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Death Penalty Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Navajo County, AZ

Attorney III

Holbrook, AZ · On-site

$128K - $159K/yr

County Attorney Opening Date: 03/03/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Summary Under general supervision ... death penalty case. • Prosecutes or defends cases in Justice and Superior Courts. • Confers ...

Navajo County

Attorney III

Holbrook, AZ

$128K - $159K/yr

Files complaints on misdemeanor and felony cases, including first degree murder involving death penalty case. Prosecutes or defends cases in Justice and Superior Courts. Confers with clients. Advises ...

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Death Penalty Attorney information

See salary details

$39.5K

$104.1K

$185K

How much do death penalty attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 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 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 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 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.

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

A death penalty attorney can earn $500,000 or more by handling high-profile or complex cases, working in large firms, or specializing in capital defense with extensive experience. Building a strong reputation, gaining specialized certifications, and working in jurisdictions with higher legal fees can also increase earning potential.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

While some experienced death penalty attorneys or lawyers in specialized criminal defense roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, such high earnings are uncommon and typically involve extensive experience, high-profile cases, or private practice with significant client billing. Most criminal defense attorneys earn less, with salaries varying based on location, experience, and the complexity of cases handled.

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.

How to become a death row lawyer?

A death row lawyer is a criminal defense attorney who specializes in capital cases. To become one, you typically need to earn a bachelor's degree, complete law school, pass the bar exam, and gain experience in criminal law, often working on appellate or federal cases. Specializing in death penalty law may also involve additional training or certification in capital case defense and understanding of constitutional law.

Is 900 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

For a Death Penalty Attorney, an hourly rate of $900 is considered high compared to average legal fees, which typically range from $200 to $500 per hour depending on experience and location. Such rates are often associated with highly specialized or experienced attorneys handling complex or high-stakes 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,054 per year, or $50 per hour.

Attorney I-IV - Criminal Division

Mohave County, AZ

Kingman, AZ • On-site

$95K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Salary : $95,804.80 - $153,732.80 Annually
Location : Kingman, AZ
Job Type: Full Time-Unclassified
Job Number: 04059
Department: County Attorney
Opening Date: 06/18/2026
Closing Date: 7/26/2026 5:00 PM Arizona
FLSA: Exempt
Job Summary
The Mohave County Attorney's Office is recruiting prosecutors at all experience levels, including entry level prosecutors, for several Deputy County Attorney positions based in Mohave County (our main office is in Kingman). Entry-level Attorney I positions start at $85,363, with substantial increases based on experience-up to $153,000 for Attorney IV roles.
What It's Like to Work Here
Our office emphasizes work-life balance, professional growth, and meaningful responsibility from day one. Prosecutors handle vertical prosecution with real independence and discretion over their cases. The team environment is collaborative, with mentoring, training, and an open-door culture that supports learning at every stage.
We are committed to helping attorneys build strong litigation skills, especially jury trial experience, and we take pride in our mission to "Do Justice."
Paid Time Off (PTO):
  • 11 Paid Holidays.
  • End of Year PTO Buyback (optional).

Retirement Benefits:
  • Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
    • Contribution rate of 11.98% with 100% Employer match starting on first day.
  • Deferred Compensations Programs (optional)

Comprehensive Wellness Program:
  • Low-cost, high-value health care plans for you and your family that include Medical, Dental, Vision.
  • 24/7 Virtual Care including Onsite Health Screening Events
  • Marketplace Discounts
  • Onsite Gyms or Gym Membership Stipend
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Wellness Program
  • Basic Life, Supplemental Life/AD&D Insurances with additional voluntary benefits include Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Plans.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA-includes Dependent Care).

Schedule:
  • Flexible schedules, including remote work up to two days per week (or one day per week with a 4/10 schedule)

