The defence of the realm depends on the law of war. Deployed strategically throughout the defence infrastructure are lawyers, civilian and military, to ensure that there is a legal framework to support the military muscle.

Inevitably much of this work is high profile and sensitive. From major events, such as the inquest into the deaths of ten servicemen in a downed Hercules C130 in Iraq which finished this month, through to compensation and pensions for disabled ex-servicemen and women, Ministry of Defence (MoD) lawyers are deeply involved with issues of enormous public interest.

That is one of the compelling features of the job, says Fenella Brooks, pictured, a lawyer working in the ministry.

“The work of lawyers in the MoD covers fields as varied as freedom of information, international law and the law of armed conflict, the application of the Armed Forces Act, and personnel and pensions. In each of these areas you can help to shape legislation and establish regulations that will be of major significance for our Armed Forces.”

Brooks is one of about 60 civilian lawyers, barristers and solicitors, working alongside some 200 military lawyers. As a relatively late entrant to the law (she worked previously for the British Council) she is a member of the Government Legal Service and will spend several years at the MoD before moving on elsewhere.

Because of the highly specialist nature of aspects of legal work in the defence field the MoD has also set up its own Legal Advisory Service to cultivate long-term career opportunities for those who wish to stay within the department. There is also the chance to work abroad in countries such as Germany and Cyprus.

For those who want to combine law and a career as a commissioned officer there is the attraction of joining the legal services of one of the three Armed Services.

Recruitment into the Army Legal Services, for example, is aimed at qualified barristers and solicitors who enter with the rank of captain and, in addition to their legal skills, are required to have leadership capabilities.

Navy Legal Service lawyers have been posted to Afghanistan with the Royal Marines commandos, where they have investigated troop conduct, liaised with local authorities and advised battle commanders on the rules of engagement.

The Directorate of Legal Services for the RAF, meanwhile, has about 40 uniformed lawyers who undertake a similar role including, for example, doing all courts martial work.

When it comes to courts martial, accused servicemen and women have the right to be defended by civilian lawyers and there is now a growing base of firms in civvy street that practise military law. For example, 18 firms are now grouped together into the Forces Law network.

www.forceslaw.com

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