Job summary
Are you a talented barrister or solicitor looking to progress your career and take the next step into criminal law?�
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The crown prosecutor position is our entry level lawyer role, ideal if you�re a newly qualified lawyer or have no criminal law experience. You�re based in the magistrates� court, working with prosecution teams to review and present evidence in cases ranging from burglary and common assault, to motoring and drugs offences. Your work is challenging, varied and rewarding. You make a real difference in society, helping to secure justice for victims and witnesses of crime.�
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Crown prosecutors attend court in person for most of the working week. You benefit from a wealth of exposure and experience in the criminal court, furthering your criminal justice system knowledge and potential career progression.�
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The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is committed to the professional growth of our workforce, and we have created clear paths of progression to support prosperous careers. You benefit from a structured induction training plan, an individual learning account and opportunities to shadow colleagues across the organisation. You can apply for promotion opportunities including our senior crown prosecutor roles, aimed at lawyers with criminal law experience.�
Find out what our crown prosecutors say about working at the CPS,
Job description
As a crown prosecutor you decide whether there�s enough evidence to prosecute cases in the magistrates� court. Initially you work on straightforward cases, quickly progressing to deal with more serious casework. Once you�ve completed the Crown Prosecutor 5 Learning Stages, you�re able to advise police and other investigators - except statutory pre-charge advice, and undertake advocacy, review and case preparation in summary and either-way matters heard in the magistrates� court.�
See the attached job description for all role responsibilities.
Person specification
1. You must be a qualified practising lawyer with an interest in criminal law.�
2. You must demonstrate your commitment to public service, making a difference to the communities we serve and our CPS values.�
3. You�re focused on personal development and career progression.�
Qualifications
Legally qualified: You must be a qualified practising solicitor or barrister holding a valid Practising Certificate for England and Wales.
Academic: You must have a law degree, Common Professional Examination and/or Graduate Diploma in Law.
Professional: You 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, either the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Bar Standards Board.
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CILEx: You must be a Fellow of CILEx and a CILEx Advocate/Litigator holding all three advocacy certificates providing you with a �general qualification� within the meaning of (3) (c) Courts and Legal Services Act 1990. You must have a right of audience in relation to any class of proceedings in any part of the Senior Courts, or all proceedings in county courts or magistrates' courts in order to meet the requirements for a Crown Prosecutor specified by section 1 Prosecution of Offences Act 1985. If you don�t hold this CILEx qualification, you�re not eligible to apply for this vacancy. If you�re unsure whether you have qualified through CILEx, contact us to establish your eligibility for this role.
If you apply and are found not to possess any of the above, any offer of employment will be withdrawn, or contract terminated.
Equivalent qualifications won�t be accepted. If you�re unsure about your eligibility please contact NationalLawyerR
The eligibility criteria must be met by Monday 22nd July 2024. If you�re able to obtain a valid Practising Certificate and will be fully qualified by this date, you�re eligible to apply.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
4. Making Effective Decisions
5. Communicating and Influencing
6. Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
7. You must have a Law Degree or Common Professional Examination/Graduate Diploma in Law
8. You must have completed a Legal Practice Course, Solicitors Qualifying Exam or Bar Vocational Course/Bar Professional Training Course You must have completed the relevant pupillage / training contract
9. You must be a qualified Barrister or Solicitor
10. You must demonstrate motivation
11. You must demonstrate the appropriate level of legal Intellect
Benefits
Alongside your salary of �40,500, Crown Prosecution Service contributes �10,935 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Join the Crown Prosecution Service and find your purpose
Delivering justice is a complex pursuit with work that is sometimes emotionally challenging, which is why we offer a range of benefits including:�
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12. a Civil Service contributory pension of up to 27%�
13. 25 days� leave, increasing to 30 days after 5 years�
14. an extra privilege day to mark the King's birthday�
15. competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave�
16. flexible working and a family-friendly approach to work�
17. a Cycle2Work scheme, employee savings�
18. a range of learning and development activities, an individual learning account, and central and local development opportunities.�
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We offer hybrid working, which can enable you to work a proportion of your role remotely. Eligibility and the degree of home working will vary depending on the requirements of your role. Further details can be discussed at offer stage.�
Crown Prosecutors
Please note, while the CPS operates a hybrid working policy, Crown Prosecutors are court-based positions only. �Successful candidates will therefore be required in-person at court daily, to carry out the responsibilities of the CPS is a disability confident employer so is committed to make reasonable adjustments which will enable daily attendance at court.
We encourage you to consider if the commute from home to the office/court is a feasible distance to travel before making an application. If you are successful, hybrid working will be discussed prior to taking up the post.