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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: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, generous leave, and a strong pension plan.
- 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: Opportunities for professional growth and specialisation in various crime areas.
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 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 in Preston 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 Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend legal events, seminars, and workshops to meet professionals in the field. Don’t be shy – introduce yourself and chat about your aspirations; you never know who might have a lead on a great opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you nail those tricky questions. Focus on articulating your passion for criminal law and how you can contribute to the Crown Prosecution Service.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current legal issues and cases. Being knowledgeable about recent developments in criminal law will impress interviewers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the legal trainee scheme and what we’re looking for in candidates like you.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Trainee Scheme - Barrister in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect your passion for criminal law and the specific skills mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you align with our values and what makes you a great fit for the legal trainee scheme.
Showcase Your Legal Skills: Highlight your legal intellect and ability to present cases clearly, both verbally and in writing. Use examples from your studies or any relevant experience to demonstrate these skills. We love seeing how you can communicate complex ideas effectively!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for aspiring barristers who are not just qualified but also passionate about making a difference in the legal field. Don’t be afraid to share your motivations and aspirations!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and gives you access to all the latest updates about the legal trainee scheme. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 during your interview will show your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Practice Your Advocacy Skills
Since this role is all about presenting cases, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your delivery and receive constructive feedback.
✨Understand the Crown Prosecution Service
Familiarise yourself with the CPS's mission, values, and recent high-profile cases. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the organisation and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the trainee scheme, mentorship opportunities, and career progression. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
