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Job outlook for criminal justice lawyers in the United States
Criminal justice lawyer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected criminal justice lawyer job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 80,200 new jobs for criminal justice lawyers are projected over the next decade.
Criminal justice lawyer salaries have increased 7% for criminal justice lawyers in the last 5 years.
There are over 7,267 criminal justice lawyers currently employed in the United States.
There are 824 active criminal justice lawyer job openings in the US.
The average criminal justice lawyer salary is $49,977.
Are criminal justice lawyer jobs in demand?
Criminal justice lawyer job and salary trends over time
Criminal justice lawyer jobs over time
Criminal justice lawyer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7,267 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 7,023 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 7,013 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 6,859 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 6,706 | 0.00% |
Average criminal justice lawyer salary over time
Criminal justice lawyer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,977 | $24.03 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $48,414 | $23.28 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $47,607 | $22.89 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $46,953 | $22.57 | +0.9% |
| 2021 | $46,524 | $22.37 | +2.0% |
Criminal justice lawyer jobs by state
Most common states for criminal justice lawyers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 13 | 2% |
| 2 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 57 | 1% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 6 | 1% |
| 4 | New York | 19,849,399 | 50 | 0% |
| 5 | California | 39,536,653 | 39 | 0% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 34 | 0% |
| 7 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 30 | 0% |
| 8 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 28 | 0% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 19 | 0% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 18 | 0% |
| 11 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 18 | 0% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 12 | 0% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 10 | 0% |
| 14 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 9 | 0% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 6 | 0% |
| 16 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 5 | 0% |
| 17 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 4 | 0% |
| 18 | Delaware | 961,939 | 3 | 0% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 2 | 0% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1 | 0% |
Most common cities for criminal justice lawyers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $36,744 |
Criminal Justice Lawyer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of criminal justice lawyer experts
Loyola University Chicago
Sam Houston State University
Ferrum College
Pepperdine University
Texas Tech University
Pennsylvania State University - Berks
Pace University
Quinnipiac University
Penn State University Wilkes-Barre
Penn State University Wilkes-Barre
Curry College
Arizona State University
Murray State University
Mercyhurst University
Indiana University South Bend
University of Iowa
University of Mississippi
Golden Gate University
Duquesne University
William Watkins Ph.D.
Advanced LecturerLoyola University Chicago
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What general advice would you give to a Criminal Justice Lawyer?
William Watkins Ph.D.: Writing and attention to detail. Regardless of one’s major, being a good writer is key regardless of you are a police officer writing an incident report or a lawyer preparing for a prosecution or defense of a client. Being detail oriented and not letting the smallest of elements go unrecorded can be the difference between a conviction and an acquittal. In a more serious sense, it could be the difference between life or death. Anything that puts the application of the law above reproach is a desired skill, particularly when the justice system is consistently under a public microscope.
What Criminal Justice Lawyer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
William Watkins Ph.D.: In the criminal justice field, most will start in entry level positions. The best advice for maximizing your earning potential would be to expand your geographical net of where you would desire to work. Many areas that are more eager to attract employees are more likely to attract them with higher salaries and other forms of compensation/benefits. Smaller agencies and municipalities simply might not have the funds to pay those in this field an enticeable wage due to budget restrictions. Look around, as his is a field that is always hiring. This is slightly different for those who go into practicing law, as public servants vs. those who work for private firms will be compensated differently to go along with their expected duties.
What will help Criminal Justice Lawyers increase their earning potential?
William Watkins Ph.D.: In the criminal justice field, most will start in entry level positions. The best advice for maximizing your earning potential would be to expand your geographical net of where you would desire to work. Many areas that are more eager to attract employees are more likely to attract them with higher salaries and other forms of compensation/benefits. Smaller agencies and municipalities simply might not have the funds to pay those in this field an enticeable wage due to budget restrictions. Look around, as his is a field that is always hiring. This is slightly different for those who go into practicing law, as public servants vs. those who work for private firms will be compensated differently to go along with their expected duties.
What will help Criminal Justice Lawyers increase their earning potential?
Heather Alaniz-Salas Ph.D: I trust this email finds you well. I have been informed by Dr. Boisvert about your recent inquiry regarding obtaining information on preparing for a career in criminal justice from a faculty member at SHSU. With my extensive experience teaching within the college for four years and my recent appointment as the Director of Internship and Career Services in the field of criminal justice at SHSU, I am more than willing to provide valuable insights and guidance on this matter.
Carl Franklin JD, PhD
Chair, School of Business and TechnologyFerrum College
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What general advice would you give to a Criminal Justice Lawyer?
