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.
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 (June)
Online applications will be open between 2 - 28 June 2026.
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 - Feb)
Candidates who pass the online application stage will be invited to undertake the Army’s medical assessments.
- Stage 3Main Board (Short) (Jan - Apr)
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 - May)
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 places (May)
We anticipate that offers for the ALS Cadetship will be made in May, ahead of training in September.
Approximately 2-3 offers will be made.
Cadetship FAQs
More about the role
