<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I have an unusual question for the forum. Im a rising 2L at a lower T-14 school, and Im considering National Guard service. (My grades are about average, maybe a bit above. Im pretty sure that I could improve them during my 2L and 3L years). Since I would not want to go the JAG route, the Guard would require me to take almost a year of training for a commission. Unfortunately, I hear that many larger and midsized firms wont touch applicants whove spent time in non-legal jobs like consulting, and I worry that military training would create the same problem, or worse.</p>
<p>This leaves me with a dilemma. I really do want to serve, but I havent heard about many lawyers whove managed to maintain legal careers at the same time that they fulfill National Guard or Reserve duties. Would attending Officer Candidate School between the end of my 3L year and the beginning of my first job destroy my career prospects? (In that scenario, I'm not sure if I could ask my 2L summer employer for a year-long extension, or if I would have to look for post-OCS work during my 3L year).</p>
<p>Alternatively, would taking a gap year between 2L and 3L year -- if possible -- cause the same problem?</p>
<p>Are either of these possibilities viable? Ive done as much research as I could, but I havent located too much information about lawyers in the Guard aside from an occasional news story. Where do I go from here? If I choose to proceed, how should I prepare for my job search? What extra steps should I take?</p>
<p>(Incidentally, I would prefer a job in Pennsylvania, New York, or New Jersey, but if other options are available I would be willing to move.)</p>
<p>Thanks for your time, everyone.</p>