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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 Legal Trainee Scheme - Barrister in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former trainees at the Crown Prosecution Service. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your criminal law knowledge and be ready to discuss recent cases. We want to see your passion and understanding of the field, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you’ve done any relevant work experience or mooting competitions, make sure to highlight that. We love seeing practical experience that aligns with the responsibilities of a barrister.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the scheme and what we’re looking for in candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace 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 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 in your application can show your genuine interest and commitment to joining their team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that your application is received directly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE
✨Know Your Criminal Law
Brush up on key concepts in criminal law, especially those relevant to the Crown Prosecution Service. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or legal developments that showcase your understanding and passion for the field.
✨Practice Your Advocacy Skills
Since this role is all about presenting cases clearly, practice articulating your thoughts on various legal scenarios. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with speaking confidently and persuasively.
✨Showcase Your Commitment to Justice
The Crown Prosecution Service values candidates who are passionate about delivering justice. Be ready to share experiences or motivations that highlight your dedication to this cause, whether through volunteer work or relevant coursework.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the legal trainee scheme and the CPS's approach to training. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Think about asking about mentorship opportunities or specific areas of law you could explore during your training.
