*/
What's it like being a legal trainee at the Crown Prosecution Service? Amy describes what drew her to the role, the skills required and a typical day in the life
I noticed on LinkedIn that the Crown Prosecution Service was recruiting for legal trainees. At the time, I didn't really know much about the organisation – but the more I looked into it and the further along the application process I got, the more excited I became. There are some obvious benefits of being an employee – a guaranteed job at the end of training and job security really appealed to me. I can also train as a solicitor and still have a court-based advocacy career at the end of it.
The trainee scheme is structured in a way that offers great flexibility, to ensure that you're equipped with the skills and knowledge to become a really good crown prosecutor. You receive excellent in-house training to support this and your ongoing career development. But the highlight for me is that there isn't a definitive day in the life of a legal trainee. Every day is different and this makes the training exciting and interesting. One day I may be observing in the Magistrates’ Court and the next I might be in the Crown Court. I also spend some time reviewing charging decisions, drafting court applications and doing legal research.
One of the important things I’ve found as a trainee is the great support from all the staff that I meet, from my supervisor and line manager to prosecutors and administrators. Despite being really busy, they all go out of their way to answer any questions or point me in the right direction. Another huge benefit is that there are so many other trainees based all around England and Wales who started at roughly the same time as I did. We have a group chat that's very supportive, and it's nice to meet some of these people face to face.
Before I joined the Crown Prosecution Service, I hadn't realised that there are lots of different career paths available, and I could take whichever one I felt suited me and fitted in with my career plan. I feel really privileged to have this opportunity in front of me. I'm not sure which path to go down yet, but I'm certainly looking forward to the journey. If you have an interest in criminal law, advocacy and justice, and are thinking about applying for the legal trainee scheme, my advice would be just to go for it. You won't regret it. It's a fantastic opportunity and I wish you lots of luck.
Amy is a Crown Prosecution Service legal trainee.
You can find out more about the national legal trainee schemes currently recruiting below. If you are a Welsh speaker, we have a recommended bilingual route. Applications close on 6 February 2025.
National Legal Trainee Scheme - Barrister - January 2025 (October 2026 start)
National Legal Trainee Scheme - Solicitor - January 2025 (October 2026 start)
I noticed on LinkedIn that the Crown Prosecution Service was recruiting for legal trainees. At the time, I didn't really know much about the organisation – but the more I looked into it and the further along the application process I got, the more excited I became. There are some obvious benefits of being an employee – a guaranteed job at the end of training and job security really appealed to me. I can also train as a solicitor and still have a court-based advocacy career at the end of it.
The trainee scheme is structured in a way that offers great flexibility, to ensure that you're equipped with the skills and knowledge to become a really good crown prosecutor. You receive excellent in-house training to support this and your ongoing career development. But the highlight for me is that there isn't a definitive day in the life of a legal trainee. Every day is different and this makes the training exciting and interesting. One day I may be observing in the Magistrates’ Court and the next I might be in the Crown Court. I also spend some time reviewing charging decisions, drafting court applications and doing legal research.
One of the important things I’ve found as a trainee is the great support from all the staff that I meet, from my supervisor and line manager to prosecutors and administrators. Despite being really busy, they all go out of their way to answer any questions or point me in the right direction. Another huge benefit is that there are so many other trainees based all around England and Wales who started at roughly the same time as I did. We have a group chat that's very supportive, and it's nice to meet some of these people face to face.
Before I joined the Crown Prosecution Service, I hadn't realised that there are lots of different career paths available, and I could take whichever one I felt suited me and fitted in with my career plan. I feel really privileged to have this opportunity in front of me. I'm not sure which path to go down yet, but I'm certainly looking forward to the journey. If you have an interest in criminal law, advocacy and justice, and are thinking about applying for the legal trainee scheme, my advice would be just to go for it. You won't regret it. It's a fantastic opportunity and I wish you lots of luck.
Amy is a Crown Prosecution Service legal trainee.
You can find out more about the national legal trainee schemes currently recruiting below. If you are a Welsh speaker, we have a recommended bilingual route. Applications close on 6 February 2025.
National Legal Trainee Scheme - Barrister - January 2025 (October 2026 start)
National Legal Trainee Scheme - Solicitor - January 2025 (October 2026 start)
What's it like being a legal trainee at the Crown Prosecution Service? Amy describes what drew her to the role, the skills required and a typical day in the life
Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar, sets our course for 2026
What meaningful steps can you take in 2026 to advance your legal career? asks Thomas Cowan of St Pauls Chambers
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, explains why drugs may appear in test results, despite the donor denying use of them
Asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
Q and A with criminal barrister Nick Murphy, who moved to New Park Court Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit in search of a better work-life balance
The appointments of 96 new King’s Counsel (also known as silk) are announced today
With pupillage application season under way, Laura Wright reflects on her route to ‘tech barrister’ and offers advice for those aiming at a career at the Bar
Jury-less trial proposals threaten fairness, legitimacy and democracy without ending the backlog, writes Professor Cheryl Thomas KC (Hon), the UK’s leading expert on juries, judges and courts
Are you ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC explains the biggest change since HMRC launched self-assessment more than 30 years ago... and its impact on the Bar
Marking one year since a Bar disciplinary tribunal dismissed all charges against her, Dr Charlotte Proudman discusses the experience, her formative years and next steps. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
