At the Public Defender Service, we offer work experience placements for people who are genuinely interested in criminal defence, public service, and access to justice.
Our placements are designed to provide meaningful insight into the reality of criminal defence work: the responsibility, the complexity, and the human impact.
What you can expect
Work experience with the PDS is hands‑on, reflective, and purposeful. Depending on your age, availability, and safeguarding considerations, placements may include:
- Shadowing solicitors and advocates in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court
- Observing client conferences, case preparation, and advocacy discussions
- Learning about police station representation and out‑of‑hours work
- Exposure to trauma‑informed and holistic defence practice
- Opportunities to reflect on what you observe and ask questions of experienced lawyers
People who spend time with us consistently describe the PDS as a supportive, collaborative environment, where learning is prioritised and where the focus is on doing what is right for clients, even when that work is challenging.
Types of work experience we offer
One‑day placements (15+)
We welcome applications from students aged 15 and over for one‑day insight placements.
These are designed to:
- provide a realistic introduction to criminal defence,
- help you understand what solicitors actually do day‑to‑day,
- and allow you to decide whether this area of law is something you want to explore further.
Longer placements (one week or more – 18+)
Longer work experience placements (typically one week or more) are only available to applicants aged 18 or over.
This is because these placements may involve:
- more sustained court observation,
- exposure to sensitive material,
- and a deeper level of engagement with live casework.
Longer placements are therefore more suitable for:
- university students,
- gap‑year students,
- or those seriously considering a career in criminal defence.
Who our placements are for
We receive a high volume of requests and are therefore selective.
PDS work experience is best suited to people who:
- have a genuine interest in criminal defence (not just law generally),
- want to understand the realities of legally aided work,
- are curious, reflective, and thoughtful about justice and fairness,
- are comfortable observing work involving vulnerable people and difficult situations.
Is this right for me?
Work experience with the Public Defender Service is designed for people who are genuinely drawn to criminal defence and motivated by the idea of using the law to make a real difference in people’s lives.
This placement is likely to be right for you if:
- you are specifically interested in criminal defence, rather than law in the abstract;
- you are passionate about helping people at their most vulnerable and believe everyone deserves fair representation;
- you are curious about how the criminal justice system works in practice including its challenges and imperfections;
- you are prepared for work that can be emotionally demanding as well as intellectually challenging;
- you want to understand what it really means to work in legally aided, public‑service law.
You do not need to have everything figured out but you do need to have a genuine interest in this area of work and be open to learning from what you observe.
This placement may not be the right fit if:
- you are looking for a purely academic or desk‑based experience;
- your interest is primarily in corporate, commercial, or non‑client‑facing law;
- you are uncomfortable engaging with the realities of the criminal justice system, including difficult cases and vulnerable clients;
- you are seeking work experience mainly as a generic requirement, rather than out of interest in criminal defence.
We include this section deliberately. We would much rather you self‑select out than undertake a placement that doesn’t align with your interests or values.
How to apply
To help us offer placements to people who are a good fit for the work and environment, we ask applicants to submit a written statement (maximum 600 words) addressing the following questions:
- Why do you want to undertake work experience with the Public Defender Service?
- What do you understand about legally aided criminal defence, and what do you think would be challenging about this work?
- Can you tell us about an experience, issue, or moment that has shaped your interest in criminal defence?
- What do you hope to learn from this placement, and how will you use that experience in your future career?
We are not looking for perfect answers. We are looking for honesty, reflection, and genuine engagement with the questions.
Relevant experience can include academic study, paid work, volunteering, caring responsibilities, or lived experience.
Please send:
- your written statement (maximum 600 words), and
- your age, availability, and preferred placement length
To: pdscheltenham@justice.gov.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for work experience?
- Applicants aged 15 and over may apply.
- One‑day placements are available to those aged 15+.
- Longer placements (one week or more) are only available to applicants aged 18+, due to safeguarding and the nature of the work.
How long are placements?
- One‑day insight placements are designed to give a realistic introduction to criminal defence.
- Longer placements (typically one week or more) are offered where capacity allows and are aimed at those seriously considering a career in criminal defence.
Is work experience paid?
No. All work experience placements with the PDS are unpaid.
Does work experience guarantee a job or training contract?
No. Work experience does not guarantee future employment or a training place. However, it can be a valuable way to understand whether criminal defence — and the PDS — is right for you.
What will I actually be doing?
Placements vary depending on the day, court listings, and operational demand, but may include:
- court observation (Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court),
- shadowing solicitors and advocates,
- observing case preparation and advocacy discussions,
- learning about police station work and out‑of‑hours cover,
- reflective conversations about what you observe.
Will I be dealing directly with clients?
No. Work experience students do not act for clients. Any exposure to client‑related work is observational only and subject to confidentiality and safeguarding considerations.
What should I wear?
Smart, professional attire suitable for court. We don’t expect corporate dress, but you should dress respectfully and appropriately for a legal environment.
Do I need to have studied law?
No. We welcome applications from people at different stages, including school students, undergraduates, and career‑changers. What matters most is your interest in criminal defence and public service.
How competitive is work experience?
We receive a high number of requests and are therefore selective. This is why we ask for a written application. It helps us offer placements to those who are the best fit for the work and environment.
Why do you ask for a written statement?
Criminal defence is a reflective and values‑driven profession. The written statement helps us understand:
- why you’re interested in this work,
- what has shaped that interest,
- and whether a placement with the PDS is likely to be meaningful for you.
Can I apply more than once?
Yes, but we encourage you to reflect on feedback or changes in your circumstances or interests before reapplying.