Jaclyn Nicole Urso
Jaclyn N. Urso, LLM Candidate | LtCol, USMC (Ret.)
A distinguished U.S. Marine Corps Officer and Judge Advocate with 20 years of service, Jaclyn Urso brings an exceptional record of leadership, legal expertise, and national service. As a retired Lieutenant Colonel, she served in numerous high-impact roles, including Staff Judge Advocate (Senior Legal Advisor) and Deputy Staff Judge Advocate (Deputy Legal Advisor) to two and three-star Commanding Generals. Her career has spanned complex areas such as operational law, criminal litigation, national security, and military justice—guiding legal strategy and compliance for commands supporting over 170,000 service members and their families.
Now pursuing her Master of Law (LL.M.) in Sports Law at the University of Miami School of Law, Jaclyn is expanding her legal acumen into the intersection of law, sports, and governance. Her commitment to lifelong learning and service reflects her deep dedication to protecting both institutions and individuals. She brings the same strategic mindset and disciplined execution from the military into her academic and legal pursuits.
Jaclyn’s core strengths include crisis management, legal counseling, and cross-functional team leadership under pressure. Her reputation for ethical decision-making, operational insight, and mentoring the next generation of legal professionals continues to define her impact—both in uniform and beyond. Passionate about justice, accountability, and service, she now seeks to bring her unique perspective to new challenges within the legal and sports industries.
• Attorney
• Graduate Assistant Coach, University of Tulsa Women’s Soccer (NCAA Division I); Student Bar Association
• The Army Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School
• Marine Corps Command and Staff College of Distance Education Program
• University of Tulsa College of Law, Tulsa, OK
Jurist Doctor, May 2004
• Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology
• United States Air Force War College, Montgomery, AL
Department of Defense, Top Level School Certificate, May 2023
• University of Miami School of Law, Coral Gables, FL
Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law LL.M. Candidate, May 2026
• The U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School (TJAGLCS), Charlottesville, VA
LL.M, in Military Law with a Military Justice Specialization, May 2013
• Female Officer Experiences in the U.S. Marine Corps,” Panelist (February 2013)
• Scholarship Athlete, Tulane University Women’s Soccer (NCAA Division I)
• Member of the Oklahoma State Bar
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of relentless ambition, the unwavering support of my friends and family. And a strong desire to prove wrong those who underestimated me. That drive led me to earn a law degree, serve 20 years in the Marine Corps, and now I am hopeful to transition to in-house counsel role for a Sport Organization while exploring opportunities in public service and politics. Each chapter has been guided by purpose, discipline, and a commitment to lead with integrity.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Success is skill and expertise but what puts you over the top is your networking ability. Make sure you are genuinely friendly to everyone you meet, you never know what opportunities will open up.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Recognize you have to be twice as good to get half the recognition.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
My biggest challenge for me right now is translating my military experience to a palatable and useful skill set that civilian employers can recognize.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Loyalty. Hardwork. Dedication. Genuinely being a nice person. A desire to help people. Enthusiasm. Initiative. Having a curious mind. Seeing opportunities everywhere you look.