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- Tasks: Join our legal trainee scheme and gain hands-on experience in criminal law.
- Company: Crown Prosecution Service, the largest employer of criminal law specialists in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, generous leave, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Kick-start your legal career with guaranteed progression to a crown prosecutor role.
- Qualifications: Must have a law degree and completed necessary legal training by September 2027.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ 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 solicitor.
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 are the biggest employer of criminal law specialists in England and Wales, and ranked as one of the most attractive employers for law students by Universum. 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 a two-year programme of courses and practical training to help you become a fully qualified solicitor. 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 after successfully completing your training period. You’re supported by a supervisor, who offers guidance and opportunities to develop your understanding of working as a prosecutor. You have at least one secondment in an area outside of criminal law, and 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 roles.
About you
We’re looking for aspiring solicitors with an interest in criminal law. You must have a law degree, Graduate Diploma in Law or Common Professional Examination, and have completed your Legal Practice Course or Solicitors Qualifying Examination before September 2027. Sound legal intellect and the ability to present cases clearly, both verbally and in writing is essential.
About our benefits
At the Crown Prosecution Service, we pride ourselves on providing benefits that ensure our employees’ needs are central. We want to ensure you can thrive at work and home, offering support to achieve a balance. This includes flexible working hours, flexibility to support caring responsibilities and a family-friendly approach to work. We also offer a range of benefits including:
- 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 - Solicitor 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 - Solicitor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former legal trainees at the Crown Prosecution Service. They can give you insider tips on what to expect and how to stand out during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by brushing up on criminal law topics. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to prosecution work. This will help you articulate your passion and knowledge effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through mock trials or legal debates. This not only hones your abilities but also demonstrates your commitment to the field. Plus, it’s a great way to build confidence before the real deal!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and resources to help you along the way.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Trainee Scheme - Solicitor
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 communication is key in law, ensure your written 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 recent cases they’ve handled. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your application but also show your genuine interest in joining their team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place and shows you’re serious about this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE
✨Know Your Criminal Law
Brush up on key concepts and recent developments in criminal law. The Crown Prosecution Service values candidates who can demonstrate a solid understanding of legal principles, so be prepared to discuss relevant cases or legislation during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a future solicitor, clear communication is crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts on legal matters concisely and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Justice
The CPS is all about delivering justice, so make sure you convey your genuine interest in this mission. Share experiences that highlight your commitment to fairness and integrity in the legal field, whether through volunteering or relevant coursework.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the trainee scheme, the work culture, or opportunities for professional development. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the CPS is the right fit for you.
