Alternative careers
and other organisations within the criminal justice system.
Government Legal Profession Among their responsibilities, government lawyers help to support the creation of new laws and advocate for the government in court. Government lawyers work closely with ministers, policy makers and other professionals, playing a unique role in helping the government to meet its legislative agenda and run public services. Jenny Underhill, Government Legal Profession: “The work of government lawyers is unique. What many of our trainees find attractive is that they’re 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 departments will pay Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar course fees in full, provided you’ve not yet started either course. Those intending to study the LPC or Bar course on either a full-time or part-time basis may also be eligible for a bursary of between £5,400 (national) and £7,600 (London) for the vocational year. The Government Legal Profession is intending to offer the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) route from 2023 onwards. Crown Prosecution Service The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is the largest legal employer in England and Wales, with around 3,000 lawyers who conduct criminal prosecutions on behalf of the Crown. Crown prosecutors weigh up evidence and public interest factors in all cases and decide those that 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
Alison Hallett and Jonathan Foy, 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’ve completed pupillage. In addition, the CPS recruits annually through a legal trainee scheme, with around 80 positions available for trainee solicitors and pupil barristers. Those interested in applying are advised to visit the CPS website (www.cps.gov.uk/careers-cps). Law centres For more than 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 42 centres nationwide, the non-profit-making service is free for clients and centres are funded through local authorities. The nature of the work is dictated by local needs; workers are likely to need to know something about the law relating to immigration, employment, crime and landlord and tenant. Jobs are advertised in the local and national press, and in specialist publications such as the Legal Action Group’s magazine or the Law Gazette .
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