Job summary
As a senior crown prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), you deliver justice for some of the most complex and challenging cases, from fraud and firearms offences to public order and corporate manslaughter.�
The senior crown prosecutor position is for experienced lawyers with previous criminal law experience. You�re based in either the magistrates� or Crown Court in a largely office-based role, making decisions on whether a case should be prosecuted. You work with colleagues across the criminal justice system to review and present evidence in serious and sensitive cases.�
Your work is challenging, varied and rewarding. You can make a real difference in society and secure justice for victims and witnesses of crime.�
The 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. Once you reach the required level of experience, you can apply for promotion opportunities including legal manager and crown advocate roles.�
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Find out what our senior crown prosecutors say about working at the CPS, .
Job description
You review case files and charging decisions, providing legal advice on cases to be presented in the magistrates� and Crown Court. You prepare and present cases in the magistrates� courts including youth courts, not guilty anticipated plea court lists and multiday trials. You maintain up-to-date knowledge of criminal offences ranging from motoring to murder.�
Each CPS area has a Crown Court, magistrates� court, and a rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) team. As a senior crown prosecutor, you�re expected to be able to work in any of these teams although we do take into account your experience and, where possible, your personal preference before placing you in a team.����
Whichever team you join, you�re supported with a detailed training and induction plan to cover your first four months with CPS.���
Working in our Crown Court team, you have a personal caseload of serious casework. You give charging advice to the police on cases to be heard in the Crown Court, working with our paralegal officers and with counsel to prepare cases for court.����
In our magistrates� court team, you are an advocate dealing with the full range of courts including trial courts. You have a personal caseload, giving pre-charge advice to the police on magistrates� court cases and you prepare cases for court. You may work on a specialist team such as a domestic abuse or youth team.��
In our RASSO team, you have a personal caseload comprising rape and serious sexual offences. You give charging and early indicative advice to the police on RASSO cases, working with our paralegal staff and counsel to prepare cases for court.
Person specification
1. You must be a qualified practising lawyer with criminal law experience.�
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.
or
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, Common Professional Examination and/or Graduate Diploma in law.
8. You must have completed a Legal Practice Course, Solicitors Qualifying Exam or Bar Vocational Course/Bar Professional Training Course and the relevant pupillage or training contract.
9. You must be a qualified barrister or solicitor.
10. You must demonstrate motivation.
11. You must demonstrate sufficient legal intellect
Benefits
Alongside your salary of �51,260, Crown Prosecution Service contributes �13,840 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
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.