Navy - Reserve Legal Officer

Not many legal specialists get trained to lead teams of people in all kinds of situations, handle weapons and develop problem-solving skills. As a Reserve Legal Officer, you could find yourself working in areas such as military law, military and civilian employment law, or human rights and privacy law.

About the role

Education & Support roles | Navy Reserve | Officers & Management

Entry type

Officer entry, Navy Reserve

Daily Initial Rate

$248

Location

Legal Advisors (LEGADs) in the New Zealand Defence Force work in a ‘Specialised General Practice’. Your career can vary depending on your tasking, but principal practice areas include :

• Military law
• Military and civilian employment law
• The law of armed conflict and other international and domestic law applicable to military operations
• Human rights and privacy law
• Contract law

As a Reserve Legal Officer, you may provide legal advice to all levels of command on topics such as disciplinary matters, military justice, Service Police investigations, Courts of Inquiry, command investigations, the law of armed conflict, rules of engagement, compliance with civil law, civilian employment disputes, complaints, and contracts. You may also assist with policy formulation, legal training, and education.

Occasionally, depending on your experience, you may be required to appear for the Crown in the Court Martial of New Zealand or other courts and tribunals such as the Summary Appeal Court or a coroner’s inquest.

The majority of your career will be spent in a tri-service environment, serving at various defence establishments alongside Navy, Army, Air Force, and civilian colleagues. Opportunities for overseas service, exercises, or deployments may also be available.

Requirements

Basics

Education

Minimum : Completed Bachelor of Laws (LLB). Final-year students are encouraged to apply.

Desirable : Completion of Professional Legal Studies, admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, and some post-admission legal experience will strengthen your application.

Strict citizenship and security requirements apply to gain the TSV security clearance. You must be free of criminal convictions.

We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if unsure; we will work with you to assess your eligibility.

"I’m passionate about serving our community by representing marginalized individuals without a voice before the courts, and about serving our country."

During your first 11 months, you will learn core military, maritime, and leadership skills to become an effective Navy officer.

Basic Training - Junior Officer Common Training : This begins with nine days at Devonport Naval Base and the Tamaki Leadership Centre in Whangaparaoa.

Job Training : Specialist legal training is provided as needed, primarily in-house.

Career Progression : After JOCT, you are typically promoted to Sub-Lieutenant and introduced to Defence Legal Services in locations such as Auckland, Waiouru, Palmerston North, Wellington, or Burnham. Promotions and salary increases follow your experience and training achievements.

Course dates will be provided by your Candidate Engagement Facilitator during recruitment.

As a Navy Reserve Officer, your minimum remuneration includes a daily rate plus holiday pay allowance. The NZDF also contributes 4% to KiwiSaver on top of your contribution. Remuneration increases with rank and seniority.

Am I fit enough?

If you want to join the NZ Defence Force, you must be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.

This guide outlines what to expect during the application process for military roles.

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