The CPS Legal Trainee Scheme (LTS) is for those with an interest in criminal law who are seeking to become fully qualified barristers or solicitors. Pupillage lasts for one year, while the Period of Recognised Training takes two years to complete. The 2021 Legal Trainee Scheme is now open for applications until 16 April.
Legal Trainee Job Description
As a pupil barrister or trainee solicitor, the legal trainee’s role creates a tremendous and rewarding opportunity to learn while holding responsibility for tasks that keep the criminal justice system running.
From reviewing matters under supervision and drafting applications to advocating on behalf of the Crown on bail applications and committals for sentence, each task is designed not only to achieve the result sought but also to make great lawyers out of those who carry out the task.
Some of the tasks you will find yourself undertaking are as set out below:
- Legal research
- Court attendance i.e. observing lawyers at the magistrates’ and Crown Courts
- Reviewing and preparing cases under supervision
- Attending conferences with supervisors, investigative authorities as well as victims and witnesses
- Providing advice to police on charging under supervision.
The Legal Trainee Scheme Application Process
The Legal Trainee Scheme, opened for applications on Monday 22 March until Friday 16 April. It will offer positions to those interested in criminal law who want to become fully qualified barristers or solicitors. There is one year of pupillage and the Period of Recognised Training takes two years to complete.
The September 2021 pathway is for post-graduate students who hold a law degree at a minimum 2:2 and have completed or will be due to complete, their post-graduate LLM/LPC or BPTC by September 2021.
However, this year the CPS is also offering a September 2022 pathway for final year law undergraduates/individuals doing a law conversion degree with a predicted minimum 2:2, who will be in a position where they have completed their LLM/LPC or BPTC by September 2022.
The selection process with consist of an online application and CV, online tests, video interview, and final interview and legal assessment.
The Legal Trainee Scheme Application Timetable
Applications are open until Friday 16 April 2021. Follow this link for further information.
If you would like help with your application, please contact us.
The Legal Trainee Scheme Video Interview
The video interview helps to assess a candidate’s suitability and motivation for the role. To help you prepare for your video interview, we have compiled a list of top tips. See Legal Trainee Scheme: Video Interview Guide.
Interviews with CPS Legal Trainees
This page will be updated with more interviews in the next few days.
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