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: Varied

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 your appointment, but the principal areas in which you may practice include:

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, often at various defence establishments alongside colleagues from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Civilian sectors.
Requirements
Basics

Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.

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 admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, along with some post-admission experience, will make you a competitive applicant.
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.
(12 weeks) Location: Waiouru Military Camp
Initial training begins in early January. Attendees will include a mix of Regular Force General List Officer Cadets, Regular Force Special List Officer Cadets, and Reserve Force Special List Officer Cadets.
The training will be split into three modules, with attendance at Modules One, Two, and Three required for all Regular Force Officer Cadets. Reserve Force Special List Officer Cadets must attend Modules One and Three; this can be in the same or consecutive years.
Earn a competitive salary while training, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.
Other benefits include:

Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
Sponsored tertiary study programs
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
Free and subsidised insurance cover
Assistance with home buying and retirement savings

Remuneration arrangements can be tailored for practitioners with relevant legal experience. As you gain experience and move up ranks, your salary will increase accordingly.
Future potential earnings
$140,784
Am I fit enough?
You need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.
Follow our step-by-step guide on what to expect during the application process for military roles.
General entry
The MP role involves variety and independence, including preventing crime in Defence Areas, bodyguard duties overseas, investigating homicides in foreign countries, training foreign police, and more.
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