See MSJDN’s press release regarding updates on United States v. New Mexico Supreme Court and New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners, which centers on Section 4025a of the SCRA, which
What does it take to build a legal career across borders, navigate military life, and find a community that supports you every step of the way? Meet Sandra, an MSJDN
MSJDN continues to grow, evolve, and open doors for military-connected legal professionals. We’re pleased to share an important leadership transition that reflects the strength of our community and positions MSJDN
Click on the link below to hear from our featured Pro Bono volunteers, and learn how you can get involved with this powerful program. Why We Serve
Click here to read a special message from the 2026-2027 MSJDN/MSJDNF President, Nicolle Vasquez Del Favero.
The U.S. Department of Justice recently updated its Frequently Asked Questions and guidance regarding professional license portability under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). These updates provide important clarification for
A first-of-its-kind federal enforcement action could have nationwide implications for military spouse attorneys. The DOJ is challenging New Mexico’s refusal to recognize certain out-of-state law licenses—putting attorney licensure portability under
MSJDN is thrilled to announce licensing victory in Georgia, thanks to the efforts of Lauren Scribner, Policy & Advocacy Vice-Chair. Read full details below. Click here for Georgia Press Release.
Take a peek back in time and read the first newsletter MSJDN published just 2 weeks after our founding! MSJDN First Newsletter
Click on the link below for a special message from our Board of Directors. 2025 State of the Org
The Military Spouse JD Network (MSJDN) is proud to announce that it has filed an amicus curiae brief with the United States Supreme Court in Vinales v. AETC II Privatized
Read full article here: PAC Press Release 18Nov25 For questions or to get involved, email our Director of Policy & Advocacy, Samantha Arrington Sliney, at advocacy@msjdn.org.
🇺🇸At MSJDN, we stand with military families. As our nation navigates complex conversations around immigration and foreign affairs, we remain rooted in the belief that the strength of our military
Click on link below for a special message from MSJDN/F President Tekey Wallace. MSJDN 2024 State of the Organization
On December 23, 2024, President Joe Biden signed FY25 NDAA into law, bringing hard-fought and momentous professional strides for military spouse attorneys and MSJDN. While previous language excluded the legal
We are delighted to announce that Erin Schmitt has been appointed as Executive Director of the Military Spouse JD Network (MSJDN)! MSJDN was founded with a mission to support military
MSJDN Members and Supporters, We need your help to ensure military spouse attorneys can continue their legal careers without unnecessary barriers. We are calling on you to support Section 1091 of
On June 8, 2024, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals ordered military spouse attorneys residing with their active-duty spouse be granted admission to practice law within the District. Advocacy
On October 18, 2023, the North Carolina Supreme Court amended the Board of Law Examiners’ Rules, Section .0500, Requirements for Applicants, Rule .0503, Requirements for Military Spouse Comity Applicants,
On June 9th, 2023, four Military Spouse J.D. Network members, at the invitation of First Lady of the United States of America, Dr. Jill Biden, had the opportunity to
Dear Members and Supporters, I am pleased to announce our strong support for the Executive Order signed today by the President, aimed at increasing the economic security of military
Texas Attorneys: Comment Now to Support Remote Work in Texas! The Texas Committee on Disciplinary Rules and Referenda will be hearing comments concerning a rule change that supports remote work
As details continue to emerge concerning the killing of Tyre Nichols, MSJDN wants to reiterate our commitment to the basic tenets of our profession and our role in condemning
MSJDN hosted its 10th annual Making the Right Moves (MRM) conference October 10-14. The conference this year focused on the theme “Adapt” and provided tangible take-aways for attendees to
On September 28, 2022, the Michigan legislature passed Senate Bill 311 attempting to ease voting procedures for Service Members by allowing “eligible members” to submit their ballot electronically. The legislation
MSJDN’s efforts advocating for licensing accommodations for military spouse attorneys were successful in Louisiana. The Louisiana Supreme Court ordered military spouse attorneys residing with their active-duty spouse be granted a
On August 10, 2022, MSDJNF hosted Diane Boyd Rauber, Executive Director of the National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates (NOVA). Best described as a specialty bar association for attorneys advocating
The MSJDN Board is pleased to announce lifetime memberships! Open to all individuals, lifetime memberships are a wonderful way to declare your support for MSJDN and invest in our
The Military Spouse J.D. Network Foundation (MSJDNF), the charitable arm of MSJDN, announced a partnership with the American Bar Association’s Military Pro Bono Project to expand legal resources for Gold
Military Spouse J.D. Network Foundation (MSJDNF), the charitable arm of the Military Spouse J.D. Network, a national organization of military spouse attorneys, is launching the Justice for Military Families (JMF)
For years, Amazon has been a big supporter of MSJDN’s mission and has been a changemaker when it comes to hiring and supporting military spouses. Last month, over 30 MSJDNers
On April 26, 2022, the Honorable Cheryl Mason, Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals joined Military Spouse Representing Veterans Fellows Jennifer Healy and Zenobia Lockhart to discuss the importance
