Criminal solicitors are a vital and important part of the justice system. They offer support to defendants and victims.
Becoming a criminal solicitor requires a strong sense of justice alongside expert analytical skills, a willingness to listen, excellent reading and writing abilities, and strong commitment to principles. However, it can be difficult to know how to get into the field.
In this article we’ll outline how you become a criminal solicitor – as well as the duties expected of one and how you can begin a career as a criminal solicitor.
What is Criminal Law?
Criminal law is the trial and punishment – as well as rehabilitation – of criminals which pose a threat to the safety of the public. A criminal solicitor will handle a variety of cases – including theft, murder, assault, and drugs charged.
Criminal solicitors Glasgow tend to work in regional Magistrates Courts – but more serious cases (lke murder) will end up in the Crown Court.
The Duties of a Criminal Lawyer
The terms ‘criminal solicitor’ and ‘criminal lawyer’ cover a category including a wide variety of different jobs.
A criminal defence solicitor provides legal advice to someone who has been accused of a crime. They provide this advice from police interviews to the actual court proceedings.
A criminal prosecution solicitor on the other hand provides legal advice to help prosecute an accused in the court. They will also provide representation to the victim of a crime.
Common duties for criminal solicitors include the gathering and interviewing of witnesses, the examination of crime scene evidence, the creation of strategies for cases, and handling paperwork.
Barristers’ role in criminal law is to present evidence to a court. They will persuade a jury based on any evidence which is provided during the case.
Solicitors tend to work in an office – barristers tend to represent their clients in a court. There are exceptions, however.
How do I become a criminal lawyer?
If you are interested in becoming a criminal solicitor there are several important steps to take. The road to criminal law involves education and accreditation as well as extensive work experience.
Bachelor’s Degree
It is necessary to complete a bachelor’s degree – either a law degree or another degree with relevant skills (such as business or economics). The standard required for these will be a first or second. Most undergraduate students take a law degree, but others will take on other relevant degrees and then undergo a law conversion course or aim for a Graduate Diploma in Law.
In recent years several institutions have begun to provide a different route. This involves six years of study and work experience in an apprenticeship style course – alongside work experience for those without degrees.
Job Specific training
To become a fully qualified criminal solicitor you’ll need to complete a Legal Practice Course (LPC) for one year – alongside two years of training in the workplace as well as a Professional Skills Course at the end.
Criminal barristers on the other hand undergo a year-long Bar professional Training Course. They also undertake a pupillage (two six-month periods of training). The first six months of training involves advocacy training and a shadowing scheme – as well as a period of research for legal paperwork and drafting.
The second period involves a practice management course and the conclusion of training via supervised barrister practice.
Work experience
It is difficult for a student to get proper experience before they’ve completed their degree or GDL – which means gaining experience after graduating is vital. While if you are interested in criminal law getting experience in this area is fantastic, any employer offering experience is important – as is any employer providing courtroom work and experience.
Legal Internships
Getting an internship with an established firm or professional is the traditional way of acquiring experience. By working in close tandem with experienced professionals both in offices and courtrooms, you will be able to acquire excellent high-quality experience. Internships however tend to be very competitive and have a rigorous interview process.
Research Employers and begin applying for jobs
It is vital that you have a comprehensive knowledge of a firm’s history and its clients before you apply for any positions – and decide well in advance if you’re looking for prosecution or defence positions. It is important you apply for firms which will support any professional development.
Once you have your qualifications and your research is complete, you can begin applying for jobs. Law firms tend to advertise online but it’s good to consult traditional newspaper ads and enquire at local firms and company websites. Established firms often advertise internships on their websites as well – so it is important to search for those as well.