If you're passionate about criminal justice and itching to find out more before even stepping into the courtroom, this blog is your starter pack. Criminal law isn’t just about memorising statutes, it’s about people, strategy, empathy and courtroom choreography. But how do you begin bridging the gap between legal theory and real-world action?

In the UK, the legal profession is notoriously competitive. To stand out, from pupillage applications to solicitor training, you need genuine, relevant experience. This means not only formal schemes, but also creative, proactive steps.

This post offers a detailed guide packed with actionable ways to build criminal law experience – such as free court gallery visits, marshalling, mini-pupillages, charity pro bono work, police station accreditation and beyond – helping you build a CV rooted in real exposure, not just ambition. By the end, you'll have a menu of clear options you can begin exploring today, even if you're early in your studies.

Court visits: watch the drama unfold

There’s nothing like showing up at crown or magistrates’ court on your own steam, you’ll be watching live justice unfold, often for free. Approach the usher or clerk at the court, ask which hearings are open to the public (many are) and pick something with interest, often straightforward lists of hearings work best. Dress smart, carry a notebook and treat every detail like a learning opportunity: client interaction, judicial demeanor and advocacy structure. Those observations will serve you later in personal statements, interviews or even unlocking informal introductions to practitioners.

Mini-pupillages: the barrister’s shadow experience

If you’re thinking of the Bar, minis are essential. These short placements (usually three to five days) help you experience life in chambers and in court, and they're increasingly expected before applying for full pupillage. What to do once there? Ask insightful questions about daily life, how much work junior tenants see and training structures. However, remember not to waste your host’s time with queries you could easily find online. Volunteer to help, ask to read bundles or do mini legal tasks, and take detailed notes every day. At the end of your mini, send a polite follow-up email to show appreciation. People emphasise that quality over quantity matters: even one insightful mini can show maturity.

For more insights into becoming a barrister, check out our Meet the Lawyer profiles for a firsthand insight.

Marshalling: shadow a judge

Marshalling places you next to a sitting judge for several days, you’ll read skeleton arguments before court, sit behind the bench and observe how decisions get made. It's rare but powerful to add to your pupillage application and judgment of advocacy style. While many law schools outline marshalling opportunities, it's often advertised via judicial outreach or Inns of Court channels. Your reflective notes after marshalling can show committee-level insight.

Volunteering: pro bono and legal aid work

If chambers placements aren't lining up, full-scale volunteering might be your gateway. Citizens Advice Witness Service and Support Through Court volunteers help witnesses and litigants in criminal proceedings in crown courts across England and Wales. These roles train you in court protocols, client support and effective communication in high-pressure environments. Also look out for Free Representation Unit, law school clinics or local law centres tied to criminal or social justice work. These enable direct client contact under supervision, tribunal experience, and real casework, even recommendation letters for future roles.

Vacation schemes and firm insight days

For solicitor-track aspirants, vacation schemes at firms, including legal-aid specialist or criminal defence firms, are immersive, paid experiences. They involve shadowing fee earners, drafting tasks, and socialising with practice teams. Though earned work in court may be limited in these firms, it’s still valuable exposure. Open days or insight programmes are also useful for early-stage applicants, just soak in the panels and networking and make yourself known.

If you’re considering a vacation scheme, read out Vacation Scheme Insider profiles to hear about the work students got involved in on a range of different placements.

Speculative shadowing and informal placements

Don't discount smaller local practices, many of which run on goodwill and flexibility. Start by emailing or walking into a high-street criminal firm or chambers asking if you can shadow, perhaps assisting with admin or reception cover initially. Often these evolve into behind-the-scenes experience. Unscripted routes can lead to court visits, informal mentoring, or paralegal roles. These placements may involve bundling briefs, drafting letters or observing client meetings. As senior practitioners have noted, giving reflective debriefs encourages deeper insight and involvement, not just file-reading.

Mooting, debate and essay competitions

Even if court experience is limited, competitive mooting and legal essay competitions offer excellent training in legal research, advocacy and argument construction. Many top competitions and moots hosted by Inns are respected by chambers and law firms. This extracurricular weight shows recruiters you’re serious, disciplined and articulate.

Criminal law is as much lived as studied. Through court gallery visits, volunteering, marshalling, mini-pupillages and more, you’ll build insight, not just bullet points on a CV. Combine proactive outreach with thoughtful reflection, and you’ll not only stand out in pupillage or trainee applications, you’ll deepen your understanding of advocacy, empathy, and the justice system.