Prosecutor
Job Description:State prosecutors make sure that decisions to bring people to court are fair and likely to succeed.
Job Category:What you will do:
You’ll work with other prosecutors, caseworkers and administrative staff.
Your day-to-day duties might include:
- checking facts and documents for each case
- deciding if there’s enough evidence to convict
- advising which charges are suitable
- explaining decisions to defence lawyers, witnesses, the police and other agencies
- deciding if evidence is reliable and can be used in court
- preparing the case for the prosecution
- making sure relevant evidence is put before the court
- presenting the case to a panel of magistrates or judges, or to a judge and jury, depending on the court
- questioning the defendant and witnesses
- summing up the case for the prosecution
- training other prosecutors and caseworkers
- representing the CPS at casework conferences
Skills:
You’ll need:
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- the ability to read English
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
As well as:
- excellent verbal & written communication skills
- active listening skills
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough, organised and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- being driven and focussed (ambition/drive)
Entry Requirements:
To become a Prosecutor, you will typically follow an educational and career path that includes several years of study and training beyond your high school years. While there are no specific subjects required to become a Prosecutor, the following subjects and skills can be helpful for preparing for a career in law:
- English Language: A strong command of the English language, including reading and writing, is essential for a career in law, as legal work involves drafting documents, interpreting laws, and communicating effectively.
- Mathematics: While not directly related to the practice of law, math skills can be useful in areas such as financial law, taxation, and economic analysis.
- History: Studying history can help you develop research and analytical skills, which are important for legal research and case analysis.
- Citizenship or Social Studies: These subjects can provide an understanding of the legal system, government, and societal issues, which are relevant to law and legal practice.
Post School
Requirements may vary from country to country.
In the UK, however, you must be a qualified solicitor or barrister. You must have also completed your Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and 2-year training or 12-month pupillage.
You could also work your way up from a legal trainee role in the CPS Legal Trainee Scheme.
You’ll need clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
You’ll also need to pass basic security checks.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll work 37 hours a week on a rota system, including weekends and public holidays.
Most of the cases you work on will be in magistrates’ courts. On more serious cases you’ll work in the Crown Court (UK) or District Court (USA)
In the UK, you could work from home for CPS Direct. CPS Direct operates a 24 hour service, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, on a rota system.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience and further training you could progress to senior prosecutor.
From there you could become an advocate, senior advocate and principal advocate.