Navy - Legal Officer

Not many legal specialists get trained to lead teams of people in all kinds of situations, handle weapons and develop problem-solving, adventure and outdoor skills.

As a Legal Officer, your career can vary greatly depending on what appointment you hold, but 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

Entry type : Under training

Salary : $86,092

Location : Auckland

Legal Advisors (LEGADs) in the New Zealand Defence Force work in what could be best described as a Specialised General Practice.

As a Military Legal Advisor, your career can vary greatly depending on what appointment you hold, but the principal areas in which you may practice are :

Military law

Military and civilian employment law

The law of armed conflict and other international and domestic law applicable to the operations of the Armed Forces

Human rights and privacy law

Contract law

From time to time you will 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 of New Zealand or a coroner's inquest.

There are periodic opportunities for exchanges with military lawyers in Australia, Canada and the UK, as well as occasional overseas training opportunities in areas such as the law of armed conflict.

The majority of your career as a Legal Advisor will be spent in a tri-service environment.

This means that Legal Officers often spend their careers at various defence establishments and your work colleagues can be Army, Navy, Air Force and Civilian.

Requirements

Basics

Must have completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB).

• See education tab for further details;
• Meet the citizenship and security requirements to gain SV security clearance for the trade;
• Be of good character – assessed by a study of testimonials and a police record check;

Pass an Officer Selection Board.

Education

Minimum : You must have completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB).

Applicants in their final year of study are encouraged to apply.

Desirable : Completion of Professional Legal Studies and having been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, as well as some form of post-admission experience, will make you a competitive applicant.

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the TSV security clearance required for this trade.

You must be free of any criminal convictions for the previous two years.

There may be a return of service period for this trade.

Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.

We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section.

Apply if you're uncertain, as we'll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.

Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.

In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include :

Access to your Service marae or turangawaewae

Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels

Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases

Opportunities to travel

Free and subsidised medical and dental care

Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases

Subsidised insurance cover

Specific remuneration arrangements can, in certain cases, be tailored in respect of practitioners with experience in relevant legal specialties.

As you become more experienced in the military and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.

Phase 1 – Introduction

This phase focuses on followership and teamwork.

Trainees are instructed in basic service knowledge, discipline, parade, and kit preparation.

Physical Training will be conducted at all times throughout training to develop a high level of physical and mental fitness that promotes morale, good health, and good habits.

This phase will cover various topics including :

Physical Fitness

Service Knowledge

Introduction to the Leadership Development Framework

Damage Control Training

Weapons Training

First Aid

Basic seamanship training

Moving to advanced application

Phase 2 – Fit for Sea

The second phase of training will focus on attributes of being in the Navy in preparation for operational service at sea.

Trainees will be taught about the roles and responsibilities on board an RNZN ship.

Trainees will also spend time ashore conducting academic and leadership training to further develop as a Naval Officer.

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