By: Trang Peltier Disclaimer: Other than the sourced information, this article is based on my personal experiences and impressions in raising my autistic child and should not be treated as
By: Trang Peltier Disclaimer: Other than the sourced information, this article is based on my personal experiences and impressions in raising my autistic child and should not be treated as
The Department of the Army has updated the filing instructions for spouse state re-licensure and re-certification costs reimbursement. Military spouses can request reimbursement for licensure and certification costs (up
On March 11, 2022, the Kentucky Supreme Court amended Kentucky Supreme Court Rule 3.040 to include waiver of annual bar dues for military spouses. This exciting new rule is the
Military Spouse JD Network was founded with the novel idea of modernizing licensing rules to allow military spouses to continue their legal careers while accompanying their service member spouse
Last week, we were thrilled to launch MSJDN’s new Distinguished webinar series–in which we’ll hear from industry coaches and recruiters about different ways to distinguish ourselves within the legal
By: Sharon James Ackah Children sometimes recount the benefits of virtual school, citing such pleasures as later bedtimes, increased snack breaks, and creative activities such as lunchtime baseball or pop-up outdoor
Within our military community, around 43% of the 1.3 million active duty service members are people of color. Conversely, within our legal community, the percentage of African American lawyers is
The Military Spouse JD Network’s leadership and members were thrilled to attend the Army’s Military Spouse Attorney Recognition Ceremony this afternoon. In 2014, the Army JAG Corps launched its Military
Earlier this week, the state licensing team finally received an update, albeit a bittersweet one, on the long awaited Virginia Rule amendment regarding the removal of the local counsel supervision
Happy Holidays from MSJDN! This holiday season, your board is reflecting on the banner year we had in 2021 and the exciting things in store for 2022!
As you may remember reading in our blog post earlier this year, “Waiver of Annual Bar Dues: Easing the Challenges of Military Spouse Attorneys—A Nationwide Movement Starting in Kentucky,” MSJDN has
Fellow MSJDNers, This Veterans Day, I am thrilled to announce a partnership between MSJDN and the Veteran’s Legal Advocacy Group (VetLAG) to create a unique legal fellowship program exclusively
By: Jennifer Young I had a moment on Veteran’s Day last week where I realized that the conditions of being a military spouse are hindering me from successfully utilizing the
The Military Spouse JD Network Foundation is proud to announce that it was selected by Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families to support their Community Navigator Pilot Program, funded
By: Renunda Shea Lee, MSJDN member MSJDN hosted our 9th Annual Making the Right Moves (MRM) 2021. The conference provided prolific speakers, creative thinkers, valuable career guidance and a space
By Katherine Baum Hispanic Heritage month does not start at the beginning of September, as an acknowledgement to the diverse anniversaries of national independence for Latin American Countries—Costa Rica, El
By Rachel Phillips Bob Marley, in his infinite wisdom told us all, “don’t worry about a thing, ‘cause every little thing, gonna be all right.” I’m sorry Bob, as much
The Supreme Court of Iowa has enacted a military spouse attorney licensing policy as of September 2021. The following message appears online: “The Supreme Court of Iowa recognizes the unique mobility
MSJDN Member, Carolyn (Cari) Wilson, lost her battle with metastatic breast cancer on August 31, 2021. Carolyn was a criminal defense attorney, military spouse, dog mom, and amazing cook. Her
By: Lyndsay Lujan, President Elect 2021-2022 As MSJDN enters its second decade, the organization is celebrating significant progress for military spouses in the legal profession. MSJDN’s 2021 survey results give
For military spouse attorneys stationed in New Hampshire, it has been a challenge to maintain a legal career during their family’s time in the jurisdiction due to the military lifestyle
By: Zaina Niles & Trang Peltier Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (“AAPI”) Heritage Month originated with Congress in 1992. On April 30, 2021, President Joe Biden stated in observance: “My Administration also recognizes
Growing together. That’s one way to describe the partnership and shared focus of MSJDN and one of its inaugural Homefront Partners, Prudential Financial, Inc. Since its founding, MSJDN has served
May 2021 As it approaches its Tenth Anniversary on June 15, 2021, the Military Spouse J.D. Network (MSJDN) is proud to announce its Homefront Partners Initiative as well as four
By: Michelle Mance Getting a new special needs diagnosis for your child can be very scary and confusing for any parent. With a new diagnosis comes a million different questions and
By: Zaina A. Niles Doctors’ Day, March 30th, has been an annual observance dedicated to honoring and appreciating physicians unofficially since 1933 and officially since 1958. This Doctors’ Day, perhaps
I fell in love with a Marine, and that is how it began. We were high school sweethearts. Shortly after 9/11, he joined the Marine Corps. While I was studying
Almost four years ago, MSJDN’s New Mexico State Rule Change Team filed proposed rule 15-301.3, “Military Spouse Attorney Limited License,” with the Supreme Court of New Mexico. Proposed Rule MSJDN
As we enter Black History Month 2021, it might be difficult to discern where to focus our attention. Should we be consumed by reflections on the global challenges ushered
In ten years, I moved six times for my spouse’s job. Sound familiar? While my husband was training to be a doctor, we moved to five states, plus Washington, D.C.
