More LN rating info stuff...

[Craig]

Legalman (LN)

Legalmen are trained paralegals who assist professionals in the field of law. They work in Navy legal offices, performing administrative and clerical tasks necessary to process claims, conduct court and administrative hearings. They maintain records, documents and legal reference libraries. Legalmen may give advice on tax returns, voter registration procedures, immigration and customs regulations, regulations governing Social Security and veterans' benefits. They perform many duties related to courts-martial and nonjudicial punishment hearings.


Legalmen (LN) are the Navy's version of paralegals. Through training and experience possess knowledge and expertise regarding military and civilian legal systems and substantive and procedural law which qualify them to do work of a legal nature under the supervision of an attorney. Legalmen receive extensive military justice training in administrative and civil law, substantive and procedural law, court-martial procedures, and nonjudicial punishment. Under the supervision of a Navy Judge Advocate, Legalmen work in a variety of billets to include Naval Legal Service Offices; Region Legal Service Offices; Staff Judge Advocate Offices; and afloat commands. Additionally, the most experienced Legalmen may be assigned to an Independent Duty Legalman role both at commands ashore and at sea. Knowledge, skills and abilities of a Legalmen include: providing legal assistance in areas of the law such as wills and estates, consumer advocacy, landlord/tenant, immigration and naturalization, tax and family law, all of which include drafting and reviewing technical legal documents for attorney signature. Certain military justice duties include preparation of records and hearings, investigations, courts-martial and courts of inquiry, processing appeals, and the coordination of nonjudicial punishment. Legalmen also act as trial paralegals for the both trial and defense counsel.


Legalmen:

• Provide legal assistance in such matters as voter registration, indebtedness, Social Security, veterans' benefits, civilian counsel, power of attorney, wills, motor vehicle licensing, taxes, immigration and customs.
• Prepare records of hearings, investigations, courts-martial and courts of inquiry.
• Prepare reports of mast proceedings.
• Process appeals.
• Help personnel prepare legal forms, letters and requests.
• Assist personnel in filing claims, and conducting their investigations.

Working Environment
People in this rating usually work in a office environment. They work closely with others and do mostly mental work.

A-School (Job School) Information
Newport, R.I. -- 9 weeks

Security Clearance Requirement: Secret

Other Requirements

This is not an entry-level position. New recruits are not eligible to enlist with a guarantee for this rating. Petty Officers (in the paygrade of E-4 or E-5) may apply to re-train into this rating from other ratings.

• Must have normal hearing
• Must have no speech impediment
• Must be a U.S. Citizen

Notes: High school diploma graduate or equivalent. Must type 40 words per minute when enlisted. Must have no record of conviction by civil court for any offense other than minor traffic. Not eligible if substance abuse waiver required. Must possess valid driver's license or be eligible to obtain one.



Sea/Shore Rotation for This Rating

• First Sea Tour: 48 months
• First Shore Tour: 48 months
• Second Sea Tour: 36 months
• Second Shore Tour: 48 months
• Third Sea Tour: 36 months
• Third Shore Tour: 48 months
• Fourth Sea Tour: 36 months
• Forth Shore Tour: 48 months

Note: Sea tours and shore tours for sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 months ashore until retirement.