Our Mission
To conduct the prosecution of all felony offenses within the County and the prosecution of misdemeanors in the unincorporated areas. Advise law enforcement agencies and the grand jury. Assist crime victims and witnesses.
Attorney Intern -> Salary Range 13 Step 1-18 $21.09 - $34.87/hr.
Attorney I -> Salary Range 23 Step 1-17 $34.37 - $55.17/hr.
Attorney II -> Salary Range 25 Step 1-17 $37.89 - $60.81/hr.
Attorney III -> Salary, Range 27 Step 1-17 $41.78 - $67.04/hr.
Attorney IV -> Salary Range 29 Step 1-17 $46.06 - $73.91/hr.
Work is subject to traveling to various locations throughout Mohave County. Attorney could be based in Kingman, Lake Havasu City, or Bullhead City.
Schedule is subject to call-backs or on-call status, and irregular schedules to include completion of work assignments on weekends and holidays.
Essential Job Functions
  • Represents the assigned department in courts of law.
  • Communicates and acts in a professional manner with the public, co-workers, and work contacts.
  • Prosecutes all classes of felony and gross misdemeanor preliminary hearings including murder cases, and murder cases in which the death penalty is sought to be imposed (if death penalty certified).
  • Prosecutes complex criminal cases; reviews evidence; interviews witnesses; prepares pre-trial legal memoranda; selects juries; prepares and presents opening and closing statements; examines and cross examines witnesses; makes and meets legal objections; and requests legal instructions.
  • Evaluates criminal charges as filed and instructs investigators as to additional information needed to defend cases; evaluates the information and determines the appropriate disposition of the case.
  • Evaluates criminal cases of newer attorneys; suggests lines of investigation, appropriate trial tactics and legal motions to use; gives advice as to appropriate dispositions.
  • Administers programs in a specific field of criminal law; evaluates effectiveness of particular section in which assigned.
  • Assists in coordinating court dockets including jury trials, preliminary hearings, bench trials, sentencing, and probation violation hearings and motions.
  • As assigned, supervises and trains assigned attorneys or others in matters relating to the assigned department.
  • As assigned, completes performance evaluations; may make hiring recommendations; recommends disciplinary actions; approves vacations and time off; prepares work schedules and assignments; supervises the activities of assigned personnel; monitors reports and recordkeeping activities filed by assigned personnel for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to policy and procedure guidelines; instructs personnel in departmental policies, procedures and techniques; and provides technical assistance and training.
  • Makes presentations to consumer, civic, church groups and others concerning the assigned department's office and the law.
  • Serves on specific task groups as requested.
  • Participates in policy-making discussions as requested.
  • Possesses authority to make office-wide decisions if necessary in the absence or unavailability of the Department Director, as specifically delegated by the Department Director in strict accordance with the policies of the department.
  • Obtains additional knowledge of legal, judicial and other job-related fields through reading of related information and materials and attending training and educational classes.
  • Maintains files; compiles reports and statistics as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Required Minimum Education, Experience, and Training:
Attorney Intern: Entry level Legal experience work including.
  • High School Diploma/GED (General Education Degree).
  • Ability to receive admission to the Bar of the State of Arizona within twelve (12) months of hire date.
  • OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications.

Attorney I Professional Entry level Legal experience work including.
  • Juris Doctorate from an ABA Law School.
  • Possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Arizona and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Arizona per Arizona Supreme Court Rule 38(g).
  • OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications.

Attorney II One-year with Attorney I experience including.
  • Juris Doctorate from an ABA Law School.
  • Possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Arizona and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Arizona per Arizona Supreme Court Rule 38(g).
  • One (1) year of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work.
  • Must have demonstrated trial skills through performance of both bench and jury trials at a minimum of the Justice Court level, Superior Court experience is preferred.
  • OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications.

Attorney III Two-years of Attorney II experience including.
  • Juris Doctorate from an ABA Law School.
  • Possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Arizona and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Arizona per Arizona Supreme Court Rule 38(g).
  • Five (5) year of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work.
  • Must have demonstrated trial skills through performance of both bench and jury trials at a Superior Court level.
  • OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications.

Attorney IV Three-years of Attorney III experience including.
  • Juris Doctorate from an ABA Law School.
  • Licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona (please list on application), or eligible for admission by Rule 38(g).
  • Seven (7) years' experience as a licensed attorney, performing responsible, complex professional legal work.
  • Some experience performing administrative and supervisory responsibilities.
  • OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Principles, methods, materials, practices, and references utilized in legal research and presentation in civil/criminal law.
  • Methods and practices of prosecuting criminal cases and of effective techniques in the preparation and presentation of cases in court.
  • Court rules and procedures, rules of evidence, and Rules of Professional Conduct.
  • Interviewing and investigative techniques.
  • Principles and practices of leadership, supervision and training.
  • Common law, State and Federal statutory, constitutional and case law.
  • Set priorities, plan, assign, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate professionals, investigatory and clerical personnel.
  • Train subordinate and/or less experienced professional personnel in legal research and presentation methods and procedures.
  • Obtain additional knowledge of legal, judicial and other job-related fields through reading of related information and materials and attending training and educational classes.
  • Analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents concerned with difficult and complex cases and to effectively present such materials in clear and logical form and in an oral or written presentation.
  • Understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations and precedents.
  • Understand, interpret and apply pertinent federal, state and local rules, regulations, procedures and policies regarding legal work and services to include departmental procedures and requirements.
  • Read, interpret and apply technical materials encountered as a result of work assignments.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and communicate tactfully and effectively with administrative officials, County governmental officials, employees, court officials, and the public both orally and in writing.
  • Investigate and elicit information from people to include those who may be under emotional strain and/or angry and hostile.
  • Prepare, present and conduct trial defenses and appeals effectively.
  • Determine alternative courses of action.
  • Present and argue cases in court and handle unanticipated problems smoothly.
  • Maintain confidentiality, objectivity and freedom from prejudice.
  • Manage problems which may be controversial or sensitive in nature.
  • Understand and grasp ideas quickly and follow instructions with initiative and exercise good judgment.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and documentation.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.
Mohave County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
It is the policy of Mohave County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all job applicants and employees. The County shall not discriminate against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, pay promotion, retention, discipline or any other aspect of personnel administration, term or condition of employment, due to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, genetic information or disability, age (40 or older).
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Mohave County has an extensive benefits package with exceptional health, wellness, and work/life balance offerings, financial & retirement benefits, comprehensive leave program, and more.
Check out ourBenefits Guidefor full details!

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