Crown Prosecutor in Stafford

Train as a Crown Prosecutor based in Stoke-on-Trent. As a Crown Prosecutor, you're based in the magistrates' court, working with prosecution teams to review and present evidence in cases ranging from common assault to drugs offences. The Crown Prosecutor position is our entry-level lawyer role, ideal for newly qualified lawyers or those with no criminal law experience. You will gain exposure in the criminal court, further developing your legal knowledge and career progression.

Initially, you will work on more straightforward cases but should progress quickly to dealing with more serious casework. Upon completion of your Crown Prosecutor training, you will be able to advise police and other investigators (except statutory pre-charge advice), undertake advocacy, review and prepare cases in summary and either-way matters heard in the magistrates' court.

Your role involves advocacy in the Magistrates Court, where you will spend most of your time prosecuting a full range of cases. You will work with stakeholders, including the police, court staff, and defence solicitors, and support victims and witnesses attending court to give evidence in contested matters. You will benefit from a structured induction, a four-month training plan, and opportunities to shadow colleagues across the organisation. Once you gain further experience, you have options to progress into senior Crown Prosecutor, Crown Advocate, and legal manager roles.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Prepare and present cases for prosecution in the magistrates' court.
• Advise police and other investigators on casework in a wide range of summary-only and some either-way offences.
• Decide, based on evidence, whether prosecutions should proceed or be discontinued in matters heard in the magistrates' court.
• Explain decisions clearly to stakeholders including magistrates, counsel, victims, witnesses, and the police.
• Work effectively as part of a multi-skilled team.

Person Specification:

• You must be a qualified lawyer.
• Demonstrate commitment to public service and the values of the Crown Prosecution Service.
• Focus on personal development and career progression.

Behaviours: Making Effective Decisions, Communicating and Influencing.

Technical Skills: Demonstrate motivation and the appropriate level of legal intellect.

Profile: A successful Crown Prosecutor must be a qualified solicitor or barrister and able to obtain a valid Practising Certificate for England and Wales.

Academic Requirements: Must have a law degree, Common Professional Examination and/or Graduate Diploma in Law.

Professional Requirements: Must have completed a Legal Practice Course, Solicitors Qualifying Exam or Bar Professional Training Course and the relevant pupillage and training contract, or have received full exemption from the relevant professional regulatory body.

CILEx Requirements: Must be a Fellow of CILEx and a CILEx Advocate/Litigator holding all three advocacy certificates.

If you apply and are found not to possess any of the above qualifications, any offer of employment will be withdrawn or contract terminated.

Job Offer: Alongside your salary of £44,520, the Crown Prosecution Service contributes £12,897 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. We offer a range of support to achieve a balance between work and home, including flexibility of working hours and a family-friendly approach to work.

Delivering justice is complex and sometimes emotionally challenging, which is why we offer a range of benefits including a Civil Service contributory pension of up to 28.9%, 25 days' leave increasing to 30 days after 5 years, an extra privilege day to mark the King's birthday, competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave, flexible working, a Cycle2Work scheme, employee savings, and a range of learning and development activities.