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Actual Innocence Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Actual Innocence information

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How much do actual innocence jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for actual innocence in the United States is $16.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by attorneys working on actual innocence cases?

Attorneys handling actual innocence cases often face significant challenges, such as locating and preserving old evidence, uncovering new witnesses, and navigating complex legal procedures to reopen closed cases. These cases typically require extensive investigation, collaboration with forensic experts, and persistence in the face of procedural hurdles. Additionally, attorneys must often work within tight deadlines and limited resources, making strong organizational and communication skills essential for success.

What is 'actual innocence' in the legal system?

'Actual innocence' refers to a legal claim that a person did not commit the crime for which they were convicted. This concept is often raised during appeals or post-conviction proceedings when new evidence, such as DNA testing, emerges that strongly suggests the convicted individual was not the perpetrator. Demonstrating actual innocence can lead to exoneration or a new trial, but it requires clear and convincing evidence. The standard for proving actual innocence varies by jurisdiction, but it is generally considered a high bar to meet.

What is the difference between Actual Innocence vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectActual InnocenceForensic Scientist
Required CredentialsLegal education, law degree, bar admissionScience degree, certification in forensic analysis
Work EnvironmentCourts, law offices, legal settingsCrime labs, forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies
Industry UsageLegal system, criminal justiceLaw enforcement, criminal investigation

Actual Innocence involves legal work focused on exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals, requiring legal credentials. Forensic Scientists analyze physical evidence to support criminal investigations, requiring scientific expertise. While both roles contribute to justice, they differ in credentials, work environment, and industry focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Actual Innocence Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Actual Innocence Investigator, you need a solid background in criminal justice, investigative techniques, and legal research, often supported by a degree in law, criminal justice, or a related field. Familiarity with case management systems, forensic tools, and legal databases like LexisNexis or Westlaw is essential. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills are vital for analyzing evidence and interviewing witnesses. These skills ensure thorough case evaluation and support the identification and exoneration of wrongfully convicted individuals.
Infographic showing various Actual Innocence job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 9% Temporary, 78% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,000 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Law Clerk - County Attorney - Conviction & Sentencing Integrity Unit

Pimacounty

Tucson, AZ

$22.18 - $26.05/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Description SummaryDepartment - County AttorneyJob Description

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Type: Unclassified

Job Classification: 1737 - Law Clerk

Salary Grade: 7

Pay Range

Hiring Range: $22.18 - $26.05 Per Hour

Pay Range: $22.18 - $29.92 Per Hour

Range Explanation:

  • Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

  • Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

THIS IS A GRANT FUNDED POSITION ENDING SEPTEMBER 2026.

The first review of applications will be on05/01/2026.

The Conviction & Sentencing Integrity Unit (CSIU) mission is to review legitimate claims of innocence by people who have been convicted by Pima County Attorney's Office and/or believe they have received illegal sentences. The CSIU, located within the Criminal Division, reviews submissions and leads all re-investigations of cases that present a credible claim of innocence or illegal sentencing. This position in the CSIU will review and analyze claims of wrongful conviction which can include reviewing trial files, legal research, and legal memoranda preparation.

This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department's need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

  • Researches appeals and prepares drafts of preliminary briefs or arguments based on statutory law or decisions;

  • Conducts legal research through the use of computerized legal research systems such as Lexis and Westlaw, or statutes, U.S. Constitution, legal periodicals, law reviews, digests, legal encyclopedias, codes, regional and federal reporters, slip opinions and various case law;

  • Updates or shepardizes case law to distinguish and analogize the case to the fact situation at hand;

  • Identifies applicable statutes or rules that are in force and effect for the particular matter;

  • Researches points and rules of law and prepares written reports summarizing research;

  • Performs research and studies legal records and comments to obtain data applicable to the case under consideration;

  • Drafts motions, responses and legal memoranda;

  • Interviews victims and witnesses;

  • Serves copies of pleadings on opposing counsel and delivers documents to various county offices;

  • Conducts routine investigations on less serious charges for background and basic information;

  • Confers with attorneys regarding legal issues;

  • Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties;

  • May supervise, train, and assign and review the work of other law clerks;

  • Maintains electronic and paper files as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

First, second or third year law student in or a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources.Additionalassessments/testing may berequiredas part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information:

Licenses and Certificates:Valid driver license isrequiredat time of application.ValidAZdriver license isrequiredat time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review todetermineapplicant's suitability tooperatecounty vehiclesin accordance withPima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain andmaintainthe required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services' review and approval of the candidate's driving record.

Special Notice Items: The Countyrequirespre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. Some positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems. This position will require apost-job offer physicaland/or drug screen.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Lift up to 50 lbs. maximum, frequently up to 20 lbs. Necessary to reach. Be able to grasp. Speaking Activity - necessary to speak in person and over the phone. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle. Vision requirements be able to distinguish colors, have dept and peripheral vision. Action Activity - reaching, speaking activity - in person and on the phone; Vision Activity - must be able to operate a motor vehicle, distinguish colors, have depth perception, and have peripheral vision. Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions: Regular, daily attendance is an essential function for this position. The Law Clerk regularly receives and responds to telephone calls and emails. The Law Clerk occasionally drives to visit clients at residence or at jail or juvenile detention center, and to witnesses and other case involved parties at residences or business locations.

EEO Information:Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practiceson the basis ofrace, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.