The Structured Interview
All applicants, regardless of application type (Student Program (SP), Direct Appointment (DA), Expedited Professional Recommendation (EXPROREC), Law Education Program (LEP), or In-Service Procurement Program (IPP)), must complete a single interview with two Navy JAG Corps officers (also known as a “Structured Interview”) before their application will be considered.
Applications without a structured interview are not eligible for review by the Accession Selection Board.
What is a Structured Interview?
A structured interview is a controlled environment interview, where an applicant will be asked a series of questions to permit an objective, standardized assessment. The structured interview is conducted by two judge advocates: one senior and one junior. Questions to be asked and the format are not provided in advance.
When to Schedule a Structured Interview
Your interview must occur no later than the application deadline. Accordingly, you should request an interview early in the application cycle and in advance of the application deadline to allow time to schedule and complete your interview. Interviews requested just before or on the deadline may be declined.
You must schedule your interview before you have submitted your application, and include the details of the interview (date and interviewers' names) in the application itself.
Remember: Applications without a structured interview are not eligible for review by the Accession Selection Board.
How to Schedule a Structured Interview
Structured interviews are conducted in person, whenever practical and feasible.
An applicant schedules the structured interview with the appropriate JAG Recruiting Team based on his or her location. The recruiting teams and their geographical areas are provided below.
When requesting an interview, an applicant will provide the following information:
- The applicant’s full name, phone number and email address;
- The applicant’s physical location (City, State);
- The program the applicant is applying to (SP, DA, LEP, IPP);
- At least two, week-long periods within the application cycle in which they will be available to schedule the interview.
In response, the recruiting team will provide the applicant with the date, time and location of the interview. Additional guidance will be provided on logistics, execution and requirements.
Northeast (MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)
Email: NJS_JAGC_Recruiting@us.navy.mil
Mid-Atlantic (CT, DE, NC, NJ, NY, PA, OH, VA)
Email: MIDLANT_JAGC_Recruiting@us.navy.mil
National District Washington (DC, MD, WV)
Email: NDW_JAGC_Recruiting@us.navy.mil
Southeast (AL, AR, FL, GA, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, PR, SC, TN, TX)
Email: Southeast_JAGC_Recruiting@us.navy.mil
Mid-West (IA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, WI)
Email: Midwest_JAGC_Recruiting@us.navy.mil
Southwest (AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, WY)
Email: Southwest_JAGC_Recruiting@us.navy.mil
Northwest (AK, HI, ID, MT, ND, NE, OR, SD, UT, WA)
Email: Northwest_JAGC_Recruiting@us.navy.mil
Overseas*/At Sea**
Email: NavyJAGAccessions@us.navy.mil
* Note: For individuals stationed or located outside the Continental United States (with the exception of Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska). This includes active duty and reserve personnel currently stationed overseas or at sea.
** Note: When requesting, ensure (a) your request does not contain any operational security (OPSEC) information; (b) you provide what technology capabilities are available in your location/station; and (c) whether your command has a judge advocate attached/onboard/embarked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Throughout the year, judge advocates visit law schools, programs and conferences across the country, permitting in-person structured interviews. To the maximum extent practical, structured interviews will be conducted in person.
Funding for applicant travel and reimbursement for any expenses associated with conducting the interview is not authorized. Applicants may elect to travel to a Navy base at no cost to the government.
A video teleconference option will be provided to those applicants where an in-person interview is neither feasible nor practical. The logistics and directions for this type of interview will be provided by the regional recruiting team.
Yes, an applicant’s assessment is not given less weight than an in-person interview. However, in-person interviews provide more connection and opportunity for the applicant through face-to-face time.
No. Informational interviews do not satisfy this requirement.
No. Interviews with other branches of service do not satisfy this requirement.
Yes. Structured interviews are valid for three years. Re-interviewing is authorized after the three-year period.
Do your homework about the Navy JAG Corps before the interview and ensure you understand what you would be doing as a Navy judge advocate. Additionally, do your homework on the interviewers. This will allow you to ask targeted questions about the program or the Navy judge advocate experience should time permits after the formal interview.
This interview is a very important part of your whole application packet. Therefore, come prepared, dressed professionally, free from distractions, and ready to exhibit your best self. Our interviewers are trained to identify great, good, mediocre, and poor applicants—so being ready from the moment you enter the room is critical.
Arrive on time, wear appropriate clothing, come prepared, remain calm, and let your personality and professionalism shine through.