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Death Penalty Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mohave County

Attorney I-IV

Kingman, AZ

$95K - $132K/yr

Attorney I Range 23 Step 1-12 $34.37 - $47.59 Attorney II Range 25 Step 1-12 $37.89 - $ 52.46 ... death penalty is sought to be imposed (if death penalty certified). Prosecutes and/or Defends ...

Mohave County, AZ

Attorney I-IV

Kingman, AZ · On-site

$95K - $132K/yr

Attorney I Range 23 Step 1-12 $34.37 - $47.59 Attorney II Range 25 Step 1-12 $37.89 - $ 52.46 ... death penalty is sought to be imposed (if death penalty certified). * Prosecutes and/or Defends ...

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Death Penalty Attorney information

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$39.5K

$104.1K

$185K

How much do death penalty attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for death penalty attorney in the United States is $104,054.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,500.00 and $148,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a death penalty attorney?

A Death Penalty Attorney is a lawyer who specializes in defending individuals charged with crimes that carry the possibility of a death sentence. These attorneys are experts in criminal law and capital punishment cases, often handling complex legal and ethical issues. They work to ensure clients receive a fair trial and may also handle appeals and post-conviction relief efforts. Their role is crucial in safeguarding the rights of the accused throughout the entire legal process.

What are some unique challenges faced by death penalty attorneys compared to other criminal defense lawyers?

Death penalty attorneys often handle cases with extremely high stakes, as their clients' lives are literally on the line. These cases require meticulous attention to detail, the ability to manage complex legal and forensic evidence, and a deep understanding of both state and federal appeals processes. Attorneys in this field frequently contend with emotionally charged environments, long hours, and the need to build strong, trusting relationships with clients facing the most serious consequences. Collaboration with mitigation specialists, investigators, and expert witnesses is also critical to presenting a comprehensive defense.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a death penalty attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Death Penalty Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and extensive experience in criminal defense, particularly in capital cases. Familiarity with case management software, legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and forensic evidence systems is essential. Outstanding analytical thinking, emotional resilience, and persuasive communication are critical soft skills for building strong cases and supporting clients facing severe consequences. These competencies are vital for navigating complex legal issues, ensuring due process, and advocating effectively in life-or-death situations.

What is the difference between Death Penalty Attorney vs Criminal Defense Attorney?

AspectDeath Penalty AttorneyCriminal Defense Attorney
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, specialized training in capital casesLaw degree, bar admission, general criminal law experience
Work EnvironmentCourts, law firms, government agencies handling capital casesCourts, law firms, private practice covering various criminal cases
Industry UsageSpecialized within criminal law, focusing on death penalty casesBroad criminal law practice, including non-capital cases

While both Death Penalty Attorneys and Criminal Defense Attorneys handle criminal cases, Death Penalty Attorneys specialize in capital punishment cases, requiring specific training and experience. Criminal Defense Attorneys have a broader scope, representing clients in various criminal matters without necessarily focusing on death penalty cases.

More about Death Penalty Attorney jobs

What states have the most Death Penalty Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Death Penalty Attorney jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Death Penalty Attorney jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Death Penalty Attorney jobs are:

Death Penalty Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Death Penalty Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,054 per year, or $50 per hour.

Assistant Attorney General (Attorney III), Capital and Collateral Litigation

State of South Carolina

Columbia, SC • On-site

$79K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

State Of South Carolina rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 50 rated states

