At a Glance
- Tasks: Make independent decisions on cases and present them in court.
- Company: Join a national public sector authority at the heart of criminal justice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and 25+ days leave.
- Why this job: Gain courtroom experience and develop advocacy skills with structured support.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister; LPC/SQE/Bar Training completed.
- Other info: Excellent training and clear career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 47720 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to join a national public sector prosecuting authority in an entry-level Prosecutor role, based in locations local to you. It's ideal for newly qualified lawyers or lawyers looking to retrain into criminal law, with no prior criminal experience required. You'll receive a comprehensive induction, structured training and early advocacy experience in the Magistrates' Court.
You’ll be joining a national public body at the heart of the criminal justice system, responsible for making fair, independent decisions on prosecutions across England and Wales. The organisation is known for its excellent training, clear career pathways and commitment to public service. You’ll work alongside experienced prosecutors, investigators and legal professionals, gaining exposure to a wide variety of cases and developing into a confident courtroom advocate.
The Criminal Lawyer will be responsible for:
- Making independent decisions on whether cases should proceed or be discontinued
- Advising police and investigators on evidential and legal issues
- Preparing and presenting prosecution cases in the Magistrates' Court
- Communicating decisions clearly to courts, police, witnesses and defendants
- Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary legal team
You will be:
- A qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a valid practising certificate (CILEx candidates with advocacy rights are also eligible)
- Completed LPC / SQE / Bar Training or equivalent
- Motivated, intellectually strong and committed to public service
- Keen to develop advocacy skills and courtroom confidence
- Comfortable making decisions and communicating them clearly
- Ready to build criminal law expertise quickly with structured support
Job Offer:
- Salary: £44,000 - £47,720
- Pension: Generous public sector pension up to 28%
- Leave: 25 days rising to 30 after 5 years, plus an additional privilege day
- Flexibility: Hybrid and flexible working options, family-friendly policies
- Training: Structured four-month induction plus ongoing development
- Progression: Clear routes into senior prosecutor, advocacy and legal management
Apply now or contact Michael Bailey at Michael Page for more information.
Criminal Lawyer - NQ+ in Wakefield employer: Michael Page Legal
Contact Detail:
Michael Page Legal Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Lawyer - NQ+ in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the criminal law field through LinkedIn or local legal events. We can’t stress enough how valuable connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios you might face as a prosecutor. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for public service during interviews. We want to see your commitment to justice and how you can contribute to the team. Share any relevant experiences, even if they’re not directly related to criminal law.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Lawyer - NQ+ in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Criminal Lawyer role. Highlight any relevant legal training or advocacy experience, even if it’s from other areas of law.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for criminal law and public service. Share why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to the team.
Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills: Since the role involves making independent decisions, be sure to provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to analyse situations and make sound judgments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page Legal
✨Know Your Criminal Law Basics
Brush up on the fundamentals of criminal law before your interview. Familiarise yourself with key concepts, recent case law, and the role of a prosecutor. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the position but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the field.
✨Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you had to make tough decisions. Highlight how you approached these situations, the factors you considered, and the outcomes. This is crucial as the role involves making independent decisions on whether cases should proceed.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Since the job requires clear communication with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts concisely. You might want to simulate courtroom scenarios or explain legal concepts to someone unfamiliar with the law. This will help you convey your ideas effectively during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
The organisation values public service highly, so be prepared to discuss why you are passionate about this area. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to work in the public sector, especially in criminal law. This will resonate well with the interviewers.