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.
Entry 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.
You must be a minimum of 17 years of age upon entry.
You must be of good character assessed by study of testimonials and a police record check.
You must be free of any criminal conviction for the previous two years.
You must pass an Officer Selection Board.
You 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.
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.
You should have completed registration with the New Zealand Law Society and have two years 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.
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
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.
Free and subsidised medical and dental care, access to subsidised equipment on base, subsidised food on base, competitive superannuation, up to 4% with KiwiSaver, and sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels are also provided.
Ready to start your Navy career?
#J-18808-Ljbffr