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- Tasks: Join our legal trainee scheme to gain hands-on experience in criminal law and advocacy.
- Company: Crown Prosecution Service, the largest provider of criminal law pupillages in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Kick-start your legal career and become a fully qualified barrister with guaranteed employment.
- Qualifications: Must have a law degree and completed Bar Course by September 2027.
- Other info: Enjoy professional growth opportunities and support from experienced supervisors.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 42000 £ per year.
Applications are now open for the Crown Prosecution Service legal trainee scheme. This is an exciting opportunity to kick‑start your legal career and become a fully qualified barrister.
About the Crown Prosecution Service
At the Crown Prosecution Service, we’re responsible for delivering justice through the independent and effective prosecution of crime. We’re the largest provider of criminal law pupillages in England and Wales, offering you comprehensive training and a permanent role at the employed Bar after successfully completing our legal trainee scheme. We’re proud to be recognised by our legal trainees in the Legal 500 Future Lawyers survey 2025 for our client secondments, confidence of being kept on, work/life balance, inclusiveness, international secondments and approachability.
About the legal trainee scheme
Our legal trainee scheme is an extensive training programme to help you become a fully qualified barrister. You gain valuable experience in all areas of our legal work, from reviewing cases and preparing pre‑charge advice to attending meetings with victims and witnesses. You’re guaranteed a permanent position as a crown prosecutor or crown advocate after successfully completing your pupillage. You are supported by a supervisor who offers guidance and opportunities to develop your understanding of working as a prosecutor. Your first six months are non‑practising – completing advocacy training, legal courses and an optional secondment in chambers. During your remaining six months, you put your training into practice – building your advocacy skills, presenting cases in court and working with criminal justice partners. You can develop your knowledge by working in specialist crime areas including rape and serious sexual offences, organised crime and fraud. We’re committed to your professional growth and expect, following your initial role in the magistrates’ court, that you have the necessary skills to apply for promotion opportunities based in the Crown Court including senior crown prosecutor and senior crown advocate roles.
About you
We’re looking for aspiring barristers with an interest in criminal law. You must have a law degree, Graduate Diploma in Law or Common Professional Examination, and have completed your Bar Course before September 2027. Sound legal intellect and the ability to present cases clearly, both verbally and in writing is essential.
About our benefits
- Flexible and family‑friendly working
- Competitive salary
- Civil Service pension, with an average employer contribution of 28.9%
- 25 days leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays
- 3 days paid volunteering leave
- An extra privilege day for the King’s birthday
- £350 a year individual learning budget
- Wellbeing support and counselling
- Cycle2work scheme, high street retailer offers and discounts
If you’re ready to take the next step in your legal career, find out more and apply today.
Legal Trainee Scheme - Barrister employer: CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE
Contact Detail:
CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Trainee Scheme - Barrister
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend legal events, seminars, and workshops to meet people in the field. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections; you never know who might help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can really boost your confidence. We recommend focusing on articulating your passion for criminal law and your understanding of the CPS's role in delivering justice.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio of your work, including any relevant projects or experiences. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their legal intellect and advocacy skills through real examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re excited to see fresh talent eager to join our legal trainee scheme and kick-start their career as a barrister.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Trainee Scheme - Barrister
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the legal trainee scheme. Highlight your interest in criminal law and any relevant coursework or experiences that showcase your legal intellect.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since clear written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is well-structured and free of errors. Use concise language and make your points clearly to demonstrate your ability to present cases effectively.
Research the Crown Prosecution Service: Familiarise yourself with the CPS's values and mission. Mentioning specific aspects of their work or recent cases can show your genuine interest and commitment to becoming a part of their team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. This ensures it reaches us directly and allows you to access all the necessary information about the application process and requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE
✨Know Your Criminal Law
Make sure you brush up on key concepts in criminal law before the interview. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legal principles that are relevant to the Crown Prosecution Service. This will not only show your passion for the field but also demonstrate your commitment to becoming a barrister.
✨Practice Your Advocacy Skills
Since this role is all about advocacy, it’s crucial to practice your speaking and presentation skills. Consider doing mock interviews or joining a debate club to refine your ability to present cases clearly and confidently. Remember, clarity and persuasion are key!
✨Show Your Interest in the CPS
Research the Crown Prosecution Service and its values. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work there specifically and how you align with their mission of delivering justice. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to be part of their team.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the training programme, opportunities for specialisation, or what they enjoy most about working at the CPS. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
