Lawyer
As a Lawyer, you’ll provide legal advice to Defence leaders at all levels, from commanding officers to the Chief of the Defence Force. You may also be deployed overseas to provide legal support to military commanders, including during exercises or operations.
You'll make sure that military operations and aviation comply with Australia's domestic and international legal obligations, assist commanders with personnel management, and ensure the military justice system runs smoothly.
What you'll do
You’ll provide legal support to the development, generation and application of military capability and the command, management and discipline of the ADF. This includes legal advice on operations law, international law, intelligence and security law, military discipline and administrative law, and military aspects of intergovernmental agreements and arrangements.
You’ll build strong professional relationships with commanders and colleagues, remaining impartial while providing practical solutions that enable the Air Force to accomplish its missions.
Your duties may include:
- Military Administrative Law – provide advice on administrative sanctions, fact-finding processes or the conduct of administrative inquiries, discrimination, privacy and freedom of information or responses to complaints or applications for redress of grievance. You may help train commanders and other ADF personnel who are involved in administrative decision-making.
- Military Operations Law – provide advice on the application of domestic and international law in air and space power, and more broadly across the ADF’s suite of operational capabilities. You’ll also provide legal support to ADF activities such as targeting, detention operations, and the conduct of security and humanitarian relief tasks.
- Military Discipline Law – support military discipline process from providing legal reports to commanders about proceedings that have resulted in a conviction to ensuring the process has been fair. You may act as counsel in higher-level tribunals, and also play an important role in training commanders and other ADF personnel who are involved in military discipline processes.
- Other areas of practice – assess legal risk of your unit’s activities and engage with experts in Defence Legal Division for specialist advice in areas such as workplace health and safety, copyright law, environmental law, and financial delegations and government contracts.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling will continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Air Force will provide you with leadership, management and communications training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your job-related skills. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Air Force.
Whether you join as a qualified lawyer or as an undergraduate, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake courses in 3 core fields including military discipline law, military administrative law and operations law. As you advance in your career, you could go on to study a Master of Laws (LLM) through the University of Adelaide.
As an officer in the Air Force, 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 could be posted to one of the many Air Force Bases or other Defence establishments within Australia, as well as limited overseas opportunities.
Discover where the Air Force operates across Australia on our base locations map.
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 ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
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 2 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.
For entry as a Lawyer, you must be of good character with no criminal convictions. If you have a number of lesser convictions or infringements, this may impact your chances of acceptance as an Air Force Lawyer.
At a minimum, you must be of good character and standing to obtain a restricted practising certificate in an Australian state or territory. You’ll also need to be able to obtain membership from a state or territory legal professional body e.g. law society or bar association.
Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.
Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.
Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you will apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.
You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you will undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.
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.
After you have completed LTM1 and the LL1 tasks, you can advance to Legal Training Module 2 (LTM2) and Legal Training Module 3 (LTM3), which are post IET courses for ADF Lawyers. LTM2 and LTM3 involve a number of one or 2-week intensive courses in the core areas of military administrative law, military discipline law, military operations law and military legal practice.
LTM2 course is developed and delivered by the MLTC.
LTM3 course is run externally through the University of Adelaide.
Lawyers who wish to deploy on operations need to complete the Joint Operations Law Consolidation Course (JOLC).
JOLC provides the opportunity for you to be brought up to date on ADF capability, the operational environment and relevant legal issues. The course enables you to apply the knowledge, skills and practical experience you have gained in the workplace to prepare you to deploy on operations. The course also identifies what professional development opportunities and activities you should undertake in order to move you along the continuum to make you 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.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 60 years, less the Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS).
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.
You can apply for DUS after having completed 12 months of a law degree (Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD), however, the Air Force will only sponsor the study from your date of appointment into the Air Force.
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 ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
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 (minimum of 2 years' service). 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.
For entry as a Lawyer, you must be of good character with no criminal convictions. If you have a number of lesser convictions or infringements, this may impact your chances of acceptance as an Air Force Lawyer.
At a minimum, you must be of good character and standing to obtain a restricted practising certificate in an Australian state or territory. You’ll also need to be able to obtain membership from a state or territory legal professional body e.g. law society or bar association.
Course: Undergraduate Familiarisation Course
Duration: 1 week
Location: Officers' Training School (OTS) RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
During your first year of sponsorship, you'll attend a one-week Familiarisation Course at RAAF Base East Sale. This will introduce you to basic military protocols and procedures.
Following graduation, you’ll undertake the Initial Officer Course of 12 weeks duration. This is a live-in course completed at RAAF Base East Sale.
Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.
Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.
Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you will apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.
You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you will undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.
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.
After you have completed LTM1 and the LL1 tasks, you can advance to Legal Training Module 2 (LTM2) and Legal Training Module 3 (LTM3), which are post IET courses for ADF Lawyers. LTM2 and LTM3 involve a number of one or 2-week intensive courses in the core areas of military administrative law, military discipline law, military operations law and military legal practice.
LTM2 course is developed and delivered by the MLTC.
LTM3 course is run externally through the University of Adelaide.
Lawyers who wish to deploy on operations need to complete the Joint Operations Law Consolidation Course (JOLC).
JOLC provides the opportunity for you to be brought up to date on ADF capability, the operational environment and relevant legal issues. The course enables you to apply the knowledge, skills and practical experience you have gained in the workplace to prepare you to deploy on operations. The course also identifies what professional development opportunities and activities you should undertake in order to move you along the continuum to make you ready for deployment.