Army Legal Services

Find out more about the Army Legal Services (ALS), what they do and how you can join

Army Legal Services is a specialist branch of the Adjutant General's Corps, providing legal support to the British Army and wider Defence.

ALS’ responsibilities are extensive, from giving legal advice on international, civil and military law and advising on operational law, the law of armed conflict and rules of engagement to prosecuting in the Court Martial.

As an officer in the Army Legal Service, you will be a professionally qualified soldier, barrister or Scottish advocate, you'll be involved in anything that requires legal support. You'll also have the opportunity to travel and take part in Adventurous Training as part of your job.

What's it like?

Listen to Army Barrister, Sarah Gerrard talking about her role on the Grey's Inn Podcast.

Listen to Podcast

Warfare no longer looks like a tank driving over a battlefield. These days lawyers are on the frontline – in every sense.
The Head of Army Legal Services

Army Legal Services Cadetship Programme

The Army Legal Services (ALS) is excited to launch the ALS Cadetship for 2026.

The Cadetship will offer the funding and training for those holding a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) to qualify as either a Solicitor or Barrister.

While you complete your chosen track, you will be an Officer Cadet in the British Army, and when fully qualified, you will train at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and then be commissioned into the ALS as a Legal Officer (Captain) on completion.

The Cadetship Application Process

Stage 1Online Applications (Jun 2025 – Jul 2025)
Online applications will open at 0900hrs on 2 Jun 2025 and close at 1700hrs on 31 Jul 2025.
Candidates will then be provided with an application form to complete from their Candidate Support Manager. On this application form, candidates will indicate whether they intend to pursue the Barrister or Solicitor Track.
At this stage, we will also ask for your permission to obtain your medical records.
Apply now
Stage 2Medical Assessment (Sep 2025 – Feb 2026)
Candidates who pass the online application stage will be invited to undertake the Army’s medical assessments.
The deadline for a medical pass will be Friday 27 February 2026 for the ALS Cadetship 2026.
Stage 3Main Board (Short) (Jan 2026 – Apr 2026)
Once candidates have a medical pass, they will be invited to attend Main Board (Short) at Westbury.
Our specialist team will brief candidates in advance on what is expected during Board.
Stage 4ALS Arms Selection Board (Apr 2026 – May 2026)
Those who are selected from Main Board (Short) will attend an ALS Arm Selection Board. This will includ a competency interview and legal exercises.
Again, candidates will be provided with instructions in advance of this stage to assist with their preparation.
Stage 5Offers for ALS Cadetship 2026 places (May 2026)
We anticipate that offers for the ALS Cadetship 2026 will be made in May 2026, ahead of training in September 2026.
Approximately 2-3 offers will be made.

Cadetship FAQs

There are two tracks available within the programme:

Barrister’s Track. Candidates will undertake the Bar Training Course (year 1) before being seconded to a set of Chambers for Pupillage (year 2). Successful candidates who have completed the Bar Training Course before starting the ALS Cadetship are eligible to apply and will undertake Pupillage only (12 months).
Solicitor’s Track. Candidates will undertake two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) within ALS. They will move through a number of seats across ALS’ practice areas whilst completing their Solicitors’ Qualifying Exams (SQE) online part-time. Successful candidates who have completed the SQE 1 and / or 2 before starting the ALS Cadetship are eligible to apply and will undertake the QWE element only (24 months).

More about the role

Adjutant General’s Corps

Legal Officer

As an Army Legal Officer you will advise on a range of legal issues across the Army. You will have a challenging and interesting career with opportunities which few other legal practices could offer.