Job description

Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 191796
Agency: Attorney General's Office
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 12/31/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AE30
Position Number:: 60009559
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN12
Hiring Range - Min.: $79,600.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $111,500.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: All applicants must apply via careers.sc.gov. Failure to provide detailed and complete information will result in your application not being referred.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
Performs under limited supervision professional legal work in preparing briefs, pleadings, opinions, and in representing assigned State agencies. Performs under general supervision professional legal work for the State, its subdivisions, and officials.
  • Performs under general supervision professional legal work in preparing briefs, pleadings, and opinions in representing the State, its subdivisions, and officials. May be asked to prepare memos, provide research and/or participate in supporting murder litigation as needed. May also be asked to make instructional presentations. Primarily assigned to the Capital and Collateral Litigation Section, which is tasked with the handling of all murder direct appeals, primarily in the South Carolina appellate courts, and all federal habeas corpus litigation under both 28 U.S.C. §§ 2254 & 2241 involving various South Carolina crimes in the federal court system.
  • Performs under general supervision professional legal work relating to capital litigation and murder appeals in the South Carolina appellate courts, including the reading of trial transcripts, research of legal issues, drafting of briefs, preparation of pleadings, and presentation of oral argument before the South Carolina appellate courts. Representation may also require admission and practice in the Supreme Court of the United States. This duty involves communication with trial and appellate counsel, traveling to other locations to examine appropriate trial exhibits, coordinating appellate work with trial counsel, ordering trial transcripts, and calendaring and scheduling work to conform to court dates. This duty involves complex death penalty litigation as well as murder appellate litigation.
  • Performs under general supervision professional legal work relating to the post-conviction relief in primarily death penalty convictions, but also non-death penalty convictions as needed. Researches legal issues, prepares pleadings and responses to applications for post-conviction relief involving death penalty convictions, prepares returns, briefs, and oral arguments for appeals from the state court hearing. Makes required transportation arrangements for witnesses and death row inmates. Represents the State in the Court of Common Pleas, South Carolina appellate courts on appeal, and Supreme Court of the United States.
  • Performs under general supervision professional legal work relating to federal habeas corpus relief proceedings in the Federal District Court, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Researches legal issues, prepares pleadings and responses to petitions for federal habeas corpus relief, prepares motions and responses to filings, and makes professional decisions on the handling of the case and appeal. Briefs issues before the United States Court of Appeals and completes oral arguments, if necessary. Makes required arrangements for transportation pertaining to witnesses or petitioners for purposes of court-ordered hearings. This job duty involves both death penalty matters as well as non-death penalty federal habeas corpus actions.
  • Performs under general supervision professional legal work relating to federal habeas corpus relief proceedings in the Federal District Court, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Researches legal issues, prepares pleadings and responses to petitions for federal habeas corpus relief, prepares motions and responses to filings, and makes professional decisions on the handling of the case and appeal. Briefs issues before the United States Court of Appeals and completes oral arguments, if necessary. Makes required arrangements for transportation pertaining to witnesses or petitioners for purposes of court-ordered hearings. This job duty involves both death penalty matters as well as non-death penalty federal habeas corpus actions.
  • Represents assigned State agencies as required by the South Carolina Attorney General. Communicates with and advises agencies, including travel to other locations for meetings or hearings.
  • Performs related duties required and assigned by the Division Director and Chief of Staff, such as handling cases outside primary duty assignment.

This position also includes an excellent benefits package:
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
  • Fifteen days of annual (vacation) leave per year.
  • Fifteen days of sick leave per year.
  • Thirteen paid holidays.
  • State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
J.D. degree and at least five years of practicing experience.
Necessary Requirement: Must be a member of the SC Bar in good standing and have satisfied 403 requirements.
Additional Requirement:
  • Position will require overnight travel and occasional out-of-state travel.
  • Must be able to transport files to and from court.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Must be well organized and work independently.
  • General supervision.
  • Expectation to promptly notify the supervisor of any issues, problems, or suggestions related to job duties.

Additional Comments
DRUG SCREENING, CREDIT CHECK, DELINQUENT TAX CHECK, SLED BACKGROUND CHECK, AND GRIEVANCE CHECK REQUIRED.
THIS OFFICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.
EEOP Utilization Report available upon request.
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities. If you have a limitation or disability that requires an accommodation during the application process, please let us know by emailing
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01
Are you willing to accept a salary between $79,600-$111,500?
  • Yes
  • No

02
What is your current salary?
03
Please select all that apply:
  • I have a Juris Doctorate Degree
  • I am an active member of the SC Bar
  • I am a Non-Active Member of the SC Bar
  • I am in Good Standing with the SC Bar
  • I have satisfied 403 Requirements

04
How many years of experience do you have as an experienced practicing attorney?
  • No Experience
  • Less than five years of experience
  • Five or more years of experience

05
Please explain in detail your experience as a practicing attorney. Note: "Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application not being referred."
06
Do you have any prior, pending or any grievance matters with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, Commission on Lawyer Conduct?
  • Yes
  • No

07
I acknowledge that I may be required to complete a SparkHire One-Way Virtual interview as part of the hiring process if the Hiring Manager desires an interview.
  • Yes
  • No

08
*Please read in its entirety* I acknowledge that a resume may be attached but not substituted for completing the employment application's salary, work history, education, and reference sections. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Is your application complete?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

Social media

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