Better than law of averages

Flight Lieutenant Wallis displays her certificate and diploma. Photo by SGT Troy Rogers

By LACW Simone Liebelt

THERE was no objection as Flight Lieutenant Catherine Wallis accepted the Certificate for Most Outstanding Achievement at the inaugural graduation ceremony of the Post Graduate Diploma in Military Law.

FLTLT Wallis, Legal Officer Headquarters Combat Support Group, was one of 12 students to complete the new compulsory course – designed specifically for ADF lawyers – as part of the new Legal officer career structure.

The career structure comprises a new pay scale which rates competency and experience above rank, requiring Legal Officers to complete set courses, including the Post Graduate Diploma in Military Law, to advance to the next level.

FLTLT Wallis, who joined the Air Force as an undergraduate lawyer in 1997, said the course covered theory and practical scenarios in core areas of military law, a specialist area not taught in law degrees.

“The Diploma gives junior Legalos the skills they need to provide accurate and practical advice to Commanders,” FLTLT Wallis said.

“This is especially important because many junior legal officers are the sole source of legal advice to Commanders on base.”

With her next ambition to work in a flying wing as a Wing Legal Officer, FLTLT Wallis described being an Air Force lawyer as extremely rewarding.

“I can’t think of any other legal job anywhere with as much variety of work, and that is at the same time both interesting and challenging.”

The Post Graduate Diploma in Military Law graduation ceremony was held at Melbourne University on December 4.

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