Day in the life of Edward Parton - Associate Prosecutor
I joined The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in June 2006 after graduating from university with a degree in Law. During my second year of university I had arranged a number of work experience placements with law firms, including CPS Birmingham, to get an understanding of which area of law was right for me. After one week's work experience with the CPS, observing prosecutors in the Magistrates and Crown Courts, I knew that a successful career in criminal law, within the CPS, was what I wanted to achieve. I therefore joined the organisation shortly after graduating.
In court my key responsibility is to prosecute cases to a high standard.
Prior to my current role of Associate Prosecutor, I was based at CPS Birmingham as an A2 Court Sitter and Higher Court Advocate (HCA) Clerk for 14 months.
In my role as a Court Sitter I enjoyed liaising with Victims and Witnesses and observing counsel prosecute serious and complicated cases. Carrying out this role strengthened my determination to become a prosecutor within the CPS. Following a few months working in court I was brought back into the office to help with the administration of Crown Court cases, which included clerking for the North Birmingham HCA team. Through this experience I developed my organisational ability ensuring that as many Crown Court cases as possible were prosecuted in house.
Following my time at CPS Birmingham I moved on to CPS Kent to further my aspirations of becoming a prosecutor. As an Associate Prosecutor my duties can be divided into office and Court duties. When in the office I review Magistrates Court files to see whether there is sufficient evidence to support the charge. If I feel that there is not enough evidence I will discuss the case with senior members of the team and attempt to resolve any problems. I also read through the cases I will be prosecuting in court so I am well prepared in advance and can prosecute competently and confidently.
In court my key responsibility is to prosecute cases to a high standard. It is essential to communicate clearly so that the Crown's, or more importantly, the victims' case is properly presented.
My typical day as an Associate Prosecutor begins when I arrive at court, usually an hour before the morning session begins at 10am. I use this time to read over the files listed in my court and refresh my memory about each case. If I am in the remand court I prepare the files on defendants who have been refused police bail following charge and who we want remanded into custody. Inevitably such defendants have usually been charged with serious offences and are much more prolific offenders. With such defendants I always try to talk to the police in advance to make sure I am able to do justice to the case.
In the last few minutes before court begins I start to feel nervous. However once the first case of the day has been concluded I relax, get into the swing of things and actually enjoy the pressure of being 'on my feet'. At 1pm court usually breaks for lunch, restarting at 2.15pm. I use this time to chase up any missing papers or, time permitting, grab a few minutes to check up on developments with my football team, Aston Villa! The afternoon session tends to last a few hours following which I either return to the office or make good my escape and go home, depending on the time.
My long term career objective is to become an HCA and continue to make a positive contribution to the CPS. Becoming an Associate Prosecutor is an ideal stepping stone in my career development as it allows me to develop my skills as an advocate, which is something I consider essential in becoming an effective and successful HCA.
