At a Glance
- Tasks: Work on complex criminal cases and make impactful legal decisions.
- Company: Join the Crown Prosecution Service, a key player in delivering justice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Structured training and clear paths for career progression.
- Why this job: Shape public trust by working on major cases that matter.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in criminal law.
The predicted salary is between 47900 - 60000 £ per year.
The Crown Prosecution Service, the independent body in England and Wales that prosecutes criminal cases investigated by the police, deciding charges, preparing cases, and presenting them in court while supporting victims.
As a senior crown prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, you work on some of the most complex and challenging cases - from fraud and firearms offences to public order and corporate manslaughter. Senior crown prosecutors are highly trained, experienced lawyers with excellent people skills and a passion for delivering justice. This role is largely office and/or court based. You are responsible for reviewing evidence and making decisions on whether a case should be prosecuted - in line with our Code for Crown Prosecutors. You are based in one of three units - magistrates' court, Crown Court or rape and serious sexual offences - depending on your experience level.
You represent the Crown Prosecution Service on the frontline, collaborating closely with colleagues and other criminal justice agencies, including the police and judiciary. You play a vital role in maintaining public confidence in our work. You benefit from a structured induction four-month training plan and opportunities to shadow colleagues across the organisation. Once you gain further experience, you have options to progress into legal manager and crown advocate roles.
Your roles and responsibilities
- To advise police and other investigators on casework and evidence requirements for a wide range of offences
- To review case files and charging decisions, providing legal advice and making the final decision, based on evidence, on whether prosecutions should proceed on cases for the magistrates' and Crown Court
- To undertake advocacy in relation to serious and sensitive cases in the magistrates' courts including Youth Courts, not guilty anticipated plea court lists, and multi-day trials
- To explain our decisions clearly to stakeholders including magistrates, counsel, victims, witnesses and the police
- To work effectively as part of a multi-skilled team and maintain up-to-date knowledge of criminal offences
Profile
- You will be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a valid practising certificate (CILEx candidates with advocacy rights are also eligible)
- Experienced in criminal law, ideally with Magistrates' and/or Crown Court exposure
- A confident decision-maker with strong analytical and advocacy skills
- Motivated by public service and the delivery of justice
- Comfortable working with external agencies and communicating with diverse audiences
Job Offer
- Salary: £55,975 - £71,400 - depending on location
- Pension: Generous public sector pension
- Leave: 25 days rising to 30, plus an additional privilege day
- Flexibility: Hybrid working and family-friendly policies
- Benefits: Parental leave, Cycle2Work, employee discounts
- Development: Structured induction, specialist legal training and progression into Legal Manager or Senior Advocate roles
- Impact: Work on major cases that shape public trust and legal outcomes
Please note that this role is available nationally, but this advert is specifically for candidates who would wish to be located in Bristol, Cardiff, Eastleigh, Exeter, Portsmouth, Reading, Swansea, Swindon and Truro.
Senior Crown Prosecutor (CPS) in London employer: Michael Page Legal
The Crown Prosecution Service is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where senior crown prosecutors engage with complex legal cases that significantly impact public trust and justice. With a strong commitment to employee development through structured training and clear progression pathways, alongside generous benefits such as a public sector pension and flexible working arrangements, the CPS fosters a supportive culture that values collaboration and professional growth in locations like Bristol and Cardiff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Crown Prosecutor (CPS) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Crown Prosecutors on LinkedIn or at legal events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your case law knowledge and the CPS's recent high-profile cases. Show us you’re passionate about justice and ready to tackle complex challenges!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of mock interviews. Grab a mate or mentor and run through potential questions. It’ll help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s your turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Crown Prosecutor (CPS) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in criminal law and any relevant cases you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Senior Crown Prosecutor, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills:As a Senior Crown Prosecutor, you'll need to make tough calls. Use your application to demonstrate your analytical abilities and decision-making process in previous roles. We love seeing examples of how you’ve navigated complex situations.
Communicate Clearly:Your ability to explain decisions to various stakeholders is key. In your written application, be clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication that reflects your understanding of the role and its responsibilities.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page Legal
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of criminal law, especially the specifics related to the Crown Prosecution Service. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legal precedents that might come up during the interview. This will show your passion for justice and your commitment to staying informed.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare to discuss your advocacy experience in detail. Think of specific cases where you had to make tough decisions or present complex arguments. Practising how you articulate these experiences can help demonstrate your confidence and analytical skills, which are crucial for a Senior Crown Prosecutor.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Be ready to explain how you see the role of a Senior Crown Prosecutor impacting public trust and the legal system. Reflect on the importance of collaboration with police and other agencies, and be prepared to discuss how you would maintain effective communication with diverse stakeholders.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the CPS's approach to complex cases and their training programmes. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals. It’s a two-way street!
