JAG Community Member Wins ABA Career Judge Advocate Award

The American Bar Association (ABA) has announced that Navy judge advocate Cmdr. Abigail L. Meyers – who currently serves as Operations Officer at the Naval Justice School – has been selected to receive the ABA Outstanding Military Service Career Judge Advocate Award, sponsored by the Standing Committee on Armed Forces Law (SCAFL).
 
The Standing Committee on Armed Forces Law – which addresses issues of direct importance to the practice of law within the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security with respect to the U.S. Coast Guard, and the thousands of military and civilian attorneys and their support teams globally – presents this award to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in service to the legal profession in the Armed Forces throughout their careers, as well as service to their communities.
 
“It is an honor and a privilege to be included among the other award recipients this year.  I would like to thank SCAFL and our community leadership, Vice Adm. Hannink and Rear Adm. Crandall, for their support as a nominee for this award.  I am humbled to be listed among the previous Navy recipients, several of whom I have had the opportunity to work for and value their leadership and mentorship,” said Meyers.
 
Meyers received a Bachelor of Science degree in English from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned as a surface warfare officer in 2002.  She served onboard USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, from 2003 to 2005.  After being accepted into the Navy’s Law Education Program, Meyers earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2008.
 
Meyers completed coursework at Naval Justice School (NJS) in 2008 and then reported to Naval Legal Service Office (NLSO) Southwest, where she served as Defense and Legal Assistance Attorney.  She was appointed Officer-in-Charge of NLSO Southwest, Branch Office North Island, in 2010.  Meyers then deployed to Iraq as the Staff Judge Advocate to Joint Special Operations Task Force – West and later to Joint Special Operations Command - Gulf Cooperation Council in Bahrain.  Meyers subsequently served as the Staff Judge Advocate to Naval Special Warfare Group TEN in Little Creek, Va., during which she again deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
 
Meyers next served as the Flag Secretary to Commander, Naval Legal Service Command, in Washington D.C., before attending Georgetown University Law Center and receiving her Masters of Laws degree in National Security Law in 2016.  Meyers then reported as the Deputy Legal Counsel to the Chief of Naval Operations, and in 2018, she transferred to Belgium where she served as the U.S. Legal Advisor for North American Treaty Organization (NATO) Special Operations Headquarters.  She reported as Operations Officer at NJS in 2020.
 
Meyers credits her colleagues and other leaders across the Navy JAG Community who make the organization a great place to work, through mentorship, guidance, support, and camaraderie.
 
“I have been truly thankful for the many opportunities the Navy has provided during the last 19 years, first as a Surface Warfare Officer and then allowing me to combine two passions, service as a naval officer and the law.  Each duty station, whether providing legal assistance to our Sailors and their families, deploying overseas supporting operational units, or working with our NATO allies and partners, has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally,” said Myers.
 
The key ingredient to her success, Meyers added, is the support of her family.
 
“I want to thank my family who has supported me throughout my Navy career, enduring many moves, often across the country and across oceans.  Your support and flexibility are what make all possible,” she said.
 
A virtual award presentation that includes Meyers will be shared at the ABA’s Annual Meeting on August 6, 2021.