Hi my name is Mia and I’m a casework assistant working in the pre-enforcement North team in the Proceeds of Crime division. 

What attracted me to apply for the casework assistant role was the values and mission of the Crown Prosecution Service, and the fundamental role in delivering justice on behalf of the public. When I successfully applied for the casework assistant role, I didn’t know which division or area I would be working in. I could’ve worked in a CPS Area working with the magistrates’ or Crown Court teams, or I could’ve worked in a more specialist/niche division like I am now in Proceeds of Crime.

I didn’t even know this division existed until I started working in it, and now I’m exposed to this whole new world of law that I never new about, and all these lawyers and networks that I wouldn’t have had access to.

The Proceeds of Crime division is responsible for ensuring criminals cannot financially benefit from their crimes by freezing assets before conviction, or post-conviction through confiscation and compensation. This area of work takes place at Crown Court and as a casework assistant I set up the cases for these. This involves registering the cases, preparing the files and uploading these onto our computer system ready for the lawyers to review. 

In my role I am also contacting the defence, liaising with financial investigators, the police and our own counsel. It involves communication and organising – things that weren’t particularly my strength before I started, but I’ve really built upon this since.

I’ve found working here such an eye-opening experience. To be able to experience not just my day-to-day role, but the different forums, networks, and the shadowing opportunities too. 

The Crown Prosecution Service is the biggest law firm in the UK. Where else are you going to get such a wide network and wide exposure to law. I get to be involved in so many different things, meet so many different people that I never would have had the opportunity to talk to. My team is filled with people who are invested in my growth, my wellbeing and me as a person and not just a colleague. 

For others considering a career at the Crown Prosecution Service, I would encourage them to apply as the organisation has shocked me in how facilitating it is, and the opportunities for growth and development. I hope to apply to their graduate scheme soon, so I can continue developing in the organisation once I have completed my degree. There is a role for everybody here, a starting point in a great career and a community of supportive and caring people.