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Legal Officer
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Regular
Currently recruiting
Analysis & maths | Travelling the world | Helping people
Pay During Training
£52,800 + Benefits
The RAF's mission and outputs give rise to a variety of legal matters. RAF Legal Officers draw upon a uniquely diverse range of legal sources and skills to deliver effective and operationally focused legal services to the RAF and Defence.
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What Will You Do?
As an Officer within the RAF, your contribution might include:
- Advising military commanders and staff on domestic and international law, including on the law of armed conflict
- Advising on military law, air law, space law, employment law, and health and safety law
- Developing and assisting with the drafting of legislation relating to the Armed Forces
- Undertaking defence and/or prosecution advocacy at the Court Martial, the Service Civilian Court and the Summary Appeal Court
- Advising Commanding Officers in relation to criminal and discipline proceedings, including investigations, custody, and pre-charge and post-charge actions
- Advising the RAF and wider Defence in relation to matters governed by the Armed Forces Act 2006 and other legal sources specific to the Armed Forces, including the Service Complaint process and Terms of Service
- Acting as a Legal Adviser to service inquiry panels
Requirements at a Glance
- Be aged 24 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
- Meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria (see full details in the Entry Requirements section below)
- Be either a member of the Bar of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and have completed pupillage, or be a solicitor admitted to the Roll of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
- Applications from legal executives will not be processed
- Commit to a minimum 6 years service
- Pass a fitness test
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have completed their professional/educational qualifications. The maximum age to apply is 47 as candidates must attest by their 48th birthday.
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
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Education Requirements
You must be either a member of the Bar of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and have completed pupillage, or be a solicitor admitted to the Roll of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Applications from legal executives will not be processed.
Nationality & Residency
Specific criteria apply.
Fitness Requirements
Applicants must pass a fitness test.
Health Requirements
Applicants must meet certain medical standards to be fit for military duty.
Background Checks
Applicants will undergo background checks.
Disqualifying Factors
Some factors may disqualify applicants; further information is available upon request.
Career, Training & Education
Your personal success is vital to the RAF's success. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field, with options to support your education. The experience you gain will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
Phase One Training
Initial Training – 12 weeks at RAF Cranwell. All Specialist Branch officers begin their RAF career on the Specialist Officers Initial Training Course (SOITC) at the RAF College Cranwell.
Phase Two Training
Specialist training – ongoing, as assigned. As a fully qualified solicitor or barrister, you already have the core legal skills you need.
First Tour
Specialist training – ongoing, as assigned. For your first tour, you could be posted to a Regional Legal Office on a major operational flying station in the UK.
Your Career Prospects
Ongoing development – ongoing, as assigned. You will join the RAF as a Flight Lieutenant on an Initial Commission of 6 years.
Ongoing Development
Ongoing training – ongoing, as assigned. In accordance with Bar Council or Law Society policy guidance, you will be able to maintain your Continuing Professional Development currency.
Transferable Skills
Ongoing development – ongoing, as assigned. As a Legal Officer in the RAF, you will have all the developmental opportunities and career prospects of your civilian counterparts.
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Why Join as an Officer?
When you become an RAF Officer, your responsibilities start from day one. You’ll be tasked with leading a team, building a sense of camaraderie, and making quick decisions. Become tomorrow’s leader. Start today.
Why Join the RAF?
Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
- Rent from £75p/m
- Free gym
- Subsidised food
- Health care
- World travel
Training
What Happens After Applying
Joining the RAF takes several steps. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
- Specialist Interview – An in-person interview with the Legal Profession Adviser Team to assess your legal knowledge, skills, experience, and professional suitability. The interview lasts about an hour and provides an opportunity to ask questions about the RAF or role.
- Health Assessment – You must meet certain medical standards and pass an occupational health assessment focusing on hearing, eyesight, body mass index, and overall health.
- Fitness Test – You must complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC), a 2.4km run at a local gym. Performance levels differ by age and gender, with training plans available to assist preparation.
- OASC – The Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre visit lasts one day (arrive the day before). Officers assess leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving. The day ends with an interview covering achievements and motivation for joining the RAF.
- Familiarisation Visit – A 2-day visit to gain insight into officer training, including kit issue, lectures, and a repeat fitness test.
- Acceptance – Upon successful completion of previous stages, you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview to ensure understanding of terms and conditions and commitment to joining.
- Training – Begin your RAF career on the Specialist Officers Initial Training Course (SOITC) at RAF College Cranwell, including fitness development, military training, academic study, and practical leadership challenges.
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