From Courtroom to Combat Boots: A Barrister’s Journey into Army Legal Services

When you think of Army careers, you might picture camouflage, discipline, and physical endurance. But behind the scenes, there’s a world of professional roles that challenge stereotypes and offer surprising opportunities.

One of those roles is within the Army Legal Services (ALS) - where lawyers serve not just in courtrooms, but across the globe, supporting operations, advising commanders, and shaping military justice. This is the story of one officer, Major Brooke, who made the leap from the Criminal Bar to the British Army and found a career richer and more fulfilling than expected. She has also recently featured in the Counsel Magazine.

Before the Army: A Life in Law

“I commissioned into the ALS in 2015. Prior to this, I was a criminal barrister practising at the independent Criminal Bar as a tenant at 187 Chambers,” she shares. With no prior military experience—no cadets, no reserves, no family ties—the Army wasn’t an obvious next step.

But sometimes, the best paths are the ones you don’t see coming.

Why Join the Army?

“Whilst I loved the nature of the work at the Bar, there were other aspects of the job that I found difficult,” she explains. “The uncertainty of getting briefs, the inability to plan ahead or to find the time to pursue my pastimes/socialise.”

The turning point came after attended Court Martials several times and speaking with ALS officers. “I was fascinated by the role of Army lawyers, even beyond the courtroom,” she said. “When I applied, I don’t know what I expected… I certainly didn’t expect that ten years later I would be reflecting on the rich and fulfilling career I have enjoyed so far within the ALS.”

A Career Full of Variety

One of the biggest surprises? The sheer variety of work.

“Within the ALS, officers rotate around postings available to their rank every two years, which provides every officer with a breadth of legal experience”. “I have advised the chain of command on Criminal, Service Law and administrative matters, Employment Law issues… and delivered training packages to various formations.”

Major Brooke also appeared in the Court Martials, represented the chain of command in custody applications, and advised on the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) in barracks, on exercises, and during operations.

Some of her career highlights include:

• “Spending three months in Brunei with The First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles where I deployed on exercise both to Kenya and into the Bruneian jungle.”

• “Attending a legal symposium at West Point Military Academy.”

• “Deploying to Iraq on operations as the Legal Advisor.”

These are experiences few civilian lawyers ever encounter—and they’re all part of life in the ALS.

Growing as a Lawyer and Leader

The Army doesn’t just develop soldiers—it develops people.

“I have developed markedly as a lawyer since joining the Army,” she reflects. “I credit the breadth of experience gained through being afforded the chance to practice in a wide variety of legal fields, working for, and with, an array of officers… and being exposed to different leadership styles.”

Leadership training has boosted their confidence, sharpened their decision-making, and helped them become a better role model for junior officers. “It has also caused me to reflect on the qualities I admire in leaders as I strive to be the best role model I can.”

Finding Balance

Work/life balance is often a myth in the legal world. But in the Army, it’s a reality.

“A good work/life balance was one of the key drivers for me joining the ALS,” they say. “Personally, I struggled to achieve any balance whilst at the Bar… the work was all consuming.”

Now, things are different. “In general my working week is Monday to Friday, and I have time to pursue extra-curricular activities/hobbies; I play Army Netball, am the Secretary of the Army Servicewomen’s Network, have participated in Battlefield Studies and Adventurous Training including skiing, sailing and trekking expeditions all over the world.”

Most importantly, “I also have more time to spend with my family, which I cherish.”

Are you ready to be part of it?

This story isn’t just about one person—it’s about possibility. It’s about breaking down assumptions and showing that the Army isn’t just for those with a military background. It’s for anyone with the skills, drive, and curiosity to try something new.

If you’re a legal professional looking for a career that challenges, supports, and surprises you - maybe it’s time to consider the Army Legal Services.