Fort Lee  Legal

Office of the staff judge advocate

Office of the staff judge advocate

Building 8135, 701 27th St.

Fort Lee, VA 23801-1799

Mission:

The staff judge advocate is the principal legal advisor to the commanding general and the Combined Arms Support Command staff. The SJA also serves as the principal ethics counselor and directs all legal services provided on Fort Lee and all tenant activities located on this installation.

Organization:

The CASCOM office of the SJA consists of four divisions – criminal law, claims, administrative and civil law, and the client services (including the tax assistance center).

NOTE: The SJA is located in Building 8135 on 27th Street near the Kenner Army Health Clinic.

Client Services Division

The Fort Lee client service division assists with powers of attorney, leases, affidavits, Virginia deeds, name changes, consumer affairs, civil suits, domestic relations, child support, family law, immigration and naturalization, wills, estates, tax assistance and local court procedures.  

Service is available to all service members (active duty and retired) and family members in several areas. Programming includes trial defense, administrative law, claims and legal assistance and tax preparation. Office hours run from 8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. On Thursday, these are from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Reach the office by phone at 804-765-1510/1513.

Claims:

The Claims division is available to provide claimants with information, assistance and the proper forms to submit claims against the government. In many cases, such as damage to household goods via transportation by a government contractor, time limits apply so prompt action is required.

Legal Assistance:

Legal Assistance handles or is involved in a number of issues to include, but not limited to:

•             Powers of attorney

•             Leases

•             Affidavits

•             Virginia deeds

•             Name changes

•             Consumer affairs

•             Civil suits

•             Domestic relations and family law

•             Immigration and naturalization

•             Wills and estates

•             Tax assistance

•             Local court procedures

•             Support (child and or spousal)

Notary services and the preparation of powers of attorney are available daily on a walk-in basis. Emergencies are handled on a walk-in basis. Otherwise, attorney consultations are available only on an appointment basis.

Tax Assistance Center:

The Tax assistance center is operated in cooperation with Army Community Service. Tax preparation assistance, form distribution and electronic filing, is available between January and early May of each year. During the remainder of the year, assistance is provided by appointment through the legal assistance office.

Trial Defense Service:

The Trial Defense Service (TDS) represents Soldier’s accused or suspected of crimes under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or at Army Administration Separation Board or Elimination Proceedings.

Please contact TDS if you are the suspect of an investigation or if you have a pending Article 15, separation board or court-martial.

TDS is available by appointment only.

TDS points of contact:

• Suspect Rights and Administrative Separations:

SPC Joel Velazquez 757 514-1388 or joel.velazquez5.mil@mail.mil.

• Article 15:

SGT Jason Rodrick  (804) 518-6738 Jason.w.rodrick.mil@mail.mil