ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sentencing Advocate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Robert Half

Civil Litigator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$57.10 - $66.11/hr

... Advocate for municipal clients during arraignments, hearings, motion arguments, settlement discussions, trials, sentencing matters, and post-judgment proceedings. • Manage civil enforcement and ...

Lake County

Principal Public Defender

Waukegan, IL

$101K/yr

Ability to litigate criminal trials with aggressive motions practice and persuasive oral advocacy ... sentencing hearings is essential. Supplemental Information Ability to meet clients in detention ...

State of Colorado

Social Worker

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$5.5K - $7.9K/mo

... and advocate for appropriate options for the client. Participate in pretrial and sentencing hearings, prepare reports, and provide additional support as requested by the defense attorney. Keep ...

State of Colorado

Social Worker

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$5.5K - $7.9K/mo

... and advocate for appropriate options for the client. Participate in pretrial and sentencing hearings, prepare reports, and provide additional support as requested by the defense attorney. Keep ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSentencing Advocate Jobs

Sentencing Advocate information

See salary details

$32.5K

$60.6K

$85.5K

How much do sentencing advocate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 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.

How to become a courtroom advocate?

To become a courtroom advocate, typically you need to earn a bachelor's degree followed by a law degree (J.D.) and pass the relevant state bar exam. Developing strong communication, research, and advocacy skills is essential, and gaining experience through internships or clerkships can be beneficial.

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 professionals who work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or legal entities, and they receive compensation for their services. Payment depends on the employer, experience, and funding sources, and advocates often need relevant training or certification. These roles may involve regular schedules and require strong communication and advocacy skills.

What jobs don't require a CJ degree?

Sentencing advocates typically do not require a criminal justice degree, as roles often focus on advocacy, case management, or support services that may prioritize experience, communication skills, and knowledge of the legal system. Many related positions in social work, counseling, or administrative support may be available without a criminal justice degree, though specific requirements vary by employer.

What is the highest paid job in criminal justice?

In criminal justice, the highest paid roles are often executive positions such as Chief of Police, Director of Corrections, or Criminal Justice Administrator, which can earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, and may involve overseeing large agencies or departments.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,627 per year, or $29.1 per hour.
Civil Litigator

Civil Litigator

Robert Half

Irvine, CA • On-site

$57.10 - $66.11/hr

Temporary

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Civil Litigator to join a respected municipal law practice serving public-sector clients in Irvine, California. This contract opportunity with potential for a permanent role is ideal for an attorney who thrives in both courtroom advocacy and case strategy, with work spanning municipal prosecution and civil enforcement matters that affect local communities. The role offers a varied practice representing government entities in proceedings tied to compliance, public safety, land use, housing standards, and related disputes.
Responsibilities:
• Evaluate investigative materials and enforcement documentation to determine appropriate legal action for municipal matters.
• Prepare complaints, motions, briefs, pleadings, and other case filings for criminal code enforcement and civil litigation proceedings.
• Advocate for municipal clients during arraignments, hearings, motion arguments, settlement discussions, trials, sentencing matters, and post-judgment proceedings.
• Manage civil enforcement and litigation cases involving nuisance issues, zoning conflicts, building and housing standards, receiverships, and other public-agency disputes.
• Partner with city staff, code enforcement teams, and law enforcement personnel to support case development and legal strategy.
• Conduct legal research and translate findings into practical recommendations that help public agencies reduce exposure and strengthen enforcement efforts.
• Oversee matters from initial assessment through resolution while maintaining deadlines, court appearances, and case priorities across multiple assignments.
• Attend proceedings, depositions, and negotiations throughout Southern California in support of municipal and government clients.• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Active California Bar membership in good standing.
• At least 3 years of litigation experience, ideally within municipal, civil, criminal, administrative, or government-related law.
• Demonstrated ability to draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and discovery materials with strong analytical precision.
• Strong courtroom presence, oral advocacy skills, and the ability to represent clients effectively in contested proceedings.
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple cases and deadlines independently.
• Valid California driver’s license or reliable ability to travel for court appearances across Southern California.
Robert Half logo

About Robert Half

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1948, Robert Half pioneered the idea of professional talent solutions to connect opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. As business needs changed, we evolved to offer specialized talent solutions for finance and accounting, technology, administrative and customer support, creative and marketing, and legal fields. In 2002, we introduced our subsidiary, Protiviti, a global independent risk consulting and internal audit service, to support companies as they faced more strategic business challenges.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

Year founded

1948

View All Robert Half Jobs