Procurator fiscal
Career outlook for procurator fiscal
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£38,000
Experienced
£42,360
Currently employed in Scotland
1,800
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would present cases in court to bring criminals to justice. You’d also look into sudden and unexplained deaths to find out what happened and if the death could have been prevented.
Your work would help to reduce crime in Scotland and ensure it is a safe place for people to live.
You would work for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, which is Scotland’s prosecution service.
When a crime or accident happens or a person dies suddenly or in unexplained circumstances, the police or other agencies will carry out an initial investigation and submit a report to the local procurator fiscal’s office.
Along with the police, more than 100 other agencies can also report cases to the fiscal. The type of issues they might report include:
- Benefit fraud
- Pollution of drinking water
- Illegal dumping of waste
- Infringement of trading standards
As a procurator fiscal, you would consider the evidence and decide on the best action to take for the public interest.
Sometimes you might decide not to prosecute, or you could issue a direct measure – a warning, penalty or referral to another service – instead of taking a case to court. You’d need to explain your decision.
You would:
- Examine the evidence and witness statements to prepare cases for prosecution
- Present cases in the Sheriff courts and Justice of the Peace courts
- Look into sudden and suspicious deaths
- Conduct Fatal Accident Inquiries
- Investigate criminal complaints against the police
It’s a responsible job for which you would need to be methodical and thorough. Sometimes you would have to sensitively question people who are anxious at being in court or who may get upset when they have to describe a distressing or violent incident.
Working conditions
Hours
UK employment status
Full-time
27%
Part-time
12%
Self employed
61%
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- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Researching
- Attention to detail
- Developing a plan
- Time management
- Making decisions
- Negotiating
- Understanding
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Qualifications
You must be a qualified solicitor or advocate with a relevant degree in Scottish Law (SCQF level 10) and the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (SCQF level 11).
Entry to an LLB (law degree) can be very competitive. You'll need at least five Highers at AAABB or above, often in one sitting. Some courses also require Advanced Highers.
You can apply for entry to an accelerated LLB course, usually involving entry to the third year of study, with a relevant degree or honours degree (SCQF level 9/10).
Useful subjects
Most courses require:
- English or English-based subjects
- Maths
- Science subjects
You will also need
You may also be required to sit a National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT).
Helpful to have
The Law Society of Scotland offers events and activities for students at school considering studying the law.