{"id":14594,"date":"2026-08-19T10:21:03","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T10:21:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/?post_type=profiles&#038;p=14594"},"modified":"2026-09-23T13:25:03","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T13:25:03","slug":"crown-prosecution-service","status":"publish","type":"profiles","link":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/profiles\/crown-prosecution-service\/","title":{"rendered":"Crown Prosecution Service"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","jurisdictions":[],"countries":[],"cities":[],"firms_companies":[],"universities_colleges":[],"lex_survey_questions":[],"publications":[828],"tc_location":[],"class_list":["post-14594","profiles","type-profiles","status-publish","hentry","publications-future-lawyers-2026-27"],"acf":[],"featured_image_urls":{},"appp_media":null,"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"lex-profile-list-intro\"><div class=\"letterhead\">\n            \n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"styled\">Crown Prosecution Service<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/cps-logo-2025.jpg\" alt=\"Crown Prosecution Service law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/cps-logo-2025.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> 102 Petty France, London SW1H 9EA<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.cps.gov.uk\/\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: strategic.resourcing@cps.gov.uk?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"twitter contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-twitter\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-twitter\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CPSUK\">Twitter<\/a><\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/crown-prosecution-service\/\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div><div class=\"instagram contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-instagram\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/crownprosecutors\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Crown Prosecution Service is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 4 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-firm-honours-your-preferred-seat-allocations\/' target='_blank'> Seat allocation<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-have-good-work-life-balance\/' target='_blank'> Work-life balance<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/your-firm-is-committed-to-creating-a-diverse-and-inclusive-workplace\/' target='_blank'> Inclusiveness<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-are-confident-that-you-will-be-kept-on-after-qualification\/' target='_blank'> Retention confidence<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"apply-buttons\">\n<div class=\"grad_web\"><button class=\"grad-rec\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-grad-site\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cps.gov.uk\/careers-cps\">Visit Graduate Recruitment Site<\/a><\/button><\/div><div class=\"apply_link\"><button class=\"apply-now\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-apply-link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cps.gov.uk\/careers-cps\">Apply Now<\/a><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n                    \n        <\/div><span class=\"profile-link\">View Profile<\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"below_title":"<div class=\"letterhead\"><div class=\"letterhead\">\n            \n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"styled\">Crown Prosecution Service<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/cps-logo-2025.jpg\" alt=\"Crown Prosecution Service law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/cps-logo-2025.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> 102 Petty France, London SW1H 9EA<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.cps.gov.uk\/\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: strategic.resourcing@cps.gov.uk?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"twitter contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-twitter\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-twitter\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CPSUK\">Twitter<\/a><\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/crown-prosecution-service\/\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div><div class=\"instagram contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-instagram\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/crownprosecutors\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Crown Prosecution Service is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 4 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-firm-honours-your-preferred-seat-allocations\/' target='_blank'> Seat allocation<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-have-good-work-life-balance\/' target='_blank'> Work-life balance<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/your-firm-is-committed-to-creating-a-diverse-and-inclusive-workplace\/' target='_blank'> Inclusiveness<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-are-confident-that-you-will-be-kept-on-after-qualification\/' target='_blank'> Retention confidence<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"apply-buttons\">\n<div