2021 Military Spouse Attorney Survey Aims to Collect Comprehensive Data on Licensure and Employment In 2013, MSJDN began conducting a regular survey of military spouses to gather information on attorney
As military spouses, we have become accustomed to uncertainty, whether it is location, job transition, or unpredictable changes of plans. Military spouses are resilient beings at their core. 2020 has
Justice for Military Families: Pro Bono for Military Families by Military Families The Justice for Military Families (JMF) team has been busy in recent weeks. As I finish my tenure
Editor’s Note: In preparation for her assumption of the role as President of MSJDN, we sent our President-Elect Eleanor Vuono to participate this year’s American Bar Association Bar Leadership Institute to
MSJDN is proud to announce that Lieutenant General Flora Darpino has been named as a recipient of the ABA’s Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. LTG Darpino, the senior
On February 22, 2015, Lisa Villacis was sworn in to the Virginia State Bar under Rule 1A:8, the groundbreaking Military Spouse Provision Admission rule adopted in May 2014. Lisa is the
On October 8, 2014, 12 members of the Military Spouse JD Network were admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. Sponsored by D.C. Circuit Court
The Military Spouse JD Network (MSJDN) is a group of military spouse attorneys, founded in 2011 by two military spouses frustrated with the challenges of maintaining a legal career that
Due to the humanitarian crisis at our Southwestern border, various advocacy organizations are seeking assistance for the thousands of children who have crossed our borders seeking protection, safety, and family
The Military Spouse JD Network congratulates board member Natalie Wilson on receiving the Belva Lockwood Outstanding Young Lawyer Award from the Bexar County Women’s Bar Association. This award is presented
On October 17, 2014, the Military Spouse JD Network (MSJDN) will host Making the Right Moves: Leadership and Development for Military Spouse Attorneys. The event, organized by MSJDN with platinum sponsorship
MSJDN members Hayne Beatrous Caliva and Lauren Roland attended the North Carolina Defense Business Association (NCDBA) Chairman’s Annual Luncheon in Raleigh on July 23rd. DBANC is comprised of a wide variety of businesses, organizations, and
Military spouse attorneys are in a New York state of mind after learning that the New York State Board of Law Examiners (BOLE) has recently published a military spouse attorney licensing policy.
MSJDN is pleased to announce our nomination of Justice Sandee Marion to receive the Sarah T. Hughes Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. Justice Marion is thoughtful, intelligent, a consummate professional,
On April 7, 2014, MSJDN asked members to register to pay dues for the first time in the organization’s history. After several years of unprecedented growth and success, MSJDN needed
On May 30, 2014, approximately 20 MSJDN members visited the Supreme Court of the United States for a special “behind the scenes” tour. After assembling by the John Marshall statute
Editor’s Note: This is the third installment in MSJDN’s series highlighting the employers MSJDN members say are going above and beyond for military spouse attorneys. Each employer in this series was nominated for
On the heels of widespread pension cut debate, military spouses are rallying on the Hill next week to learn about what it takes to run for office, from both sides
Two members of MSJDN’s Board of Directors were named Spouse of the Year for their respective Army bases, and one of them was selected to compete for the title of
On September 27, 2012, Military Spouse JD Network (MSJDN) participated in the Department of Defense State Liaison Office (DSLO) Annual Conference. Through their USA 4 Military Families Initiative, DSLO seeks
The excitement surrounding the support of the ABA and the Conference of Chief Justices has turned into action on the ground. Rule changes are taking form across the country. MSJDN
With the support of Chief Justice Myron T. Steele of the Delaware Supreme Court and the guidance of Judge William L. Witham Jr. of the Delaware Veterans Court, the Military
Military Spouse JD Network Happy Hour Sponsored by Montage Legal Group Thursday, July 5, 2012 5:00– 8:00 PM Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 8970 University Center Lane San Diego,
A guest Blog by MSJDN member Ashton Montgomery, Esq. In June the Congressional Military Family Caucus (CMFC) held their annual Summit at the National Infantry Museum at Ft. Benning, Georgia.
Licensing and employment for military spouses is important to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). MOAA has provided MSJDN with wonderful support since we began working to reduce licensing