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HomeResourcesLegalpractice

USCG Judge Advocate General

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# Practice of Law in the Coast Guard

#### Annual Report to the American Bar Association 2022

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Criminal Law/Military Justice

As an armed force, the Coast Guard is subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  Responsibility for military justice is vested in rear admirals who serve as the Judge Advocate General of the Coast Guard and the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard.  The Office of the Chief Prosecutor is responsible for the prosecution of all courts-martial and for the disposition of major offenses specified in the UCMJ.  Judge advocates serve as defense counsel and prosecutors for courts-martial, special victim’s counsel, and military judges at the trial and appellate level.  Judge Advocates assigned as appellate counsel (both for the government and defense) brief and argue cases before the Coast Guard Court of Criminal Appeals, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and the Supreme Court of the United States.  Coast Guard attorneys serve as Staff Judge Advocates to Coast Guard commanders providing advice on military criminal matters.

Operations

International Activities

Civil Advocacy, Claims & Litigation

Procurement Law

Environmental

Internal Organizational Law

Legislative Support

Legal Assistance

### Guiding Principles

### Core Competencies of Coast Guard Lawyers

**Legal Knowledge.** Master the law.

**Ethics & Professional Responsibility.**  Uphold the highest professional ethical standards of the legal profession.

**Responsiveness.** Provide legal services and counsel in the right place, at the right time.

**Advocacy.** Zealously and skillfully represent our clients.

**Client Relationships.** Partner with Coast Guard decision-makers at all levels, understanding their business and giving them capabilities needed to do their jobs.

**Leadership.** Develop skills and experiences needed to be leaders in the world’s best Coast Guard.

**Technology.** Expertly use technology tools to deliver legal services to the Coast Guard.

### Practice Areas

The Coast Guard Legal Program is a “full-service” legal support organization, providing legal advice and counsel for any and all requirements the service’s decision makers place on us. This is done within 10 general legal practice areas: Criminal Law/Military Justice, Operations, International Activities, Civil Advocacy, Environmental Law, Procurement Law, Internal Organizational Law, Regulations & Administrative Law, Legislative Support and Legal Assistance.

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