class=\"grad_web\"><button class=\"grad-rec\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-grad-site\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cps.gov.uk\/careers-cps\">Visit Graduate Recruitment Site<\/a><\/button><\/div><div class=\"apply_link\"><button class=\"apply-now\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-apply-link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cps.gov.uk\/careers-cps\">Apply Now<\/a><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n                    \n        <\/div><\/div><div class=\"survey-scores\"><h2 style=\"color: #111;\">Trainee Feedback<\/h2>\r\n<ul style=\"list-type:none; color: #111;\">\r\n<li style=\"width:70.7%\">70.7<span class=\"score-title\">Work quality<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:57.8%\">57.8<span class=\"score-title\">Client contact<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:%\">84.7<span class=\"score-title\">Vac. Scheme<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:87.9%\">87.9<span class=\"score-title\">Inclusiveness<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:87.9%\">87.9<span class=\"score-title\">Approachability<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-1\"> \n<article id=\"post-14594\" class=\"post-14594 profiles type-profiles status-publish hentry publications-future-lawyers-2026-27\">\n\t\n\t<header class=\"entry-header\">\n\t\t\n\t<\/header><!-- .entry-header -->\n\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n<div class=\"survey-results tab-listing\">  \n   \n        \n<h2>Survey Results - Trainee feedback on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Crown Prosecution Service<\/span><\/h2>\n\n           <style>\n#chartdiv {\n  width: 100%;\n  height: 800px;\n}\n\n<\/style>\n            \n  <!-- Resources -->\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/core.js\"><\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/charts.js\"><\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/themes\/animated.js\"><\/script>\n            \n<!-- HTML -->\n<div id=\"chartdiv\"><\/div>\n        \n<!-- Chart code -->\n<script>\n\/\/ Themes begin\nam4core.useTheme(am4themes_animated);\n\/\/ Themes end\n\n\/\/ Create chart instance\nvar chart = am4core.create(\"chartdiv\", am4charts.XYChart3D);\n\n\/\/ Add data\nchart.data = [{\n  \"question\": \"Satisfaction\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your overall job satisfaction?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Expectations\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How far has the firm lived up to your expectations?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work quality\",\n  \"result\": \"70.7\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the quality of work you are given?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Client contact\",\n  \"result\": \"57.8\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your amount of client contact?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work\/life\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How happy are you with your work\/life balance?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Social life\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How good is your firm\u2019s social life?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Vac. Scheme\",\n  \"result\": \"84.7\",\n  \"explanation\": \"If you did a vacation scheme with your firm, how would you rate it?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Confidence\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How confident are you that you will be kept on at the end of your training contract?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Remuneration\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How satisfied are you with your financial remuneration?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Inclusiveness\",\n  \"result\": \"87.9\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the inclusiveness of your workplace environment?\" \n},\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Approachability\",\n  \"result\": \"87.9\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How approachable are your supervisors?\" \n}];\n\n\/\/ Create axes\nvar categoryAxis = chart.yAxes.push(new am4charts.CategoryAxis());\ncategoryAxis.dataFields.category = \"question\";\ncategoryAxis.numberFormatter.numberFormat = \"#\";\ncategoryAxis.renderer.inversed = true;\n\nvar valueAxis = chart.xAxes.push(new am4charts.ValueAxis()); \n\nvalueAxis.title.text = \"Survey Score (\/100)\";\nvalueAxis.min = 0;\nvalueAxis.max = 100;\n\n\/\/ Create series\nvar series = chart.series.push(new am4charts.ColumnSeries3D());\nseries.dataFields.valueX = \"result\";\nseries.dataFields.categoryY = \"question\";\nseries.name = \"Income\";\nseries.columns.template.propertyFields.fill = \"color\";\nseries.columns.template.tooltipText = \"{explanation} {valueX}\";\nseries.columns.template.column3D.stroke = am4core.color(\"#fff\");\nseries.columns.template.column3D.strokeOpacity = 0.2;\n<\/script>\n\n\n<\/div>        \n        \n           \n\t\t\n\t\t    <h2 class=\"tab-listing\">The lowdown - Trainees (in their own words) on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Crown Prosecution Service<\/span><\/h2>\n        <p><p><strong>Why did you choose to join this firm?