Alternative careers
with around 2,800 lawyers who conduct criminal prosecutions on behalf of the Crown.
confident attitude, the ability to work as part of a team and sound commercial awareness.
Crown prosecutors weigh up evidence and public interest factors in all cases and decide those which should be heard by the courts. They also advise the police on matters relating to criminal cases. CPS caseworkers assist prosecutors in case management as well as attending court, dealing with post-court administration, assessing professional fees and liaising with witnesses and other organisations within the criminal justice system. Martin Mckay-Smith and Alison Hallett , training principals and directors of pupil training at the CPS say: “The CPS offers a varied, challenging and interesting career for those focusing on criminal litigation. The role of the modern prosecutor provides a true public service, encompassing charging decisions, advocacy and victim and witness care. Our mission is to deliver justice transparently, through the independent and effective prosecution of crime, fostering a culture of excellence in the way we analyse, advocate and progress our cases, reflecting always on what we do to learn and improve.” Applicants for the role of lawyer within the CPS must be solicitors admitted in England and Wales with a full current practising certificate or barristers called to the English Bar who have completed pupillage. In addition, the CPS recruits annually through a Legal Trainee Scheme, with around 40 positions available for trainee solicitors and pupil barristers. Those interested in applying are advised to visit the CPS website (www. cps.gov.uk/careers). Law centres For over 40 years, law centres have provided an invaluable service to those in need of legal help and advice, often in deprived inner-city areas. With around 41 centres nationwide,
For more information contact the Commerce & Industry Group (www.cigroup.org.uk ) or the Bar Association for Commerce, Finance and Industry (www.bacfi.org ). Government lawyers The work carried out by government lawyers covers virtually every aspect of the law you can think of. The diversity of the work reflects the variety of activities within government, these range across issues of national and international significance and across public and private law (covering advisory and legislative work, litigation, commercial and a wealth of specialist areas). Jenny Underhill at the Government Legal Secretariat says: “Lawyers and legal trainees within government will advise and represent their client, the government of the day, on a huge range of domestic and international matters. Government lawyers advise not only on what the law is, but also on what it should be. This type of work is quite simply unique. Approximately 60 trainee solicitor and pupil barrister positions are advertised each year. What many of our trainees find attractive is that they are given a high level of responsibility at an early stage and have the opportunity to work in a variety of fields of law and practice throughout their careers.” For those who are successful in obtaining a training contract or pupillage, government departmentswill pay LPCor BPTC fees in full, provided you have not yet started either course. Those intending to study the LPCor BPTCon either a full-time or part-time basismay also be eligible for abursaryof between£5,400 (national) and£7,600 (London) for the vocational year. Crown Prosecution Service The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is the largest legal employer in England and Wales,
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