My role as a legal manager

Rob

My background

Prior to joining the CPS as a legal manager in 2021, I was employed as a Crown Court advocate, working within private practice and the Public Defender Service. I conducted serious trials all over the country but was proud to have my home courts in the North West, and was principally based in Manchester.

I still consider myself an advocate at heart, and it was a role I enjoyed and valued enormously. It was a huge personal decision therefore to leave advocacy and join the CPS as a legal manager.   

My inspiration

I am passionate about improving standards and recognise that significant improvements can be made to the experience of everyone who appears before the courts. Within the CPS I can make a wider contribution and I am determined to help improve the experience of victims and witnesses, focusing on high quality preparation, engagement, and advocacy.  I can genuinely say that I find inspiration from the dedication, talent, and enthusiasm of my colleagues, who share this common purpose and achieve great things on a daily basis.

My typical day

I have responsibility for the crown court advocacy team.  My principal focus is upon the advocates' approach to early case engagement and ensuring opportunities for development through effective trials. I also manage and support a team of senior crown prosecutors, providing clear guidance in a full range of serious casework, as well as addressing any HR issues that may arise.  

I have other specific areas of responsibility, through which I regularly meet with senior police officers and the judiciary.

Taken together this means that most days are very different but extremely rewarding. I am in daily contact with a hugely supportive management team, and through hybrid working I enjoy the flexibility to work from home and the office.

My biggest learning

I joined the CPS North West as a legal manager in May 2021, and have worked in both advocacy and case review teams within the Magistrates' and Crown Court units. The induction and specialist training courses at the CPS are excellent, and I have found that even if I don’t have an answer at my fingertips, which is often the case, help is just around the corner.

My biggest learning has been to embrace new opportunities to increase my knowledge and assist my development. I was looking for a new challenge and took the leap from private practice to CPS North West. The support I have received since joining has been excellent, I can see my career path and better still, I know I will be supported in achieving my potential.

In October 2022 I was promoted to the role of a temporary senior district crown prosecutor, and I am proud to lead the Crown Court team in Greater Manchester.