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018I only ever wanted to do criminal prosecution\u2019, \u2018There is no firm out there like the CPS\u2019, \u2018I was attracted to the variety of work and the opportunity to specialise in complex crime\u2019, \u2018I had worked with the CPS as a paralegal, and they funded my SQE\u2019, \u2018Great training programme, public sector benefits e.g. pension and flexible working\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What is the best thing about the firm?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018I can&#8217;t choose one thing. The people, the work, the area of law, the training, the prospects, the support, the knowledge of the experienced lawyers. The list goes on\u2019, \u2018Interesting work with a positive impact on society\u2019, \u2018The flexibility and self-driven element, you get as much out of the role as you want and can progress\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What could the firm do to improve?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018Reducing court listings or double up prosecutors in busy courts to reduce stress levels and prep work time\u2019, \u2018The training sessions for the cohort feel like they are organised at the last minute\u2019, \u2018the quality of your training period is heavily dependent on the supervisor you get\u2019, \u2018Provide a more consistent training programme for trainees nationally\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What has been the best moment of your training?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018Completing legal reviews and research that have been used in official casework\u2019,\u00a0\u2018The types of work I have been exposed to and the meaningful responsibility given\u2019,\u00a0\u2018Being part of the team prosecuting an attempted\u00a0murder trial\u2019,\u00a0\u2018Working alongside my supervisor on the Crown Court Unit, bringing charges on some of the most serious criminal cases\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What has been the most challenging moment of your training?\u00a0<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018Learning the case management system and the acronyms\u2019, \u2018Being on my feet for the first time\u2019, \u2018Navigating the lack of casework and sheer amount of learning\u2019, \u2018Finding my own work to keep myself busy\u2019, \u2018Getting used to the case management system and starting a TC in an area of law I have never worked in before\u2019, \u2018Dealing with sensitive cases to do with children\/sexual abuse\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n                \n               \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"verdict\">The Lex 100 verdict on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Crown Prosecution Service<\/span><\/h2>\n       \n        \n      \n             \n        <p>    \n\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For aspiring prosecutors, the Crown Prosecution Service offers a training experience unlike any other. Recruits want to pursue criminal law, seek \u2018justice for victims\u2019 and build a career in public service. The organisation\u2019s blend of advocacy, complex crime and social impact is a major pull, as is the promise of a \u2018guaranteed position once qualified\u2019. What\u2019s more, its \u2018in-house training\u2019 is described as \u2018second to none\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The work of the CPS is \u2018interesting\u2019, \u2018varied\u2019 and \u2018highly rewarding\u2019, with respondents praising the \u2018range of criminal law areas to explore\u2019, the \u2018supportive culture\u2019 and the chance to learn from experienced prosecutors. Highlights include attending the Court of Appeal and Old Bailey, observing high-profile hearings and working on serious Crown Court matters. For those keen to get advocacy exposure early, the CPS delivers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The people also stand out. Trainees cite approachable colleagues, supportive supervisors and a welcoming culture, alongside public sector benefits such as flexible working, pension provision and a strong work-life balance. Others appreciate that the training contract is focused on \u2018personal development\u2019 and offers \u2018an abundance of learning and development opportunities\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That said, the CPS is not without its frustrations. The most consistent criticism is the lack of structure: several trainees would welcome clearer seat rotations, more guidance around secondments and a more consistent national programme. Some feel that the scheme can be too trainee-led, with one noting that it is \u2018great to be independent\u2019 but \u2018overwhelming when you are new to a workplace and don\u2019t know where to start\u2019. Others raised workload, court preparation and variable supervision as areas for improvement.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For those committed to criminal prosecution, however, the CPS\u00a0remains\u00a0a distinctive and purpose-driven place to train. With meaningful responsibility, genuine public\u00a0impact\u00a0and unrivalled exposure to the machinery of criminal justice, it is a compelling choice for trainees who want their legal career to begin on the front line.