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I'm a JAG Reservists and at an AmLaw 200. I'm definitely glad I did it. Definitely more meaning putting on that uniform once a month than billing clients and making money for partners during the rest of the month. While most people in the Reserve are in govt, some are in private practice. I think it helps to be at a decent sized law firm so others at the firm can cover for you when you're out for training. After the initial entry training, you can get by with just doing 15 days per year and 1 weekend a month though you may need to do more for certain classes required to promote, operational needs, etc. Recommend being at a firm with a generous paid military leave policy if you want to to more than just the 15 days a year of annual training.
I don't feel like it's hard to balance. The months definitely go quicker because the monthly drill is always around the corner. Monday after drill is more tiring than I imagined so I try to find easy billables on that Monday. I generally don't have to do much outside of drill and my annual training, and when I'm gone for training, if it's a week or longer, I ramp down in work or get someone to cover. If you're Trial Counsel or Defense Counsel, you may have more work to do in between drill, but you can always go on orders to do the work and have it count towards your annual training. I really think it's manageable with private practice and even see solo practitioners manage it successfully.
I was selected but ended up not going 3 years ago. I will say my fear was that private practice folks might be a little bit more discriminatory regarding a JAG officer in reserves. The issue is you can just up and go at anytime. I think JAG has been flexible though with individuals in the past. However, I think public interest and government is a better gig for reservist. Also, it’s really going to depend on the firm and their attitude towards service. If you are lucky, they won’t mind at all!