Criminal Law is an interesting and ever-changing profession.  

For law students drawn to a potential career in Criminal Law (whether defending or prosecuting), these are Craig Caldicott Lawyers’ top tips: 

1. Get familiar with the Courts 

This includes the Magistrates Court, District Court and Supreme Court.  

Courts are generally open to the public. This means that as a student, you can attend various Courts (provided they are open) to view the proceedings. Doing this on several occasions before embarking on a career in the Criminal Law is invaluable.  

By attending Court, you will be able to view various different aspects of the practise of criminal law including bail applications, committals, guilty pleas, witness examination and cross-examination, sentencing, jury selection, submissions, Judge’s summing up and much more. Having some familiarity with where Courts are located and what occurs in various Courts gives you a head start.

2. Be flexible and willing to say “yes” 

Working as a Criminal Defence Lawyer requires being able to pivot at a second’s notice. Being flexible is critical. This can include changing tact during submissions to a Judge, having to rush to Court for a last minute listing, responding quickly in cross examination, and generally being willing to learn on the go.  

Being able to say “yes” means opening yourself up to more opportunities to do and learn.  

3. Understand the harsh reality 

People generally do not want to see a Criminal Lawyer. Clients seek out a Criminal Lawyer because they need them. It is usually an extremely difficult time in the client’s life. Part of a Criminal Lawyer’s job is advising as to likely penalties which often include lengthy and immediate prison sentences.  

The content of much of the Criminal Law is confronting. At Craig Caldicott Lawyers we deal with all sorts of criminal charges including murder, serious assaults causing serious harm, child exploitation material offences, child sexual offences, and serious fraud (to name a few). This means that we are exposed to serious and challenging disclosure material. It is not for the faint of heart.  

The process of the criminal justice system can also be harsh. As a Criminal Lawyer, this can include stressful timelines, late nights, and out of hours phone calls.

It is challenging, confronting, harsh, but overall rewarding.  

4. Reach out and ask for opportunities  

Opportunities to interact with the criminal justice system are out there, but you have to search for and take advantage of them. Many Criminal Law firms will take on work experience clerks or PLT students but are unlikely to advertise. Reaching out and  showing initiative can be critical in the early stages of your career.

Written by Solicitor Emily Cousins