From casework assistant to becoming a prosecutor
Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions (left) and Lewis Taylor, Crown Prosecutor (right).
Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions (left) and Lewis Taylor, Crown Prosecutor (right).
Lewis joined the Crown Prosecution Service as a casework assistant in 2014. He successfully earned a place on our solicitor apprenticeship in 2018 and qualified as a solicitor last year. We caught up with him to find out more about his experience...
Hi Lewis! Tell us a bit about your journey with us.
I joined the Crown Prosecution Service in 2014 as a casework assistant on a fixed-term contract, before securing a permanent position here. When the solicitor apprenticeship launched four years later, I decided I wanted to pursue a career as a solicitor and become a prosecutor.
I had a general interest in law and considered going to university to do a law degree, but I ended up applying for the casework assistant role here. I thought it was an interesting and exciting opportunity and I wanted to go straight into work.
Doing the solicitor apprenticeship later on allowed me to obtain all the qualifications I needed to qualify: a degree, the solicitor’s qualifying exams (SQE) and two years of qualifying work experience. The way I see it, I've just done things the opposite way around – I worked first and then got a degree and post-graduate qualifications – but without the student debt! That’s a massive selling point.
'The solicitor apprenticeship allowed me to obtain all the qualifications I needed to qualify: a degree, the solicitor’s qualifying exams (SQE) and two years of qualifying work experience... but without the student debt!'
What qualifications did you have before starting the solicitor apprenticeship?
I completed a Crown Prosecution Service-funded level 3 certificate in criminal prosecution in 2016, and this meant I met the criteria to apply for the solicitor apprenticeship.
Is it difficult to balance work and study?
It can be challenging at times – especially during exam periods. However, as a solicitor apprentice, I've had the benefit of paid study time, typically one day a week. My managers have been supportive and flexible with my study leave and my legal supervisor's been on hand for any questions and issues - providing encouragement and keeping me on track.
How did you find the course and exams?
The degree element was challenging, especially as I hadn’t been in an academic environment for a while. However, I worked hard during my studies and this paid off when I graduated with a first-class degree in law.
The SQE exams were very challenging. The pass rate is around 55% for SQE1 and 65% for SQE2.
So, did the pass rate make it feel more of an accomplishment that you passed?
Absolutely. The pass standard is that of a day one fully qualified solicitor, so understandably they are difficult to do.
Did you have to do lots of revision?
Yes. I prefer to do intense revision leading up to an exam but regular breaks are important. Get outside, get some exercise - anything to clear your head. The solicitor apprenticeship can be very intense at times and taking time out is essential.
What motivated you during the challenging times?
I reminded myself of the incredible opportunity that I had been given. The end felt quite distant at times, but I always knew it would be a marathon and not a sprint.
Is the job what you expected?
Yes. By the time I qualified, I’d been at the Crown Prosecution Service for 10 years working alongside experienced colleagues. Working as a casework assistant and continuing to work during the solicitor apprenticeship gives you an advantage because you already understand how we work as an organisation.
When I qualified, it didn’t feel like much of a transition, because a lot of the work I'm doing now I did during my training. The only key difference is that once you’re qualified, you’re taking on greater responsibility and signing off work yourself. It's a bit of a psychological leap but that's what's involved.
What's next for your career?
To remain in my current role as a crown prosecutor and hopefully secure a senior crown prosecutor post in the future.
And finally, would you recommend a solicitor apprenticeship to others?
Absolutely! If you have the aspiration to qualify as a solicitor and become a prosecutor, the solicitor apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity to achieve your goals.
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