Lawyer
As a Lawyer in the Navy, your expertise can make a real difference to Australia’s security. You’ll work as a member of a close-knit team in the Defence Legal Division. You’ll be exposed to a wide range of legal issues and gain experience while protecting Australia’s national interests.
You’ll provide crucial legal advice and other legal services to the ADF, the Department of Defence and government ministers on legal matters.
What you'll do
You’ll be a trusted legal advisor to Navy command, providing specialist advice in the core legal areas relating to military discipline, military administrative law and military operations law.
You may also be involved in or advise on Defence inquiries into matters of significance, or appear prosecuting or defending officers before Courts-Martial and Defence Force magistrate trials.
You will engage, train and operate with partner nations around the world on the legal regulation of military operations, including, the law of the sea and the law of armed conflict.
You’ll provide legal advice in a wide range of areas, which impact on operations involving the Navy including:
- international law
- criminal/discipline law
- administrative law
- law of the sea
- cyber law
- space law
- national security/intelligence law
- constitutional law
- freedom of information and privacy law
- statutory interpretation law
- employment and workplace relations
- work health and safety law
- nuclear law
- environmental law
- public governance and accountability law
- human rights law
- conflicts of interest law
- official information and secrecy law
- legal ethics.
You'll also perform additional general duties that support the whole ship, including:
- ship security, firefighting and replenishment at sea
- boarding party, first aid, flood repair and flight deck
- assisting with medical, ammunitioning or ceremonial duties
- shift work, or on-call duties as required.
In addition to your legal duties, you’ll likely be appointed as a Divisional Officer, responsible for the management and welfare of those sailors and officers within your division.
You will also be required to undertake duties and responsibilities common to all Navy Officers. For example, you may qualify as an Officer of the Day (OOD) and carry out OOD duties. The OOD is the Commanding Officers (CO) representative for a 24-hour period and is directly responsible to the CO for the safety and security of the ship or establishment and personnel onboard.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Navy will provide you with leadership, management, and specialist skills training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your job-related expertise. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Navy allowing you to face any challenge either at sea or ashore.
Following completion of your initial officer training, you’ll be required to complete a number of Legal Training Modules for progression through legal levels and promotion. The initial vocational training to prepare you to serve as an independent legal officer is run by the Military Legal Training Centre (MLTC) in Sydney. The MLTC, through the University of Adelaide, then provides access to master’s level courses that will earn you Graduate Diploma of Military Law or a Master of Laws.
As an officer in the Navy, you may also undertake a posting to an Any Officer role during your career, such as instructor/training roles and staff officer roles. This experience helps you broaden your skill set and prepare for more senior roles.
Following training, you will likely be posted to a position in Canberra where you’ll rotate between different Legal Directorates (varying from 3 to 6 months). Alternatively, you may be posted to the Fleet Legal Office at Fleet Base East in Sydney or elsewhere at one of the many Navy facilities located around the country.
Consideration will be given to your location preference however specific postings will be based on service needs and other relevant factors, so there’s a chance you’ll be posted to a location away from where you usually live.
Discover where the Navy operates across Australia on our base locations map.
As an ADF Lawyer I get to work both in Australia and overseas on a broad range of legal topics.
As an ADF Lawyer I get to work both in Australia and overseas on a broad range of legal topics.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
The minimum requirement for entry into this role are:
- Tertiary qualifications in law e.g. Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD)
- Admitted to practice as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of an Australian state or territory
- Hold a current practising certificate with a state or territory Law Society or be immediately eligible to obtain a practising certificate
Entry is competitive and satisfying the minimum requirements does not guarantee entry.
Appointment as a Lawyer requires a strong academic record demonstrating proven academic ability. Candidates who have practical legal experience and/or strong academic performance in our key areas of military legal practice will be more competitive: Administrative law, Law of Armed Conflict/International Humanitarian Law, International Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Law of the Sea, Aviation Law, Law of Naval Warfare, Cyber Law, Space Law, Law relating to National Security, Intelligence, Law Enforcement, Emergency Services, or Use of the Defence Force.
Candidates will be asked to provide a covering letter outlining their motivation for joining and how their education, skillset and experience are applicable in a military context. Candidates with practical experience and/or extra-curricular activities relevant to military legal service will be more competitive.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process, you’ll be assessed through questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 3 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months' notice.
Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Speciality skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Legal Training Module 1 (LTM1)
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: Military Law Training Centre, Victoria Barracks, Paddington, Sydney, NSW
This course will equip you with the basic knowledge to work as an ADF lawyer at entry level rank and is usually completed within your first year. This residential course is followed by consolidation tasks that will be completed remotely.
You’ll also have the opportunity to complete Legal Training Modules 2 and 3 later in your career. These courses will equip you with the knowledge and reference materials to work at the tactical and operational levels as a senior Lieutenant and beyond.
Legal Training Module 2 (LTM2)
This training consists of the following courses:
- Military Justice Law
- Military Operations Law
- Military Legal Practice.
