CPS Legal trainee scheme-to start in Sept 2022 or March 2023

CPS does not recruit in advance. The winter cohort usually starts recruiting around feb/mar for a Nov start. There has been one spring round which was mine- I applied in October for a March start. You would need to have completed your qualifications in order to meet the relevant start date.

Reply 2

Hi

Just came back to let you know that this years application process opens tomorrow. For the first time there will be an advance start date. So trainees can apply to start September 2021 or 2022. This is a first so I would take advantage of the opportunity!

Reply 3

OP

Original post by Russ3684

Hi

Just came back to let you know that this years application process opens tomorrow. For the first time there will be an advance start date. So trainees can apply to start September 2021 or 2022. This is a first so I would take advantage of the opportunity!

Thanks for letting me know! Do you know where I can find the application? I can't seem to find it on their website.

Reply 4

It’s not been officially launched yet but today is the day. Keep eyes on cps website (careers), civil service jobs and the LinkedIn and Twitter

Reply 5

username5701315

Original post by Russ3684

It’s not been officially launched yet but today is the day. Keep eyes on cps website (careers), civil service jobs and the LinkedIn and Twitter

Hey I’ve seen you work for the CPS on past threads. I just wanted to ask how soon could someone become a Senior Crown Prosecutor. Is it difficult to get promoted up the chain?

Reply 6

Hi, from discussion I have found the answer has mostly been at least an absolute minimum of 12 months as a CP. There are exceptions to the rule but those are people who had previous experience prior to qualifying. You need a good solid foundation in the magistrates court unit before thinking about transferring to SCP and taking on the extra responsibility. You need to walk before running and the foundation will pay off in the long run x

Reply 7

username5701315

Original post by Russ3684

Hi, from discussion I have found the answer has mostly been at least an absolute minimum of 12 months as a CP. There are exceptions to the rule but those are people who had previous experience prior to qualifying. You need a good solid foundation in the magistrates court unit before thinking about transferring to SCP and taking on the extra responsibility. You need to walk before running and the foundation will pay off in the long run x

Thank you so much for the reply!! I’m trying to decide between joining the Met as a trainee dc or doing this scheme. Obviously both roles hold high levels of responsibility but I just wanted to compare the financial aspect too: Do you know people who have spent their entire legal careers as prosecutors or do people tend to move into private practise? Also do CP tend to reach and exceed SCP over the course of the careers? I know it depends on individual ability but any reply is hugely appreciated!

Reply 8

The thing about the cps is there’s a wide variation as to where people take their careers. Some become specialist prosecutors, some go into management, some do move on after time elsewhere. I don’t know about the trainee dc scheme but they are very different careers. It largely depends whether you want to pursue law or law enforcement

Reply 9

username5701315

Original post by Russ3684

The thing about the cps is there’s a wide variation as to where people take their careers. Some become specialist prosecutors, some go into management, some do move on after time elsewhere. I don’t know about the trainee dc scheme but they are very different careers. It largely depends whether you want to pursue law or law enforcement

Thank you so much for your help means a lot! Is there much difference in the duties carried out by CPS solicitors and barristers? Do you often go to mag courts etc ... or is the solicitor pathway more office based? Many thanks

Reply 10

OP

Hi, I had a quick question. So I've just completed the online tests and have been informed that I am still being considered for the vacancy. However, I have not received details about the video interview, which is the next stage. I though this was automatic like the online tests-once you pass the tests you automatically get details for the video interview.

Does anyone know whether you get the details in a separate email or just a few days later? I'm really confused as I'm not sure if I have actually progressed to the next stage.

Thanks.

Reply 11

All newly qualified trainees complete mags court advocacy it’s where you will cut your teeth as a lawyer. After that it really depends on your direction.

Check your junk Mail re: VI invite!

Reply 12

OP

Original post by Russ3684

All newly qualified trainees complete mags court advocacy it’s where you will cut your teeth as a lawyer. After that it really depends on your direction.

Check your junk Mail re: VI invite!

I've checked my junk and inbox. That's weird, think I'll email the recruitment team.

Reply 13

It’s not always immediate also.

Reply 14

Yellowflower2

Just wanted to ask those who applied for the 2022 intake, did you still have to do a VI by 21st April 2021? I applied to the wrong start date and have emailed to get it switched over but had no reply. Not sure if I should still do the VI.

Reply 15

I believe the deadlines are the same across the campaign yes.

Reply 16

Annika787

5

Has anyone heard back in relation to their application?

Reply 17

OP

I haven't heard back yet. I thought the legal assessments and interviews were to be held in June, so surely we'd be informed by then I assume.

Reply 18

amslouise123

5

I heard back regarding 2022 solicitors path yesterday and was invited to a final interview.

Reply 19

OP