The position dates to the sixteenth century but was filled on an occasional basis until 1663 when it became a permanent role.

Appointments were by Admiralty Order and included an annual stipend worth £146 between 1663 and 1666, and £182 thereafter.

From 1824 the Judge Advocate jointly held the office of Counsel to the Admiralty.

A remunerated position of Deputy Judge Advocate existed from 1668 to 1679, and again from 1684 to 1831.

However the Chief Naval Judge Advocate's post was abolished in 2004[2] following a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that held that, as a serving naval officer, his position was insufficiently independent.