content\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-tab-content\">\n<div id=\"privacy_overview\" class=\"moove-gdpr-tab-main\">Privacy Overview<\/p>\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-tab-main-content\">\n<p>This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/privacy-policy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Law in Motion: The Coast Guard JAG Program By Susan Cushing After graduating from law school, Jordan Martin did what many young attorneys are trained to do \u2013 he followed the path that had been carefully laid out before him. He joined a large law firm, where the pace was demanding but predictable, and success [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-149396","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-legal_matters"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/149396","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=149396"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/149396\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=149396"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=149396"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=149396"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}