Considering joining the RAF as a Legal Officer - looking for honest insights
I’m due to qualify as a solicitor in the UK in coming months and currently exploring different legal career paths, and recently I’ve become really interested in the possibility of joining the RAF as a Legal Officer.
I’ve read through the RAF website and a few online discussions but I still feel like there’s a gap between the official information and what the role is actually like in practice.
I’d really appreciate insight from anyone currently serving, previously served or who has knowledge of the RAF legal branch.
A few things I’m curious about:
What does legal practice in the RAF actually look like compared to working in a law firm or wider public sector legal role?
Aside from the starting salary, what does salary progression realistically look like over time?
How common are postings outside the UK for Legal Officers?
How do practice area rotations work? Are you posted into areas based on operational need or do you eventually get some choice/specialisation?
Finally, how competitive is the recruitment process for someone joining directly from civilian life, especially considering it’s an officer role? I’m curious about how selective the process actually is.
I’d genuinely appreciate honest perspectives, good or bad. It seems like a really unique career path but I’m trying to understand the realities before making any serious decisions.