Description

Prosecutors represent governmental bodies and the general public in court cases against parties accused of illegal activity. They investigate the court cases by examining evidence, interviewing involved parties, and interpreting the law. They use the results of their investigation in order to present the case during court hearings, and to construct persuasive arguments in order to ensure the outcome is the most favourable for the parties they represent.

Prosecutors typically do the following tasks:

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to prosecutor:

crown prosecutor
public prosecutor
state attorney
prosecuting attorney

Working conditions

Prosecutors typically work in district attorney’s offices, state attorney’s offices, or national attorney’s office, depending on the jurisdiction. They spend much of their time in courtrooms, offices, and meetings with law enforcement, witnesses, and victims. The workload can be demanding, and prosecutors may work long hours, especially when preparing for trials. They may also experience stressful situations, as they handle cases involving serious crimes and victims seeking justice.

Minimum qualifications

To become a prosecutor, individuals must earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and pass the bar examination in the state where they intend to practice. Many prosecutors gain practical experience by working as law clerks or in entry-level positions at a district attorney’s office. Excellent communication and trial advocacy skills are essential for effective representation in court. Prosecutors must also have a strong understanding of criminal law, rules of evidence, and constitutional protections to ensure fair and just legal proceedings.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

Prosecutor is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Prosecutor career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to prosecutor.

court jury coordinator
supreme court judge
legal consultant
justice of the peace
judge

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of prosecutor.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of prosecutor.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of prosecutor. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of prosecutor. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

ISCO group and title

2611 – Lawyers


References
  1. Prosecutor – ESCO
  2. What Is A Prosecutor? | Indeed.com
  3. Prosecutor Job Description – Betterteam
  4. Featured image: By FiscalĂ­a General del Estado (Spain) – fiscal.es, CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated on August 28, 2023