Job Opportunities
There are a range of career opportunities at CPS Thames and Chiltern.
Prosecutors
Prosecutors are responsible for reviewing and, where appropriate, prosecuting criminal cases following investigation by the police. They also advise the police on matters relating to criminal cases. In each case reviewed, the prosecutor will consider whether there is sufficient evidence and whether the public interest requires a prosecution.
A Crown Advocate is a CPS lawyer with Higher Rights qualifications able to prosecute at Crown Court. The CPS actively encourages its lawyers to develop a range of skills and full training is given to prepare prosecutors to manage a range of criminal cases at all levels.
Qualifications
To apply for a post as a lawyer you must be a solicitor admitted in England and Wales with a full current practising certificate, or a barrister called to the English Bar who has completed pupillage. You will also need:
- Excellent skills in advocacy and personal organisation
- Ability to work effectively within a team
- Sound judgement and the capacity to work accurately under pressure.
Paralegal Officers
The role of the paralegal officer is to assist prosecutors in case management. There is the opportunity for those who want to progress to develop the skills and apply to become an associate prosecutor, presenting a range of cases in the magistrates' courts. Paralegal officers are responsible for assisting witnesses and victims through the court process. They can also move into management roles and manage teams of paralegal officers.
Paralegal officer duties include:
- Casework preparation and management
- Attendance at court and post court administration
- Assessment of professional fees
- Liaison with witnesses and other organisations within the criminal justice system.
You will need:
- Sound judgment and ability to reach balanced and unbiased views
- Good analytical skills and the ability to produce practical workable solutions
- The ability to work as part of a team, often under pressure
- Experience of, or potential for, managing staff
- The ability to prioritise work and manage own time effectively; able to balance conflicting priorities when necessary.
Associate Prosecutors
Associate prosecutors are specially trained lay staff that review and present a range of cases at magistrates' courts; these can include both uncontested and contested hearings, driving offences and bail applications.
Associate prosecutors need good advocacy skills as well as sound judgment and the ability to work both as part of a team and on their own initiative.
Full training is provided by the CPS for those who are successful in their application to take on this challenging and demanding role.
Supporting services
Other staff work in administrative and specialist functions such as finance, information technology, equality and diversity, communications and management support. There are also staff working in and managing dedicated witness care units. Staff are recruited from all kinds of backgrounds, with a variety of experience and ability. As well as any specialist experience you will need:
- Excellent organisational skills
- To be able to communicate clearly and confidently
- The ability to work well under pressure and be able to demonstrate initiative, drive and determination within a team environment.
Work Experience
We offer a number of limited work experience placements each year although we are not able to accommodate every request. Students who are still in school should contact their careers advisors and ask for a letter to be written on their behalf. Higher education students can write to us direct via our contact page.
More information on careers and jobs in the CPS can be found at the national website.
