Legal Officer (Army Legal Services) Full Time

Salary: From £26,334 per year during training and increases to around £52,815 once you are  fully qualified
Type: Full-time — Regular Army
Location: Mostly it’s UK-based, but with options to travel and work overseas
Closing Date: It’s always open—no deadline

About the Role

As a Legal Officer, you’ll work as both a lawyer and an Army officer. One day, you could be advising commanders on legal rules for missions; another, you might be helping with a court-martial. It’s not like working at a law firm—there are no billing targets or timesheets, just real, meaningful legal work in a high-impact setting.

What You’ll Do

• Provide operational legal advice to military leaders

• Work on court-martials and legal cases for the Army

• Help resolve issues in areas like discipline, employment law, and safety

• Be ready to travel or deploy when needed

• Train, get leadership experience, and take part in Army activities

Who Can Join

• Age: 21-32 years old

• Qualifications:

  • If you are a qualified barrister or solicitor, you can apply directly for it

  • Law students with an LLB or GDL degree (2:2 or better) can apply for a cadetship

• Must pass Army fitness standards (e.g., mid-thigh pull, medicine ball throw, beep test)

• Open to British, Irish, and Commonwealth applicants

Training

Qualified lawyers do about 9 months of training: military basics at Sandhurst, followed by legal training.
If you’re a student cadet, you’ll complete your law exams (like SQE or pupillage) and then do the military and legal training to become a commissioned Legal Officer.

Pay & Benefits

• Starts at £26,334 during training, rising to about £52,815 when qualified

• Free health and dental care

• Meals and housing provided during training or deployment

• Can get law qualifications sponsored, including a possible Master’s degree

• Sports, adventure training, and travel opportunities included

How to Apply

Apply anytime through the official British Army website. Qualified lawyers apply directly; law students apply for a cadetship during set dates. The process includes an online form, meeting a recruiter, an assessment, and then selection.

Disclaimer

This is a simple overview of the job. Other details like pay, training, or fitness requirements, so always check the official British Army website for the most current information.