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-13900 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/cps-2-2025.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"283\" height=\"354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/cps-2-2025.jpeg 283w, https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/cps-2-2025-240x300.jpeg 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 283px) 100vw, 283px\" \/><\/p>\n <\/p>\n        \n             \n                \n        \t\t<p>        \n              \n\n\n           \n        \n         \t\t \n\t\t <h2 id=\"ditl\">Interview with Claudia, trainee solicitor, Crown Prosecution Service<\/h2>\n\t\t <p><img height=\"200\" width=\"200\" alt=\"Claudia, Crown Prosecution Service\" class=\"ditl-photo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/Claudia.jpg\"\/>\t\t <p><strong>Departments to date:<\/strong> Rape and Serious Sexual Offences unit; secondment at Peters &amp; Peters; Magistrates\u2019 Court Advocacy unit; Crown Court unit<\/p>         \n\t\t \t\t <p><strong>University: <\/strong>\n\t\t \t\t Manchester Metropolitan University\t\t \t\t <\/p>\n\t\t         \n\t\t <p><strong>Degree:<\/strong> LLB Hons \u2013 1st Class Honours; Legal Practice Course \u2013 Distinction<\/p>    <\/p>  \n\t\t <p><h3>Why did you decide to apply to the Crown Prosecution Service?<\/h3>\n<p>During my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, I found myself being drawn towards commercial and corporate law.<\/p>\n<p>When I finished my studies, I started working in a leading global law firm, working in investigations and corporate crime as a knowledge assistant. During this time, I was exposed to criminal law from a compliance and defence perspective and my interest in criminal law grew.<\/p>\n<p>As someone who went back to university as a mature student, my work priorities had shifted dramatically. I applied to the Crown Prosecution Service because of the work-life balance, flexible working and opportunities for progression. I wanted to be in an environment where I could add value and make a difference \u2013 and one that also allowed for my future.<\/p>\n<h3>Tell us about a typical day<\/h3>\n<p>I have just come back from my six-month secondment, and I am now in the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences unit.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s no typical day as a legal trainee. I\u2019ve been able to shadow experienced advocates across a range of local courts in my area. I\u2019ve also got hands-on experience under supervision with preparing charging decisions, responding to post-completion orders and drafting orders. The supervision offered by the Crown Prosecution Service is excellent \u2013 my supervisor reviews my work and goes through it with me in detail, reflecting on positives and areas for improvement. This allows me to carry out work confidently and to a high standard.<\/p>\n<p>I am due to take my associate prosecutor\u2019s course. If I successfully complete it, I will join the Magistrates\u2019 Court Advocacy unit, taking my own courts independently several days a week while shadowing a range of other courts. I am grateful for the independence and experience offered as part of my training contract which I wouldn\u2019t get anywhere else.<\/p>\n<h3>What do you enjoy most about your role?<\/h3>\n<p>I enjoy the variety of teams and the opportunities to get involved. From the start of my training contract, I sat within the Crown Court unit. Throughout this time, I was able to shadow the local police domestic abuse team \u2013 they took me on callouts and I was able to watch them carry out interviews, door-to-door enquiries and observe how they put together case files. I was given a lot of responsibility with strong supervision to carry out important decisions. During my time in the Crown Court unit, I was given 20 of my own cases to handle.<\/p>\n<p>I really enjoyed the self-driven element of the training contract, being able to book the Professional Skills Course in my own time and pursue the secondment that I wanted. I could ensure my training contract was exactly what I wanted it to be. I completed a secondment in one of the UK\u2019s leading law firms for business crime and investigations and I was exposed to clients and actively involved in case management.<\/p>\n<p>When I worked in the Magistrates Court Advocacy unit, I shadowed experienced advocates at least three days a week in different local courts, observing a range of offences and scenarios while carrying out review work. These experienced advocates gave me knowledge and tips for carrying out preparation, speaking with witnesses at court and recording an accurate note of the hearing. Observing experienced advocates multiple times a week is something I wouldn\u2019t be able to do elsewhere.<\/p>\n<h3>What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Crown Prosecution Service as a trainee solicitor?<\/h3>\n<p>When applying for the Crown Prosecution Service you should familiarise yourself with the Civil Service Behaviours and Code for Crown Prosecutors.<\/p>\n<p>I applied for the Crown Prosecution Service legal trainee scheme the year before my successful application. The real difference between those applications was being able to show my personality and who I was.