RLSO NDW provides military justice and command services legal advice to area commands. Military justice advice includes matters that are prosecutorial in nature (i.e., related to the prosecution of a member of your command at court-martial). Command services advice encompasses any other legal issue confronting a command or unit that does not involve the prosecution of a member of the command. In essence, RLSO NDW serves as the law firm representing the command.

RLSO NDW also provides legal assistance services to active duty Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard service members and their dependents, reservists on active duty for 30 days or more, and retirees, as resources permit. Priority is given to deployers.

** Notice to Army and Air Force Retirees: Legal Assistance services are unavailable to non-Navy retirees due to mission requirements through May 25, 2026. Please check back at that time. **

RLSO NDW's area of responsibility includes the District of Columbia and neighboring municipalities located in Virginia and Maryland.

Command Services provides advice in the following subject areas: Administrative Law, Admiralty, Administrative Separations and Processing, Disciplinary Options, Freedom of Expression and Grievances, Homeland Security, Interactions with Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies, Subpoenas, JAGMAN Investigations, Military Justice, Operational Law, Personnel Matters, Standards of Conduct, and Government Ethics.

** Notice to Army and Air Force Retirees: Services are unavailable to non-Navy retirees due to mission requirements through May 25, 2026. Please check back at that time. **

Fill out the Client Intake Form and email it to rlsondwla@us.navy.mil to schedule a legal assistance appointment.

Our services and eligibility are governed by 10 U.S.C. 1044, JAGINST 5800.7 (series) and JAGINST 5801.2 (series).

Our Services

Legal assistance can include advice on topics such as consumer/financial affairs, disaster relief support and advice, family law, domestic violence, foreclosure advice and counseling, military naturalization and immigration, notary services, powers of attorney, landlord/tenant matters, Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act, small claims court matters, victim assistance, and wills/estate planning.

We are unable to assist in criminal matters, military disciplinary matters, or security clearance issues. Please contact Defense Service Office North.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information on our services.

Eligibility

We see active duty service members, retirees, and dependents, among others in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 1044, JAGINST 5800.7 (series), JAGINST 5801.2 (series). We prioritize deployers, active duty and dependents, and retirees and retiree dependents, in that order. Appointments may need to be rescheduled in accordance with these priorities.

** Notice to Army and Air Force Retirees: Services are unavailable to non-Navy retirees due to mission requirements through May 25, 2026. Please check back at that time. **

The Advocate

The May 2025 issue of The Advocate has been released! Check it out for helpful information related to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, Separation and Divorce, Estate Planning, and more!

The Advocate - May 2025

Preventative Law Series: Guidance on Common Legal Issues

Learn more about legal assistance topics that commonly affect military members such as consumer affairs, family law, wills, or powers of attorney. The information provided is for educational and general information purposes only. It is not legal advice. Speak with a licensed attorney before relying on the information contained within the website to make a decision or take any action.

Legal Assistance Preventive Law Series