Navy Legal Assistance Office - Honolulu, Hawaii

Navy Legal Assistance Office: A Comprehensive Overview

Within the United States Navy, ensuring service members and their families have access to competent and timely legal support is a fundamental component of military welfare. The Navy Legal Assistance Office, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, operates specifically to fulfill this need for personnel stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) and other nearby facilities. Situated at 850 Willamette Street, this office falls under the purview of the Navy's Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps), providing essential legal services tailored to the unique circumstances faced by the Navy community.

Location and Accessibility

The physical presence of the Navy Legal Assistance Office is strategically positioned to be accessible to those who need its services. Addressed as 850 Willamette St, Honolulu, HI 96818, it is easily identifiable within the bustling Pearl Harbor-Hickam area. Recognizing the importance of accommodating all personnel, including those with mobility challenges, the facility boasts specific accessibility features. It features a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that physical barriers do not impede access to vital legal resources. Furthermore, the office provides practical conveniences such as a free parking lot and onsite parking, offering service members and visitors a straightforward way to reach the facility without excessive cost or hassle.

Core Services and Specialties

At its heart, the mission of the Navy Legal Assistance Office is to deliver comprehensive legal assistance to active-duty personnel, reservists, retirees, National Guard members, civilian employees, and their dependents. While the broad category listed is legal services, the scope of these services is extensive and deeply integrated into the daily lives of the Navy community. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Civil Litigation

  Assistance with personal injury claims, contract disputes, property matters, and other civil legal issues.

• Military Law

  Representation in matters specifically related to military law, such as Article 15 proceedings, courts-martial, and discharge upgrades.

• Family Law

  Support for divorce, child custody, child support, and other family-related legal issues, acknowledging the unique complexities of military deployments and relocations.

• Real Estate

  Guidance on issues concerning property transactions, leases, and landlord-tenant disputes.

• Traffic and Criminal Matters

  Representation in traffic violations that could lead to military discharge or civilian criminal charges.

• Guardianship and Conservatorship

  Assistance for individuals who need to establish legal guardianship or conservatorship for dependents.

• Immigration Consultation

  While not providing direct immigration representation (due to regulations), the office often offers crucial advice and guidance for service members and families navigating complex immigration processes.

• General Legal Advice

  Educational resources and initial consultations to help individuals understand their legal rights and obligations.

It is important to note that pro bono services may not extend to all areas of law, and individuals with straightforward, low-complexity legal matters might be directed to community resources rather than receiving direct legal aid from the JAG office.

Information and Guidance for Users

For an individual seeking legal assistance from the Navy Legal Assistance Office, the first step typically involves contacting the office directly. The recommended method is to call the office using the provided telephone number: 808-859-1485. Staff members are generally available to discuss potential legal issues, provide general information, and outline the process for obtaining specific legal services. Alternatively, the office's official website, accessible via jag.navy.mil, serves as a valuable online resource offering detailed information about the services provided, the attorneys available, appointment procedures, and frequently asked questions.

When preparing to visit or call, it is advisable to gather essential documents related to the legal issue at hand, such as identification, service records, marriage certificates, birth certificates, or relevant contracts. While appointments are often preferred, walk-in visits may sometimes be accommodated, depending on the office's current caseload. The office emphasizes the importance of seeking legal advice promptly, particularly for issues that might impact military status, career progression, or family welfare.

Regarding the cost of services, representation by Navy JAG attorneys is generally provided at no cost to eligible service members and their families, funded through military legal aid programs. However, individuals who are not eligible for free services might explore options for low-cost legal assistance, although the office primarily focuses on providing pro bono representation within the military context.

Reputation and Community Feedback

The performance and accessibility of the Navy Legal Assistance Office are often reflected in community feedback. According to publicly available data, this specific office has garnered attention through online review platforms, holding a total of 64 reviews on Google My Business. The aggregated average opinion across these reviews stands at a respectable 3.9 out of 5 rating. This score suggests a generally positive perception among the service members and families who utilize its services, likely reflecting the dedicated efforts of the legal team to provide competent and supportive legal aid within the demanding environment of military life. While no rating is perfect, it indicates a high level of satisfaction and underscores the office's role as a trusted resource for legal matters.