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The Role of The Crown Prosecution Service

The Crown Prosecution Service is the government department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales.

As the principal prosecuting authority in England and Wales, we are responsible for:

  • advising the police on cases for possible prosecution
  • reviewing cases submitted by the police
  • determining any charges in more serious or complex cases
  • preparing cases for court
  • presenting cases at court

Find out more about the role of the Crown Prosecution Service

Home » News Centre » Press Releases » CPS welcomes a new generation of lawyers

CPS welcomes a new generation of lawyers

16/10/2006

The Crown prosecution Service today welcomed its first group of externally recruited legal trainees at a reception in central London. Running from December 2005, the recruitment campaign generated over 2000 applications and the standard was so high that 27 places were awarded instead of the planned 25. The recruitment campaign for 2007 was also confirmed today.

Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald QC said:

"All major law firms and organisations recruit trainees from university and law school and as the UK's largest legal employer we also have a responsibility to the profession to be at the forefront of training the lawyers of the future. The CPS is proud to be taking the lead to rebalance and diversify the legal profession. As an employer of choice, we positively encourage the best LPC/BVC students past, present and future, to apply for pupillage and training contracts."

The Solicitor General, the Hon Mike O'Brien QC MP said:

"I am delighted that a career in the CPS is now seen as a top choice for law students. This career path provides the opportunity to really make a difference. Combined with the CPS' commitment to train and support its own staff in law, external recruitment of the best graduates will ensure future prosecutors are as diverse as the communities they serve."

The Legal Trainee scheme was broadened in 2005 to include 25 external places, but the CPS remains committed to making at least two thirds of training places available to existing staff through the Law Scholarship scheme - where any grade of employee can be funded to undertake legal qualifications - and the Legal Trainee Scheme for those with existing qualifications.

  • Following her law degree at DeMontfort Univesity, Kate Lewis, 26, worked for a year as a Benefit Fraud Investigator with Bournemouth Council, before commencing the Legal Practice Course. Having worked for CPS Surrey during her degree placement year, when the legal trainee scheme was advertised she knew it was what she wanted. After qualifying as a prosecutor Kate is aiming to become a Higher Court Advocate so she will be able to work in Crown court.
  • Chanchal Bhardwaj, 30, studied at the College of Law London. She has been interested in criminal behaviour from an early age and her first degree was in Criminal Justice. She has also worked for the Probation Service in court and it gave her the motivation to take the legal path formally. Prior to joining CPS, Chanchal worked with the domestic violence team for the Probation Service and hopes to apply the knowledge gained by specialising in domestic violence when she qualifies.
  1. For media enquiries, or to arrange interviews with trainees, contact CPS Press Office on 0207 710 6088.
  2. The CPS currently has 78 places of which 51 are given internally.
  3. The campaign had its own dedicated website at www.makethecase.co.uk. The deadline for applications was January 2006 and interviews were held over three weeks in London, Birmingham and York. Successful candidates were given summer placements to keep in contact with the CPS and ensure they were familiar with their Area/Branch when they commenced their training contract/pupillage on 2 October 2006.
  4. The CPS has won the LawCareers.Net award for 'Best recruitment and training programme' three years running.
  5. The breakdown of successful applicants taken on is as follows: 7 pupils, 20 trainee solicitors, 17 female, ten male, ages range from 21 to 45 years old.
  6. The CPS launched its Law Scholarship scheme in 2003. It affords employees the chance to study for legal qualifications ranging from A level to Legal Practice Course/Bar Vocational Course. The Legal Trainee scheme now forms the final stage in this training route. More information on careers with the CPS is available on this website in Careers in the CPS.