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How much do innocence project innocence project jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for innocence project innocence project in the United States is $85,619.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Innocence Project Innocence Project vs Public Defender?

AspectInnocence ProjectPublic Defender
CredentialsLegal education, law degree, bar admissionLegal education, law degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentNonprofit, research-focused, case investigationPublic sector, courtroom, client advocacy
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, criminal justice reformGovernment, criminal defense
Common Search IntentUnderstanding roles in wrongful conviction casesLegal defense for indigent clients

The Innocence Project and Public Defender roles both require legal credentials and involve criminal justice work. However, the Innocence Project primarily focuses on investigating wrongful convictions within nonprofit settings, while Public Defenders provide courtroom defense for indigent clients on behalf of the government. Both roles are vital in the justice system but differ in their focus, employer, and work environment.

What is the Innocence Project?

The Innocence Project is a nonprofit legal organization that works to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA testing and to reform the criminal justice system to prevent future injustices. Founded in 1992 at the Cardozo School of Law, the Innocence Project has helped free hundreds of people who were wrongfully imprisoned. In addition to legal representation, the organization advocates for policy changes to improve forensic science, eyewitness identification procedures, and access to post-conviction DNA testing.

What are some common challenges faced by case analysts at the Innocence Project, and how do they typically overcome them?

Case analysts at the Innocence Project often encounter challenges such as limited access to old case files, uncooperative witnesses, or missing evidence. They overcome these obstacles by leveraging strong research skills, collaborating closely with legal teams, and utilizing investigative techniques to uncover new leads. Building relationships with law enforcement and forensic experts is also crucial for navigating barriers and advancing cases. Persistence, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving are key traits that help analysts succeed in this impactful role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Innocence Project Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Innocence Project Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the state bar, and strong expertise in criminal law and post-conviction litigation. Familiarity with legal research databases, DNA testing protocols, and case management systems is typically required. Exceptional analytical thinking, communication skills, and a deep commitment to justice help attorneys excel in advocating for the wrongfully convicted. These skills are crucial for effectively navigating complex legal processes, building compelling cases, and achieving successful exonerations.
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What cities are hiring for Innocence Project Innocence Project jobs? Cities with the most Innocence Project Innocence Project job openings:
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Innocence Project Innocence Project jobs near you
Infographic showing various Innocence Project Innocence Project job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $85,619 per year, or $41.2 per hour.
Staff Attorney - Pittsburgh Office - The Pennsylvania Innocence Project

Staff Attorney - Pittsburgh Office - The Pennsylvania Innocence Project

Pennsylvania Innocence Project

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Staff Attorney - Pittsburgh Office
Job Description
Locations: Duquesne University, Tribone Center for Clinical Legal Education, 912 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA and Temple University Center City, 1515 Market Street, Suite 300, Philadelphia, PA (main office)
Mission: The Pennsylvania Innocence Project is a non-profit, public interest law firm. Our mission is to exonerate those convicted of crimes they did not commit, to prevent innocent people from being prosecuted and convicted, and to help those wrongfully convicted transition to freedom. Learn more about the Pennsylvania Innocence Project at https://painnocence.org/.
Position Summary: The Pennsylvania Innocence Project is seeking a highly organized and self-driven Staff Attorney to join its legal team. The Staff Attorney will work with, and be supervised by, the Executive Director, Legal Director, and Deputy Legal Director based in the Project's Pittsburgh Office ("Supervisors"). The Staff Attorney will take part in the investigation and litigation of cases at both trial and appellate levels. The Staff Attorney will assist their supervisors with supervision of law students enrolled in clinical programs with the Pennsylvania Innocence Project. Some travel and evening and weekend work is required. The Staff Attorney will be based in the Pittsburgh office but will support case work in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania. The ideal candidate will be available to start in late May 2026.
Qualifications:
  • Juris Docter degree and admission to the Pennsylvania bar required, or willingness to immediately take the necessary steps to gain admission in Pennsylvania.
  • A minimum of 2 years of post-law school legal experience, but 3-5 years of experience preferred.
  • Candidate must be willing to travel throughout Pennsylvania for cases, training, and other job-related activities.
  • Interest in criminal law and innocence work with prior experience in post-conviction and appellate litigation preferred.
Responsibilities:
  • Litigation, Investigation, and Case Load: Identify, locate, and interview witnesses; draft and file briefs; communicate with co-counsel; attend court appearances; and visit clients in prison. Some travel is required (between two to ten days per month, usually non-consecutive).
  • Volunteer Management and Supervision: Take responsibility for managing volunteer schedules, training volunteer lawyers and law students, answering questions from volunteers, and reviewing volunteer work product.
  • Case Review and Development: Review and track cases as they proceed through the Project's assessment process.
  • Law School Internship/Clinical Involvement: Assist Supervisors in supervising interns, including coordinating their schedules and caseloads and reviewing summer internship applications.
  • Public Education: Put together training programs for volunteer attorneys and law students and present continuing legal education programs on topics related to wrongful convictions.

Salary: $65-70,000 depending on level of experience, plus benefits (health and dental insurance, 401k) and support for professional development, including local and regional training opportunities.
To Apply
Please attach:
  • Cover letter
  • Resumé
  • Writing sample

The Pennsylvania Innocence Project is an equal opportunity employer. The Project does not discriminate in the selection of employees based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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