Each subject is delivered as a one or two-week intensive, followed by assessment tasks. LTM2 is usually completed over a period of 2 to 3 years. Completion will equip you with the knowledge and reference materials to work at the tactical and operational level at the senior Lieutenant and Lieutenant Commander levels.
Legal Training Module 3 (LTM3)
This training is completed by all lawyers and consists of 3 core subjects:
- Advanced Military Administrative Law
- Advanced Military Discipline Law
- Advanced Military Operations Law.
Each subject is delivered as a one-week intensive course, followed by assessment tasks and will be sufficient for the granting of a Graduate Certificate of Military Law. If you don’t already have a master’s degree, you can then complete a further 4 master’s level elective subjects at the University of Adelaide to qualify for the award of a Master of Laws. LTM3 is usually completed over a period of 4 years.
Joint Operations Law Consolidation Course (JOLC)
Navy Legal Officers who wish to deploy on operations need to complete the Joint Operations Law Consolidation Course (JOLC).
JOLC provides the opportunity for select Legal Officers to be brought up to date on ADF capability, the operational environment and relevant legal issues. The course enables participants to apply the knowledge, skills and practical experience they have gained in the workplace to prepare them to deploy on operations. Performance on JOLC informs the Director-General Military Legal Service about the suitability of participants for deployment in the near to medium term. The course also identifies professional development opportunities and activities participants should undertake in order to move them along the continuum to make them ready for deployment.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
With Defence University Sponsorship (DUS), you won’t incur a HELP or HECS-HELP debt as the Navy will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
You can apply for DUS after having completed 12 months of a law degree (Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris doctor (JD), or 18 months of law subjects of a five year dual degree. However, the Navy will only sponsor the study from your date of appointment into the Navy.
Undergraduate sponsorship requires a strong academic record performance in your studies to date. Candidates who have performed well in our key areas of military legal practice will be more competitive. These include: Administrative law, Law of Armed Conflict/International Humanitarian Law, International Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Law of the Sea, Aviation Law, Cyber Law, Space Law.
Practical legal experience and/or leadership experience will also strengthen your application.
Please note, if you’re studying a double degree, you’ll only receive funding for one degree.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). Once you've graduated, your IMPS full-time service will be your number of years of university sponsorship plus one year or a minimum of 3 years' service, if the period of sponsorship is one year or less. Subsequent periods of service or open-ended appointment may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. There is a one-year grace period from appointment where you may resign, without any obligation. Sponsored study of less than 2 years only has a grace period of 3-months. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
Course: Undergraduate Entry Officer Course (UEOC)
Duration: 12 days
Location: Royal Australian Navy College, HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, ACT
During your first year of sponsorship, you'll attend this course to introduce you to basic military protocols and procedures. Whilst studying, you should expect to undertake some work placements in Navy during longer semester breaks
Following UEOC, you will continue to study your undergraduate studies. Once you complete requirements for admission to practise law, you will attend NEOC
Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Speciality skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Legal Training Module 1 (LTM1)
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: Military Law Training Centre (MLTC), Victoria Barracks, Paddington, Sydney, NSW
LTM1 is the Initial Employment Training (IET) for ADF Lawyers. It involves an intensive 2-week in-house course at the MLTC and a number of on-the-job tasks called LL1 Tasks and Assessment Criteria that are to be completed in the workplace after the in-house course under technical control of a supervisor. You need to complete the LL1 tasks within 18 months of completing LTM1.
Legal Training Module 2 (LTM2)
This training consists of the following courses:
- Military Justice Law
- Military Operations Law
- Military Legal Practice.
Each subject is delivered as a one or two-week intensive, followed by assessment tasks. LTM2 is usually completed over a period of 2 to 3 years. Completion will equip you with the knowledge and reference materials to work at the tactical and operational level at the senior Lieutenant and Lieutenant Commander levels.
Legal Training Module 3 (LTM3)
This training is completed by all lawyers and consists of 3 core subjects:
- Advanced Military Administrative Law
- Advanced Military Discipline Law
- Advanced Military Operations Law.
Each subject is delivered as a one-week intensive course, followed by assessment tasks and will be sufficient for the granting of a Graduate Certificate of Military Law. If you don’t already have a master’s degree, you can then complete a further 4 master’s level elective subjects at the University of Adelaide to qualify for the award of a Master of Laws. LTM3 is usually completed over a period of 4 years.
Joint Operations Law Consolidation Course (JOLC)
Navy Legal Officers who wish to deploy on operations need to complete the Joint Operations Law Consolidation Course (JOLC).
JOLC provides the opportunity for select Legal Officers to be brought up to date on ADF capability, the operational environment and relevant legal issues. The course enables participants to apply the knowledge, skills and practical experience they have gained in the workplace to prepare them to deploy on operations. Performance on JOLC informs the Director-General Military Legal Service about the suitability of participants for deployment in the near to medium term. The course also identifies professional development opportunities and activities participants should undertake in order to move them along the continuum to make them ready for deployment.