From Fleet to Courtroom: Program Trains Enlisted Marines to Become Lawyers

Marine Corps 2nd Lt. William Hardwick is one of the initial applicants to be selected for the Enlisted to Judge Advocate Program. Before earning his commission, he served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps, where he worked as a legal services specialist.

The program offers qualified enlisted Marines a fully funded path to becoming a Marine Corps lawyer. Those selected attend Officer Candidates School, then head to an American Bar Association-accredited law school, followed by The Basic School and Naval Justice School, all while receiving active-duty pay and benefits.

"This is a tremendous opportunity," Hardwick said. "If you are enlisted and have any interest in this program, look into it, read the relevant [Marine administrative messages], orders and regulations, reach out to the [points of contact], find a judge advocate and ask them about their job."

Program applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, score at least a 150 on the LSAT, have between four and eight years of active service and be in good standing with no disciplinary actions.

The selection board for the fiscal year 25 cycle closed in August, but the program runs annually.

"The big benefit of this program is you continue to be active duty while you are in law school, with no break in service and no break in benefits," Hardwick said. "While you are in school, you will continue to be paid basic pay and basic allowance for [housing], which puts you ahead of your peers in law school. All three years of law school will count towards your retirement, if you choose to have a full 20-year career."

Prior to entering the program, Hardwick served as the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Defense Services Organization at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. His supervisor, Marine Corps Maj. Lauren Neal, recognized how quickly he became paramount to the office, noting that Hardwick's experience, both in and out of the courtroom, set him apart as a candidate for the Enlisted to Judge Advocate Program.

"He consistently demonstrated the kind of leadership and judgment we strive to instill in every Marine," Neal said. "He brings operational insight, credibility and a deep commitment to the Marine Corps' core values of honor, courage and commitment."

Hardwick is currently attending Fordham University in New York City, working toward his goal of serving in the Marine Corps as a judge advocate.