Crown Prosecutor (CPS)
Solicitors and barristers employed by the Crown Prosecution Service to review and prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the state in England & Wales.
Overview
Crown Prosecutors are qualified solicitors and barristers employed by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) — the principal public prosecution service for England & Wales. The CPS employs around 6,000 staff, including approximately 2,700 qualified lawyers, making it one of the largest employers of lawyers in the country.
The CPS is independent of the police. Its role begins after the police have investigated a crime and passed the case file to the CPS for a charging decision. Crown Prosecutors apply the Code for Crown Prosecutors, a two-stage test: first, is there sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction? Second, is prosecution in the public interest? This gatekeeping function is fundamental to the justice system.
Crown Prosecutors handle cases from minor offences in the magistrates' courts to serious crimes in the Crown Court. Senior prosecutors (known as Senior Crown Prosecutors and District Crown Prosecutors) manage teams and handle the most complex cases. The CPS also has specialist divisions for areas like organised crime, terrorism, fraud, rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO), and special crime.
The work can be intense and emotionally demanding, particularly in cases involving violence, child abuse, and sexual offences. However, Crown Prosecutors play a vital role in protecting the public and delivering justice, and the CPS offers structured career progression, a supportive team environment, and the satisfaction of public service.
Day-to-Day Work
- Reviewing police case files and making charging decisions
- Applying the Code for Crown Prosecutors (evidential and public interest tests)
- Preparing cases for trial — drafting indictments, instructions, and case summaries
- Presenting cases in the magistrates' court (as in-house advocates)
- Instructing external barristers (counsel) for Crown Court trials
- Advising the police during investigations on evidence and charging
- Meeting and supporting victims and witnesses
- Handling appeals and post-conviction matters
How to Qualify
Qualify as a solicitor (via SQE) or barrister (via BTC and pupillage), then apply for a Crown Prosecutor position at the CPS. The CPS also runs its own legal trainee scheme and accepts applications from qualified lawyers at various levels of seniority.
Qualify as solicitor or barrister
Complete qualification through the SQE or Bar route.
Apply to the CPS
Apply for Crown Prosecutor vacancies (published on Civil Service Jobs).
Induction and training
CPS-specific training on the Code for Crown Prosecutors, case management, and advocacy.
Career progression
Progress from Crown Prosecutor to Senior Crown Prosecutor, District Crown Prosecutor, and Chief Crown Prosecutor.
Typical Costs
Salary Ranges
Key Skills
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Meaningful public service — protecting communities
- Civil Service benefits: pension, flexible working, leave
- Structured career progression
- Wide variety of criminal casework
- Supportive team environment
- Specialist divisions for career development
Disadvantages
- Lower pay than private practice
- Emotionally demanding — exposure to distressing cases
- Heavy caseloads and targets
- Public criticism when cases fail or are dropped
- Limited control over case allocation
- Bureaucracy of a large public organisation
Related Careers
Solicitor
The most common type of lawyer in England & Wales, solicitors advise clients, draft documents, and manage legal transactions across every area of law.
Barrister
Specialist advocates who represent clients in court, draft legal opinions, and provide expert advice on complex points of law.
Magistrate (Justice of the Peace)
Volunteer members of the community who sit in magistrates' courts to hear criminal cases, youth cases, and some civil matters — the backbone of the English justice system.
Related Legal Topics
Last updated: 2025-03-01