Joint Base Andrews

11th Wing Legal Office, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate

Legal professionals providing world class support to a worldwide mission.

Mission First, People Always.

Claims

The Legal Office processes claims both for and against the Air Force arising out of incidents occurring on JBA and throughout the National Capital Region. To file a claim with our office, call 240-612-5787.

For household goods issues, contact the Air Force Claims Service Center at 1-877-754-1212, or please visit https://claims.jag.af.mil/.

Military Justice

The Legal Office provides legal advice on a full range of disciplinary matters to the wing commander, as well as to subordinate units and partner commands under the worldwide mission.

We enable commanders to uphold good order and discipline through the efficient and equitable administration of military justice, ranging from administrative actions to general courts-martial. Unit supervisors, first shirts and commanders can call the legal office for military justice advice at 240-612-5750/5996.

The Area Defense Counsel provides individual Air Force members independent legal representation. Airmen facing adverse administrative actions or who are suspected of committing an offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice can receive confidential legal advice and representation outside of the AFDW chain of command. Air Force members can schedule an appointment by calling 240-857-6624.

The Special Victims' Counsel (SVC) represent victims in a confidential attorney-client relationship throughout the investigation and prosecution process. SVCs' chain of command runs through the Air Force Legal Operations Agency, which allows the SVCs to provide independent legal representation to and advocacy on behalf of sexual assault victim without any risk of influence from either the victim's or the offender's chain of command. Qualifying victims of sexual assault may request an SVC at any point of the process either directly or through the SARC, FAP, AFOSI, or the legal office. For a consultation, call 240-612-4672.

Victim/ Witness Assistance Program

The Victim and Witness Assistance Program, is a Commander-directed program that is supported by the Staff Judge Advocate Office. The VWAP Program provides guidance for the treatment of victims and witnesses of crime under the UCMJ. The Program ensures that victims and witnesses receive the information and assistance they deserve. Call 240-612-5757 to schedule an appointment with our VWAP coordinator.

OPERATIONAL LAW:

All military personnel who received notification for deployment MUST immediately contact the Legal Office, 240-612-5750, to schedule an appointment. An attorney will assist you in completing the legal-related checklist items. We strongly urge you to be proactive in scheduling an appointment. Requirements, such as Laws of Armed Conflict briefings, power of attorney documents and wills are extremely important.

CIVIL LAW:

Private Organization question? All private organizations (POs) must go through Ms. Bertha Bernal. Our office does not deal directly with POs. Ms. Bernal may be contacted via phone at 301-981-4047/5746.

Security Incident? If you have been appointed a security incident investigating officer, please contact the Civil Law division at 240-612-5778.

Legal Assistance

Please visit https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil to find information on various legal assistance topics.

The Legal Office provides free legal assistance on personal civil legal matters to eligible beneficiaries, including active duty or retired military members and their dependents. Examples of personal civil legal matters include: adoption, dependent care, financial responsibility, domestic relations, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, landlord-tenant, and casualty affairs. The highest priority is given to Air Force personnel who need mobilization- or deployment-related legal assistance.

Legal assistance attorneys can provide legal advice, conduct general review of documents, draft and send correspondence on the behalf of clients, and assist clients in preparing forms. Legal assistance attorneys cannot, however, represent clients in any court or administrative proceedings or draft or file legal documents with any court.

Active duty personnel + dependents: Legal assistance is by appointment only or you may come in during walk-in legal assistance every Tuesday from 1 to 2pm. Those wishing to meet with an attorney by appointment should call the front desk at 240-612-5750.

Wills and Advance Medical Directives: Legal Assistance attorneys can prepare wills and advance medical directives, including living wills and medical powers of attorney. Will appointments are held Thursday mornings only. Appointment times are 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30am.

Please call the front desk at 240-612-5750 to schedule your appointment. Prior to making your appointment, please visit https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil and complete the online legal worksheet. You will need the resulting ticket number to make your appointment.

Deploying? We work to ensure high priority is given to members preparing for a deployment and will attempt to accommodate you outside of these hours. Please make every effort to call and schedule an appointment as soon as possible after receiving deployment notification.

Retirees + dependents: On the last Thursday of every other month, the legal office dedicates a day to helping retirees and their dependents draft wills, advanced medical directives and provide advice on legal issues. Please call the front desk at 240-612-5750 to schedule your appointment.

Prior to your appointment, please visit https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil and complete the online legal worksheet. You will need the resulting ticket number to make your appointment.

Powers of Attorney and Notary Services
Free of charge, the legal office can prepare general and special powers of attorney and provide notary services Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm. Wednesdays, the office is closed for training from 12:30 to 3:00pm.