Careers in criminal law
Make career decisions with your eyes open.
Criminal practice can be demanding and rewarding. Good decisions start with an honest view of the work, the market and the route to qualification.
Starting out
Research the reality of the work.
Before committing to a criminal law career, spend time understanding police station work, magistrates’ court practice, legal aid, advocacy, case preparation and out-of-hours expectations. Court observation, work experience and conversations with current practitioners are more useful than a television version of the job.
- Understand the route to qualification as a solicitor or legal executive
- Research police station and criminal litigation accreditation
- Look at realistic starting salaries in your region
- Ask how supervision and advocacy opportunities will work
- Consider the effect of rota and out-of-hours work on your week
Reliable resources
Check current information at source.
Salary reviews
Why we do not publish one fixed “crime solicitor salary”.
Pay varies materially by region, accreditation, duty status, advocacy, supervision responsibility, hours, private work, fee income and working pattern. A current vacancy-led comparison is more useful than an old national average. Contact us with your PQE, accreditations, location and role details, or use the regularly updated Ten Percent salary reports.