Legal Officer

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

Skip to section :

About the role Career progression and training Salary and benefits Entry requirements

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.

Service Navy

Specialisation Specialist

Location Auckland

Trade Salary $71,837

About the role

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

Administrative 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

Resource management 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.

Career progression and training

Career Progression

Basic Training

Job Training

Ongoing Training

Following successful completion of the Junior Officer Common Training Course (JOCT), you will typically be promoted to Sub-Lieutenant and posted to one of the Defence Force’s legal offices for on the job training as a military lawyer.

These offices are currently located in Auckland, Waiouru, Palmerston North, Wellington and Burnham. You can expect to be posted to other junior appointments in other Defence Force establishments in the early stages of you career.

You will be promoted to Lieutenant upon completion of all relevant courses and necessary time in rank. There may be opportunities for operational deployments around the world, and exchanges with other Military Forces including in the UK, Canada and Australia.

Junior Officer Common Training (JOCT)

24 weeks) Location : Devonport Naval Base

The objective of JOCT is to provide you with the core skills of military, mariner, and leadership to be an effective Officer in the Navy.

The course is completed in two phases of training that train key areas of development.

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

Service Discipline

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.

This phase will cover various topics including :

Sea survival

Ship familiarisation

Leadership training

Communications skills

Defence and Strategic Studies

As a junior LEGAD specialist training is provided as appropriate on an ongoing basis, most of which is conducted in-house.

Throughout your career you will have the opportunity to attend specific military law courses and exercises within New Zealand and overseas.

You will be encouraged to pursue relevant postgraduate study opportunities.

You can be given the opportunity to develop your advocacy skills by appearing as junior counsel in the Court Martial and the Summary Appeal Court, and may have the opportunity to participate in specialist litigation training.

All LEGAD's are encouraged to undertake additional NZDF courses to enhance their general Service and military skills and therefore their deployability.

Salary and benefits

Careers in the Navy are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.

$50,597

Recruit

$71,837

Trade Salary

$147,309

Higher Rank

Benefits and allowances

All full time members of the NZ Defence Force receive an added portion to their salary known as Military Factor. This additional compensation recognises the unique nature of military service and the commitment you make to serve your country.

This can include short notice postings around the country and overseas. You will be directed at times to be continuously alert, undertake arduous and hazardous duties, and be exposed to adverse working environments exclusive to military life.

This also includes the exercise of military skills not recognised by market comparisons. The part you play in our Defence Force and your commitment to our country will be financially rewarded.

Free and subsidised medical and dental care

Access to subsidised equipment on base

Subsidised food on base

Competitive superannuation, up to 4% with KiwiSaver

Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels

Entry requirements

Basics

Education

Fitness and Medical

Citizenship

Period of Service

Be a minimum of 17 years of age upon entry.

Be of good character assessed by study of testimonials and a police record check.

Be free of any criminal conviction for the previous two years.

Pass an Officer Selection Board.

Must pass the Navy swim test, conducted wearing overalls and gym shoes : Swim of 50 metres and, on completion,Remain afloat unaided by treading water for three minutes.

In addition to the above pre-joining requirements, to be eligible for entry into the Royal New Zealand Navy as a Legal Officer, you should already hold a Bachelor of Laws Degree.

It is an advantage if an applicant has been admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and holds a current practising certificate.

Have completed an LLB degree, completed registration with the New Zealand Law Society and have two year relevant experience within a law practice.

You must be medically fit for service.

You must meet the minimum entry fitness standards.

Colour perception requirements may apply.

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.

Find out if you’re eligiblehere.

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.

Ready to start your Navy career?

Find your F.I.T

Other jobs you might like

You can also browse jobs by specialisation to narrow down your search.

View Role

Psychologist

Navy Specialist

View Role

Learning and Development Officer

Navy Specialist

View Role

Musician

Navy Specialist Back to top

#J-18808-Ljbffr