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Habeas Corpus Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NYLAG

Staff Attorney (Rapid Response)

New York, NY · On-site

This attorney in this position will provide legal representation before the federal district courts ... Draft and file habeas corpus petitions and other federal litigation as needed. * Prepare and file ...

Estrella Law

Associate Attorney

Coral Gables, FL · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

... habeas corpus, APA actions and civil mandamus actions. Our firm is completely staffed, meaning that the associate atty will immediately have help from 1-2 assistants at any given time. Standard ...

Estrella Law

Associate Attorney

Coral Gables, FL · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

... habeas corpus, APA actions and civil mandamus actions. Our firm is completely staffed, meaning that the associate atty will immediately have help from 1-2 assistants at any given time. Standard ...

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Habeas Corpus Attorney information

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$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

How much do habeas corpus attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for habeas corpus attorney in the United States is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Habeas Corpus Attorney?

A Habeas Corpus Attorney is a lawyer who specializes in representing clients seeking relief through habeas corpus petitions. These petitions challenge the legality of a person's detention or imprisonment, often in cases involving constitutional rights violations or wrongful convictions. Habeas Corpus Attorneys work to ensure that individuals are not held in custody unlawfully, typically by filing legal motions in state or federal courts. Their work is essential in protecting the rights of individuals against unjust detention by the government.

What is the difference between Habeas Corpus Attorney vs Criminal Defense Attorney?

AspectHabeas Corpus AttorneyCriminal Defense Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, specialized knowledge in habeas corpus lawLaw degree, bar license, broad criminal law expertise
Work EnvironmentCourts, legal offices, detention facilitiesLaw firms, courts, client meetings
Employer & IndustryLegal firms, government agencies, courtsPrivate law firms, government, public defenders
Search & ComparisonFocused on post-conviction relief, constitutional rightsHandles criminal charges, trial defense, plea negotiations

While both roles involve criminal law, a Habeas Corpus Attorney specializes in challenging unlawful detention through habeas corpus petitions, focusing on constitutional rights. A Criminal Defense Attorney handles a broader range of criminal cases, including trials and plea deals. Understanding these differences helps clients find the right legal expert for their specific needs.

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

To thrive as a Habeas Corpus Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong expertise in constitutional and criminal law, particularly post-conviction relief procedures. Proficiency with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and familiarity with court filing systems are crucial. Exceptional analytical thinking, persuasive writing, and client advocacy skills set top practitioners apart. These abilities are vital for effectively challenging unlawful detentions and protecting clients' fundamental rights through complex legal processes.

What are some of the common challenges faced by Habeas Corpus Attorneys when working on post-conviction cases?

Habeas Corpus Attorneys often encounter challenges such as navigating complex procedural rules and tight filing deadlines, especially when advocating for clients whose initial appeals have been exhausted. Gathering new evidence or identifying constitutional violations can be difficult, as records may be incomplete or witnesses unavailable. Additionally, the work can be emotionally demanding, given the high stakes involved for clients facing lengthy incarceration. Collaboration with investigators, experts, and sometimes family members is essential to build a compelling case for relief.
More about Habeas Corpus Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Habeas Corpus Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Habeas Corpus Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Habeas Corpus Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Habeas Corpus Attorney jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Habeas Corpus Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Habeas Corpus Attorney jobs are:
Habeas Corpus Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Habeas Corpus Attorney job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,160 per year, or $52 per hour.

Noncapital Habeas Unit Attorney

Federal Public Defender, Central District of California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for a full-time attorney position in its noncapital habeas unit (NCHU), stationed in Los Angeles, California. The NCHU is committed to the pursuit of justice by aggressively advocating for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of indigent persons unlawfully confined by the states or federal government.
Job Duties:  NCHU attorneys primarily represent indigent California state prisoners in federal habeas corpus actions challenging their state judgments, immigrants in federal habeas corpus actions challenging their immigration detention, and petitioners in ancillary matters in state and possibly immigration court. Core job duties include communicating with clients; summarizing trial transcripts; conducting research; directing investigations; working with experts; drafting habeas petitions, motions, and briefs; conducting evidentiary hearings; and delivering appellate arguments. On occasion, NCHU attorneys are also assigned to federal criminal trial cases and capital habeas corpus cases.
Requirements:  All applicants must have graduated from an ABA accredited law school and be members in good standing of the California Bar.  Preference will be given to applicants with at least three years of experience in state and/or federal criminal law or applicants with federal judicial clerkship experience.
Varying hours including nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.  A background investigation is required as a condition of employment.  In line with current federal appropriations law, applicants must be Unted States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary
Selection Criteria: Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense, immigration and refugee advocacy, and/or public interest law; must have superior oral and written communication skills; possess excellent research skills; strong skills in complex fact and legal analysis and creative issue development; and work well in teams.
Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position.  This position is approved for one year and a day, with a possible extension based on need, budget, or the discretion of the Federal Public Defender.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit.  After successful completion of a probationary period, eligible employees may elect to telework up to two days per week, subject to certain conditions.  Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan.  For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
How to Apply: Apply by submitting a letter of interest, résumé, two representative writing samples (limited to 15 pages), and three references. We will accept applications until July 31, 2026; however, interviews will occur on a rolling basis and the open position may be filled before that date.  The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement.  Please, no phone calls.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.
 

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