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t \n        \n                <h2 id=\"about\">About the firm<\/h2>\n        <p><p><strong>The Crown Prosecution Service:<\/strong> The Crown Prosecution Service prosecutes criminal cases that have been investigated by the police and other investigative organisations in England and Wales. The Crown Prosecution Service is independent. As such, it makes its decisions independently of the police and Government.<\/p>\n<p>Their duty is to make sure that the right person is prosecuted for the right offence, and to bring offenders to justice wherever possible.<\/p>\n<p>The Crown Prosecution Service:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>decides which cases should be prosecuted;<\/li>\n<li>determines the appropriate charges in more serious or complex cases, and advises the police during the early stages of investigations;<\/li>\n<li>prepares cases and presents them at court; and<\/li>\n<li>provides information, assistance and support to victims and prosecution witnesses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Prosecutors must be fair, objective and independent. When deciding whether to prosecute a criminal case, our lawyers must follow the Code for Crown Prosecutors. This means that to charge someone with a criminal offence, prosecutors must be satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction, and that prosecuting is in the public interest.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The cases:<\/strong> We regularly publish\u202fpress releases on our website\u202fabout cases we\u2019ve been involved in.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Leader: <\/strong>Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other offices:<\/strong> Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Canterbury, Cardiff, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Derby, Eastleigh, Exeter, Guildford, Hull, Ipswich, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, Liverpool, London, Loughborough, Luton, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Mold, Newcastle, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Preston, Reading, Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent, Swindon, Truro, Wakefield, Warrington, York.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What we do:<\/strong> The Crown Prosecution Service is the principal prosecuting authority responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What we\u2019re looking for in a trainee:<\/strong> We are looking for motivated individuals with a passion for criminal law. We are seeking applicants with good oral advocacy skills who can present an argument in an ordered and structured manner. Good analytical and writing skills are also essential to the role.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll do:<\/strong> As a trainee solicitor, your day-to-day work varies, and you are involved in different parts of our legal work, including legal research and reviewing cases. In your first year, you spend time shadowing our prosecutors at magistrates\u2019 and Crown Court to allow you to observe a range of cases. During your traineeship you get the opportunity to be based in a specialist unit \u2013 such as the rape and serious sexual assault unit or complex casework unit.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re a pupil barrister, one of the first things you do is shadow our advocates at magistrates\u2019 and Crown Court \u2013 observing cases and seeing advocacy work in action. You also have the opportunity to take part in a short secondment to a chambers. You learn lots over the year, developing your skills and building up your advocacy work in court.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Perks: <\/strong>Flexible working and a family-friendly approach to work; Civil Service contributory pension up to 28.9%; 25 days\u2019 leave, increasing to 30 days after five years; an extra privilege day for the King\u2019s birthday; three days\u2019 paid volunteering; \u00a3350 a year for individual learning and development; wellbeing and counselling; access to employee savings; Cycle2Work scheme; competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave; childcare vouchers (unless already registered with the Government Tax Free Childcare Scheme).<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-13902 size-full lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/cps-1-2025.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"283\" height=\"354\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/cps-1-2025.jpeg 283w, https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/cps-1-2025-240x300.jpeg 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 283px) 100vw, 283px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/p>         \n              \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"other\">Diversity and inclusion<\/h2>\n\t  \n      <div id=\"diversity\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cps.gov.uk\/publications\/cps-operational\/equality-and-diversity-and-cps-internal-policies\">Equality and diversity and Crown Prosecution Service internal policies | The Crown Prosecution Service<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cps.gov.uk\/about-cps\/inclusion-and-community-engagement-cps\">Inclusion and Community Engagement at the Crown Prosecution Service | The Crown Prosecution