At a Glance
- 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 hours, generous leave, and a Civil Service pension with high employer contributions.
- 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: Supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and specialisation in various crime areas.
The predicted salary is between 8000 - 14000 £ per month.
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
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
- 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
- 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.
Cynllun Hyfforddeion Cyfreithiol - Bargyfreithiwr / Legal Trainee Scheme - Barrister in London employer: CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE
Contact Detail:
CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cynllun Hyfforddeion Cyfreithiol - Bargyfreithiwr / Legal Trainee Scheme - Barrister in London
✨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 that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you feel more confident. Remember, we want to see your passion for criminal law shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the Crown Prosecution Service thoroughly. Knowing their values and recent cases can give you an edge in interviews. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the legal trainee scheme right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Cynllun Hyfforddeion Cyfreithiol - Bargyfreithiwr / Legal Trainee Scheme - Barrister in London
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 will not only help you understand their work better but also allow you to express why you want to be part of their team in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered, plus you’ll find all the necessary information about the process there!
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. Being able to discuss relevant cases or legislation will show your passion and understanding of the field, which is crucial for a role at the Crown Prosecution Service.
✨Practice Your Advocacy Skills
Since this role involves presenting cases, it’s essential to demonstrate your advocacy skills during the interview. Consider doing mock interviews or practice presentations to build your confidence and refine your delivery.
✨Showcase Your Commitment to Justice
The Crown Prosecution Service values candidates who are dedicated to delivering justice. Be prepared to share examples from your experiences that highlight your commitment to ethical practices and your motivation to work in criminal law.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the legal trainee scheme and the work culture at the Crown Prosecution Service. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your career goals.