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Sentencing Advocate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lake County, IL

Principal Public Defender

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$101K/yr

... trials, sentencing and all other related proceedings. Essential Functions • Provide legal ... advocacy. • Effective interpersonal and communication skills. • Knowledge of criminal law, the ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Law Clerk

Catlettsburg, KY · On-site

$41K - $62K/yr

Hiring Agency Justice & Public Safety Cabinet Department of Public Advocacy Location 108 28th ... alternative sentencing workers andoffice administrative staff. We seek to hire persons who ...

State of Georgia

Attorney 2

Baldwin, GA · On-site

$58K - $80K/yr

... sentencing. A strong commitment to indigent defense is required. The chosen applicant must be an ... Responsibilities include client advocacy, legal research, case preparation, court appearances, and ...

State of Georgia

Attorney 1

Baldwin, GA · On-site

$58K - $80K/yr

... sentencing. A strong commitment to indigent defense is required. The chosen applicant must be an ... Responsibilities include client advocacy, legal research, case preparation, court appearances, and ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Law Clerk

Murray, KY · On-site

$3.4K - $5.2K/mo

Hiring Agency Justice & Public Safety Cabinet Department of Public Advocacy Location 607 South 6th ... alternative sentencing works and off administrative staff. Minimum Requirements EDUCATION:

HOPE Community Services Inc

Case Manager

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

This role focuses on providing case management, advocacy, and recovery-focused services for ... programs, including DOC Community Sentencing, TANF/Child Welfare, Medication-Assisted ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Law Clerk

Hopkinsville, KY · On-site

$3.4K - $5.2K/mo

Hiring Agency Justice & Public Safety Cabinet Department of Public Advocacy Location 1100 South ... alternative sentencing workers and office administrative staff. We seek to hire persons who ...

Henry County, GA

ATTORNEY

Mcdonough, GA · On-site

... sentencing, post-adjudication/post-conviction hearings, alternative and diversion programs ... advocates and assists them as needed; and explains and advises regarding the investigative and ...

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All JobsSentencing Advocate Jobs

Sentencing Advocate information

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$32.5K

$60.6K

$85.5K

How much do sentencing advocate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for sentencing advocate in the United States is $60,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sentencing Advocate job?

A Sentencing Advocate works to secure fair and appropriate sentences for defendants by presenting mitigating evidence to the court. They research a client’s background, gather supporting documents, and develop reports detailing factors that may warrant reduced sentencing. They collaborate with defense attorneys, social workers, and experts to advocate for rehabilitation-focused alternatives. Their goal is to humanize defendants and ensure the court considers all relevant circumstances before sentencing.

Can you get paid to be an advocate?

Sentencing advocates are typically paid for their work, especially if they are employed by government agencies, non-profit organizations, or legal service providers. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and the organization, and some advocates may also receive stipends or grants for specific projects. Volunteering is also common, but paid positions are available for qualified professionals in this field.

What is a good job for an advocate?

A good job for an advocate involves representing and supporting clients or causes, such as in legal, social services, or healthcare settings. These roles often require strong communication skills, knowledge of relevant laws or policies, and the ability to navigate complex systems to assist others effectively.

How to become an advocate for prisoners?

A sentencing advocate for prisoners typically requires a background in law, social work, or criminal justice, along with strong communication and advocacy skills. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or working with legal or correctional organizations can be beneficial, and some roles may require relevant certifications or licenses depending on the jurisdiction.

What is the highest paid job in criminal justice?

In criminal justice, chief executives such as police chiefs, federal agency directors, and high-level prosecutors tend to have the highest salaries. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, with salaries reaching six figures or more depending on the agency and location.

What are some typical responsibilities and daily tasks for a Sentencing Advocate?

Sentencing Advocates spend much of their time researching clients’ backgrounds, conducting interviews with clients and their families, and preparing comprehensive reports for courts. They work closely with defense attorneys, social workers, and sometimes medical or mental health professionals to gather mitigating evidence and develop alternative sentencing proposals. Regular tasks may also involve attending court hearings, meeting with community resource providers, and communicating updates to legal teams. The work requires a balance of fieldwork, case documentation, and collaboration with various stakeholders to present compelling recommendations for fair and individualized sentencing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Sentencing Advocate position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sentencing Advocate, you need a deep understanding of criminal justice procedures, strong research abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree, often in criminal justice, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with legal databases, case management software, and occasionally specific certifications in mitigation investigation or forensic advocacy are beneficial. Excellent communication, empathy, and cultural competence are crucial soft skills for effectively interviewing clients and presenting persuasive recommendations. These competencies ensure that advocates can adeptly assess cases, humanize defendants, and offer informed alternatives to incarceration within the justice system.

More about Sentencing Advocate jobs
What cities are hiring for Sentencing Advocate jobs? Cities with the most Sentencing Advocate job openings:
What states have the most Sentencing Advocate jobs? States with the most job openings for Sentencing Advocate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sentencing Advocate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sentencing Advocate jobs are:
Sentencing Advocate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sentencing Advocate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% As Needed. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,627 per year, or $29.1 per hour.
Principal Public Defender

Principal Public Defender

Lake County, IL

Waukegan, IL • On-site

$101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Salary: $101,494.61 Annually
Location : Waukegan, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00976
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 09/30/2022
General Description
Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.
The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal defendants charged with crimes punishable by incarceration. The goal is to assure an excellent quality of legal representation that is not dependent on the wealth and status of the accused. Under the direction of the Public Defender, an Assistant Public Defender represents clients in court for arraignments, motions, trials, sentencing and all other related proceedings.
Essential Functions
• Provide legal representation, consultation, and advice to indigent clients charged with felony criminal offenses.
• Conduct pretrial investigations, perform legal research and analyze and apply legal principles, interview clients and witnesses and conduct plea negotiations. Prepare defenses, including pretrial motion practice, litigate motions and trials.
• Work closely with clients, provide and discuss information, strategies, and developments.
• Write motions, pleadings, and present legal arguments. • Prepare legal documentation and represent clients throughout the legal process.
• Litigate pretrial discovery and pretrial motions.
• Negotiate plea bargains.
• Conduct jury and bench trials.
Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required
• Thorough knowledge of criminal law and procedure.
• Strong research, analysis, decision-making and negotiation skills.
• Ability to litigate criminal trials with aggressive motions practice and persuasive oral advocacy.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of criminal law, the judicial system, court practices, and procedures.
• Able to work under pressure with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong computer literacy.
• Prior experience handling felony charges, conducting trials involving expert witnesses, developing and presenting mitigation, and conducting sentencing hearings is essential.
Supplemental Information
• Ability to meet clients in detention/jail/office
• Ability to spend entire day in court
Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.
Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
The County offers an extensive benefits package to eligible employees including health, dental, vision, life insurance, pension, deferred compensation plans, and so much more! Below are resources for the County's current benefits.
You can find additional details on our benefits at and

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