Legal Assistance (Code 16)
Mission
The JAG Corps strategic plan defines legal assistance as one of three core areas critical to the readiness on the naval forces. Legal assistance is an important quality of life program that not only enhances the readiness of our naval forces, but has a positive impact on the morale and welfare of service members and their families. The Legal Assistance Division brings headquarters’ attention on the delivery of legal services to the fleet.
Function
The Division advises the Judge Advocate General in legal assistance matters, including income tax and immigration matters. They formulate, promulgate and review legal assistance policy and initiatives. The Division provides support to legal assistance attorneys in the fleet.
The attorneys propose, review and comment on legislation affecting legal assistance; attorneys also draft, revise and update directives. In addition, the Division serves as the JAG’s legal assistance representative to other Services, government agencies, legal organizations and the private bar.
They assist the Naval Justice School with the development of legal assistance training for judge advocates and legalmen; Division attorneys serve as adjunct faculty for several legal assistance-related courses. The Division coordinates preventive law activities to educate the naval community about personal legal rights and responsibilities.
The Division reviews and staffs Navy organization tax issues. In addition, the Division represents the Navy on the Armed Forces Tax Council, and serves as the JAG representative to the Department of Defense (DoD) Tax Policy and Advisory Group as well as to outside agencies. The Division also manages the Navy’s Electronic Tax Filing Program and coordinates tax training.
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