Service<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n            \n      \n            \n                 \n            \n              \n       \n                 \n        \t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-## --><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-2\">   \r\n\r\n<div id=\"profile-contents\">\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">Contents<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"contents\">\r\n<li><a href=\"#verdict\">The verdict<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#ditl\">Interview with<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#about\">About us<\/a><\/li>  <li><a href=\"#diversity\">Diversity and inclusion<\/a><\/li>          \r\n<li><a href=\"#facts\">Facts and figures<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\r\n        \r\n<\/div> \r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"application-process\">\r\n \r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">Application process for Crown Prosecution Service<\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>How:<\/strong> Apply through the Civil Service Jobs website.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s involved in application:<\/strong> <em>First stage \u2013 application form and online tests:<\/em>\u202fAfter submitting your short application form, you are invited to complete the online tests. The first is a casework skills test. If you pass you are invited to complete the civil service verbal test. On successful completion of both tests, you upload your CV and submit your full application on the Civil Service Jobs website.<\/p>\n<p><em>Second stage \u2013 video interview:<\/em>\u202fIf you pass both online tests you are invited to complete an online video interview. You have the opportunity to display your motivation, strengths and suitability for the job.<\/p>\n<p><em>Third stage \u2013 interview and assessment:\u202f<\/em>Successful candidates are invited to the final stage of the recruitment process, which is an assessment and interview.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Person in charge of recruitment:<\/strong> Crown Prosecution Service Early Careers Recruitment team.<\/p>\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n    \r\n<div id=\"salary\"> \r\n \r\n  <h2 class=\"widget-title\">Salary at Crown Prosecution Service<\/h2>\r\n  <p><strong>First year salary:<\/strong> \u00a330,700 - \u00a332,430 (national), \u00a332,110 - \u00a334,280 + \u00a33,150 recruitment and retention allowance (London)<\/p>  <p><strong>Second year salary:<\/strong> \u00a330,700 - \u00a332,430 (national), \u00a332,110 - \u00a334,280 + \u00a33,150 recruitment and retention allowance (London)<\/p>  <p><strong>Newly qualified salary:<\/strong> \u00a344,520 - \u00a347,720 (national), \u00a346,800 - \u00a350,000 + \u00a33,150 recruitment and retention allowance (London)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n <div id=\"facts-figures\">\r\n \r\n  <h2 id=\"facts\" class=\"widget-title\">Facts and figures<\/h2>\r\n  <p><p><strong>Legal leadership:\u00a0<\/strong>The Crown Prosecution Service is led by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The organisation is made up of 14 geographical Crown Prosecution Service areas, each led by a chief crown prosecutor.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Total trainees:<\/strong> 80<\/p>\n<p><strong>Trainee places available for 2028:<\/strong> 80<\/p>\n<\/p>\r\n  \r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n      \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<!--\t  \r\n\r\n    \r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">If  were a fictional character it would be\u2026<\/h2>\r\n        \t\t\r\n<br><\/br>\r\n<br><\/br> -->\r\n\r\n   \r\n\r\n<div id=\"videos\">\r\n\r\n       \r\n\r\n        \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<!-- <div id=\"twitter-feed\">\r\n<a class=\"twitter-timeline\" data-height=\"550\" data-theme=\"light\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CPSUK\"><\/a><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\r\n<\/div>  -->\r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n\t\r\n<\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profiles\/14594","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profiles"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/profiles"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14594"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"jurisdictions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/jurisdictions?post=14594"},{"taxonomy":"countries","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/countries?post=14594"},{"taxonomy":"cities","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cities?post=14594"},{"taxonomy":"firms_companies","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/firms_companies?post=14594"},{"taxonomy":"universities_colleges","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/universities_colleges?post=14594"},{"taxonomy":"lex_survey_questions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/lex_survey_questions?post=14594"},{"taxonomy":"publications","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/publications?post=14594"},{"taxonomy":"tc_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tc_location?post=14594"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}