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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 ...

Cumberland County

Assistant Public Defender

Carlisle, PA

$62K - $94K/yr

Senior Assistant Public Defender II: Attorney with 5-6 years of relevant experience and actively working towards becoming death penalty qualified * Senior Assistant Public Defender III: Attorney with ...

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 ...

County of Fresno

DEFENSE ATTORNEY I/II/III/IV

Fresno, CA

$81K - $103K/yr

Death Penalty Unit - $400.00 per pay period Major Crimes Unit (Homicide & Sexual Assault) - $300.00 ... Defense Attorney II: Acts as defense counsel in criminal cases of average difficulty. Interviews ...

State of Oregon

Law Clerk

Salem, OR · On-site

$7.0K - $8.1K/mo

With the exception of a limited number of appeals that go directly to the Oregon Supreme Court--most notably death penalty cases, ballot title cases, lawyer discipline matters, and tax court cases ...

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All JobsDeath Penalty Attorney Jobs

Death Penalty Attorney information

See salary details

$39.5K

$104.1K

$185K

How much do death penalty attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 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.

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, 88% Full Time, 9% 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 Public Defender 4- First Chair

Georgia

Atlanta, GA

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

Assistant Public Defender 4- First Chair

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000001509

Number of Openings:

1

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

Job Description:

The Georgia Capital Defender Division in the Central Office located in Atlanta, Georgia, is seeking an experienced death penalty-qualified attorney to serve as a Capital Defender. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience serving as first chair in homicide trials and demonstrated experience handling capital cases. While additional specialized training is available, applicants must possess a strong foundation in capital defense litigation. This position requires exceptional trial advocacy, legal research, writing, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to manage complex, high-stakes cases effectively. The candidate must be an active member in good standing with the State Bar for at least five (5) years.

Interested applicants should apply onhttps://careers.georgia.gov/andsubmit a resume, and cover letter to Nathanial Studelska atnstudelska@gacapdef.org.

Description of Duties:The Assistant Public Defender IV, Lead Counsel Trial Attorney provides skilled and dedicated legal representation to indigent defendants in death penalty cases. Responsibilities include developing case strategies, conducting investigations, litigating pretrial motions, presenting evidence and arguments at trial, and collaborating with mitigation specialists, investigators, and other defense team members. May also handle post-conviction proceedings in capital cases. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate in a related area from an accredited college or university and license to practice law in the State of Georgia or eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by Georgia Bar exam passage and licensure to practice law in the State of Georgia within one (1) year of hiring or reciprocity and three (3) years of relevant legal experience; or three (3) years of experience required at the lower-level Attorney 3 (LEP022).

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.

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