Legal Officer

Deliver legal advice in challenging environments.

Joining the Army Legal Services (ALS) as a Legal Officer offers a challenging and varied role. You could be involved in prosecuting soldiers charged with offences at court martial or advising senior commanders on rules of engagement during overseas operations. This position provides an opportunity to practice law without timesheets or billable hours targets and to work across various legal specialisms. Additionally, you will have the chance to travel internationally and gain postgraduate qualifications.

You will train at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where you will learn basic military skills, study tactics, and undertake tasks designed to develop leadership and command abilities. Following this, you will join the Directorate of Army Legal Services for your specialist legal training, focusing on areas such as the law of armed conflict, discipline, advisory roles, and crime. You will also visit units and headquarters where legal officers work. Finally, you will spend three months with a combat or support unit to gain practical experience of Army life from a non-legal perspective, which is essential to understanding the organisation you will advise.

Start the adventure of a lifetime.

As a Professionally Qualified Officer, you will initially work in Advisory, Prosecutions, or Operations. No prior experience is necessary; you will develop transferable leadership skills through world-class training at Sandhurst, along with comprehensive legal education during your specialist training and ongoing professional development.

Post-initial training, you will continue to learn through adventurous activities (e.g., skiing), international travel, and further study opportunities. Being an Officer is a global adventure.

You will receive 30 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional leave after operations. Benefits include free medical and dental care, reduced living costs, and free gym and sports facilities. The role offers a good work/life balance, with flexible working opportunities outside of operational or training deployments.

What we are looking for

Applicants should be between 23 and 32 years old, although this can be waived in exceptional circumstances. You must be a solicitor, barrister, or Scottish advocate qualified in England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. You also need to be medically suitable and pass a basic fitness test.

Additional job details

Location: UK wide

Contract type: Full-time

How to apply

Click Apply to start your application. The position is available on Prospects until 15 April 2026. Remember to mention Prospects when contacting employers.

Become a trusted leader. Be responsible. Protect the nation's security. Join the British Army as an Officer and make a meaningful difference in the world.

Your journey begins at Sandhurst, where you'll learn essential skills from weapons handling to outdoor survival, preparing you to lead in hostile environments worldwide.

Upon commissioning, you will command 30 soldiers and then undertake specialist training in your chosen field, such as engineering, intelligence, or piloting. You will participate in adventurous training globally, from skiing in the Alps to white-water rafting in Colorado. The starting salary during training is £33,183, increasing to £39,671 upon completion.

Army life offers numerous benefits, including access to sports, state-of-the-art facilities, and professional qualifications.

The rewards are significant, the challenges are great, and this is one of life's most exciting adventures-making a difference and achieving personal growth.

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