CPS trainee to senior crown prosecutor

My background

My journey with the Crown Prosecution Service started in 1988, as an administrative officer providing support to prosecutors. I then secured promotion and became a law clerk in the Crown Court unit. 

When I sat behind counsel in trials, I’d wish I could ask the questions or present the case to the judge – but never dreamt that it could be a reality due to my lack of qualifications beyond A levels. In 1999 the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 came along like a fairy godmother, introducing the role of Associate Prosecutor. I qualified in January 2000 and undertook prosecutions in guilty plea cases. The role evolved and I was soon prosecuting remand courts, sentencing and youth courts too.

The Crown Prosecution Service sponsored me to undertake my law degree, which I completed in 2006. I had my daughter in 2008 and when I found myself a divorced, single mother in 2010 I was more determined than ever to be a good role model to her. I successfully sought further sponsorship through the prosecutor pathway* to undertake my Legal Practice Course and despite it being hard work, I completed the qualification with a commendation. I then became a legal trainee and qualified in March 2024 as a Crown Prosecutor, before securing a Senior Crown Prosecutor position in May 2024.

My inspiration

Working for the Crown Prosecution Service gives me a real sense of pride. A prosecutor is the public face of the organisation in court, and I’m passionate that all victims of crime have a positive experience of the court process. I have direct contact with victims and witnesses as well as members of the criminal justice system, and I leave work feeling that I’ve accomplished something that will affect people in a positive way. I appreciate that the outcome isn’t always positive, but with the right explanation I know that most victims and witnesses leave the court process knowing that they have been listened to and supported throughout. Every day is a learning day as no two cases are the same. I have the best colleagues and managers, it’s a real team effort. This job has made me a more understanding person and my view of the world is a better one as a result of my career.

My typical day

I’m in the advocacy team of the Magistrates’ Court unit, so my week is divided between being in court, reviewing cases, providing charging authority to the police and managing my allocated cases.

I’m in court two or three days each week, prosecuting a variety of cases. I always prepare so that I’m ready to appear in front of a district judge or a lay bench around 10am. In trial courts I speak to witnesses, provide them with a copy of their statement and explain to them what will happen. It gives me the opportunity to introduce myself so that they aren’t walking into a room full of people they’ve never seen before. This is so important, as it's an alien environment for them, and we want them to be able to achieve their best evidence. After court I update victims on the trial outcome, make sure my court has been correctly submitted, and then prepare for the next day.

My biggest learning

That I can do it! You can achieve your goals and dreams – it might take time, but nothing is impossible. Are there difficult days? Yes. Do I have a good work support network? Absolutely. Are there lots of opportunities within the Crown Prosecution Service to try out different teams and roles? Without a doubt. I can genuinely say, even on those difficult days, that I’m proud of what I do and my learning will continue throughout my career.

Clare is a Senior Crown Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service.