Online forum for military lawyers now available

"Military law" spans the legal spectrum, and includes military justice, the law of armed conflict, homeland security, environmental law, legal assistance and contracts, and much more. The ABA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division's Military Law Committee has created a new tool – MilitarySez – for the discussion of these issues by lawyers who are in the military, either on active or reserve duty, lawyers who are considering a career in the military, or even those who just have questions regarding military law.

Dubbed as a "cyber-water cooler," MilitarySez – begun approximately two months ago – offers informality in order to encourage conversation. Interested individuals may sign up for the list from the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division's Military Law Committee Web site.

The MilitarySez list is a monitored, but unmoderated, list, meaning that participants are expected to self-police and responsibly take part. While members of the listserve are encouraged to introduce themselves, there is also an "anonymous post" feature. Political posts are prohibited.

Some of the key issues discussed to date have included legislation that would allow lawyers to represent veterans applying for disability pay and other benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the question of "how does serving in the reserves or the National Guard affect the solo or small firm lawyer?," and the issue of whether a petty officer would still be eligible for severance pay if involuntarily separated for failure to maintain physical fitness standards.

In addition to the link to MilitarySez, the Military Law Committee's Web site provides links to state bar military entities, the U.S. military branches and judge advocate links, as well as information about the ABA committee. You do not have to be a member of the committee or the division to sign up for the listserve.

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