1

Commonwealth Attorney Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Commonwealth Attorney information

See Indiana salary details

$43.8K

$102.9K

$164.1K

How much do commonwealth attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for commonwealth attorney in Indiana is $102,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,100.00 and $123,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Commonwealth Attorney?

A Commonwealth Attorney is a public official responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state or commonwealth in certain jurisdictions, such as Kentucky, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. They lead criminal prosecutions, represent the government in court, and ensure justice is served in their locality. Commonwealth Attorneys are typically elected and oversee a team of assistant prosecutors, working closely with law enforcement and victims. Their main goal is to uphold the law and protect public safety by fairly prosecuting those accused of crimes.

How to make 500,000 as a lawyer?

A Commonwealth Attorney can earn $500,000 by gaining extensive experience, handling high-profile cases, and working in jurisdictions with higher salary scales. Developing specialized legal skills, building a strong reputation, and pursuing leadership roles or private practice can also increase earning potential.

How much does a commonwealth attorney make?

A Commonwealth Attorney's salary in Virginia typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and workload. Many attorneys in this role also handle courtroom proceedings, legal research, and case management as part of their duties.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Commonwealth Attorneys are public officials responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in their jurisdictions. Their salaries typically range from moderate to high, but earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and usually reserved for highly experienced attorneys in private practice or specialized roles, not standard public prosecutors. Factors such as experience, location, and workload influence their compensation.

What are some common challenges faced by Commonwealth Attorneys in managing their caseloads?

Commonwealth Attorneys often manage a high volume of cases, which requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively. Balancing court appearances, legal research, and preparation for trials can be demanding, especially when handling complex or high-profile cases. Additionally, collaborating with law enforcement, victims, and witnesses adds to the challenge of ensuring each case receives appropriate attention. Successful Commonwealth Attorneys develop efficient processes and rely on support from their legal teams to handle these demands while upholding justice and ethical standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Commonwealth Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commonwealth Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a license to practice law, and a strong background in criminal law and courtroom litigation. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and evidence presentation tools is typically required. Exceptional public speaking, analytical thinking, and ethical judgment are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively prosecuting cases, upholding justice, and serving the public interest.

How to become a commonwealth attorney?

To become a commonwealth attorney, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. They must pass the state bar exam, gain legal experience, and often meet additional state-specific licensing requirements before being appointed or elected to the position.
What are popular job titles related to Commonwealth Attorney jobs in Indiana? For Commonwealth Attorney jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Commonwealth Attorney jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Commonwealth Attorney jobs in Indiana are:
Infographic showing various Commonwealth Attorney job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,921 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

General Attorney (Tax) - Special Counsel (Criminal Tax)

Criminal Investigation & Law Enforcement | IRS Careers

Indianapolis, IN โ€ข On-site

$147K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

With nearly 1,700 attorneys, IRS Chief Counsel is the largest tax law firm nationwide. Our attorneys are among top tax law practitioners and some of the very best legal minds found anywhere. Together with the IRS, we serve the public by applying the tax code with fairness and integrity. After pausing hiring in 2025, we now seek new law graduates and experienced attorneys to join us.
Click to learn more:
IRS Office of Chief Counsel Careers Site
Meet Our People
Learn about our Legal DivisionsQualifications:

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements detailed below by the closing date of this announcement. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.
To qualify for this position of General Attorney (Tax) - Special Counsel (Criminal Tax) you must meet the qualification requirements listed below by the closing of this announcement:
Basic Requirements for General Attorney -Special Counsel (Criminal Tax):

  • Possess at least the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association; AND
  • Applicants must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a State, U.S. Commonwealth, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;


GS-15 Experience Requirements:

  • 1 year of general professional legal experience from any area of expertise; plus
  • 3 year of professional legal tax experience

Professional Legal Tax Experience is defined as:

  • Experience in prosecuting, defending, investigating, advising, and/or reviewing criminal matters; and/or
  • Experience with criminal and/or civil privilege review/taint reviews.

At least one year of this experience must be equivalent to the work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-14). Note: Only experience gained after Bar Admission may be credited as Professional Legal Experience.

Education Substitution: An LL.M. degree in the field of the position (Taxation, Tax Litigation, Corporate Tax, or International Tax Law) may be substituted for the one year of the general legal experience listed above.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.

Education:For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.
A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)Employment Type: OTHER