My name’s Saskia, and I'm currently a Crown Advocate Level 1. I've always wanted to be a barrister, and I wanted to be employed. There are a lot of benefits that come with being an employed barrister, especially at the Crown Prosecution Service. When I saw that the opportunity became available, I immediately wanted to take it up.

The Crown Prosecution Service Legal Trainee Scheme has two different routes. The first is for those wanting to become a solicitor, and the second is for those wanting to become a barrister. For the barrister route, the pupillage is 12 months, and for the solicitor route, the training contract lasts two years.

A typical day as a Legal Trainee is mostly spent in court. For the first six months, you observe your pupil supervisor. On the barristers’ route, this involves going to the Crown Court with your supervisor to observe plea and trial preparation hearings, mention hearings and sentencing hearings. In the second six months, you prosecute cases yourself, which also includes magistrates’ court work.

You are assigned a dedicated pupil supervisor on your first day. I have a great relationship with mine, who is now my mentor. They are always available for any queries you have and provide your biggest support throughout pupillage, and that support has continued for me.

The work I do is really important to me, particularly the victim focus. Before any court hearing, you speak with victims and witnesses, go through the case with them and discuss what it means to them. It's really important to see the impact the case has on them, and the positive difference you can make as the advocate in the hearing.

One of the biggest benefits of doing the Legal Trainee Scheme with the Crown Prosecution Service is that you’re employed. You don’t have to worry about income in your early years. The support is excellent – I’ve felt supported by every member of the organisation I’ve come across. For me, the stability and flexibility are major positives. They are very accommodating with anything you might need during your time as a trainee, and it has been incredibly valuable to me.

One particular piece of advice I’d give to anyone considering applying is that no matter what your background is or where you started your journey, it's important to focus on where you want to be. I began my journey in a single parent, working‑class family. I didn’t know any legal representatives, barristers or solicitors, and I’ve worked many part‑time jobs to get here. I studied at university alongside a full‑time job. My biggest advice is don’t let anything stop you or get in your way.

If someone were unsure about applying to the scheme, I would absolutely encourage them to go for it. The support you receive from the organisation and the whole team is incredible. It’s unmatched, and you should definitely dive straight in.