Carl Franklin JD, PhD: The best way to maximize salary potential is through higher education and training. One then uses these new skills to move into steadily improving tracks of supervision and management.
What general advice would you give to a Criminal Justice Lawyer?
Joel Fetzer: The ability to analyze large quantitative datasets using software such as SPSS, STATA, or R should be increasingly valued in the political and legal world as well as in survey-research and campaign firms and in Silicon Valley. Oral and written communication skills, the ability to persuade people to do what you or your client would like, remain crucial in this field, ChatGPT notwithstanding. And workers in this area will even more frequently need to combat disinformation campaigns using social and traditional media.
What general advice would you give to a Criminal Justice Lawyer?
Leah Won: Law is a terrific profession to enter if you are interested in the ability to make an impact for your clients and your community.
What Criminal Justice Lawyer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Leah Won: Lawyers enjoy the opportunity to help people and organizations solve problems and achieve their goals. Lawyers enjoy thinking creatively and advocating for a position or for a person. Practicing law can become an all-encompassing endeavor that leaves little space for the parts of life that make us a whole person-setting boundaries and protecting one's mental health are crucial for a long career in the law.
What will help Criminal Justice Lawyers increase their earning potential?
Leah Won: There are so many practice areas and settings! Lawyers may use their oral advocacy skills in court in the morning and rely upon their research and writing skills in the afternoon. Perhaps a new client is visiting the office and the lawyer must build rapport and issue spot simultaneously. The law is an ever-evolving landscape and keeping up-to-date with changes in the law and policy is important to practice.
Kayla Wimberley J.D. TTU Law 2011
Assistant Dean for Career and Professional DevelopmentTexas Tech University
Law
What general advice would you give to a Criminal Justice Lawyer?
Kayla Wimberley J.D. TTU Law 2011: Do well in school. Get good grades. The big law firms are the ones that pay, and they are the ones that are grade sensitive. And be prepared to put in the work. The more you are willing to hustle the more you can make in your practice.
What Criminal Justice Lawyer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kayla Wimberley J.D. TTU Law 2011: Legal research and writing continue to be the hallmark skills for attorneys. I don't see this changing any time soon. I do think AI will continue to make its way into our practice, so having some knowledge of the use of AI would be helpful. However, this is a people/humanity centered field. You can't fake humanity.
What will help Criminal Justice Lawyers increase their earning potential?
Kayla Wimberley J.D. TTU Law 2011: Enjoy this time. Learn everything you can and be grateful for each piece of feedback you receive from an employer. This is your chance to learn how to be a lawyer, and to improve with each project you work on. This will not be your last legal job, but it will probably be the place you learn the most (both what to do and what not to do).
Dr. Jennifer Murphy Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair of Criminal JusticePennsylvania State University - Berks
Criminal Justice Department
What skills stand out on Criminal Justice Lawyer resumes?
Dr. Jennifer Murphy Ph.D.: The skills that would stand out are those that would be gained through real-world experiences, such as an internship or a leadership position in a campus organization. For example, our students are required to complete an internship, but many could not in 2020 because of COVID. Those students' resumes were, on average, lacking the skills that employers would be looking for because they could not get those related experiences.
What soft skills should all Criminal Justice Lawyers possess?
Dr. Jennifer Murphy Ph.D.: Criminal justice students need excellent communication skills to be successful. Other soft skills that are important are empathy and the ability to work well with other people.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Criminal Justice Lawyers?
Dr. Jennifer Murphy Ph.D.: Critical thinking, writing, analysis. Students should demonstrate that they can follow directions and pay attention to details.
What skills will help Criminal Justice Lawyers earn the most?
Dr. Jennifer Murphy Ph.D.: Hardworking, ambitious, willing to learn, teamwork.
Leslie Garfield Tenzer
Professor of Law, Luk-Cummings Family Faculty ScholarPace University
Elisabeth Haub School of Law
What soft skills should all Criminal Justice Lawyers possess?
Leslie Garfield Tenzer: Eye contact, clarity of expression, willingness to work hard, ability to accept criticism, and strong networking skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Criminal Justice Lawyers?
Leslie Garfield Tenzer: Legal research, editing skills, and most importantly, an ability to analyze the law.
What skills will help Criminal Justice Lawyers earn the most?
Leslie Garfield Tenzer: In the short run, the skill of providing the partners with quality work. In the long run, cultivating clients.
Carolyn Wilkes Kaas
Associate Professor of Law, Associate Dean of Experiential Education, Co-Director of the Center on Dispute ResolutionQuinnipiac University
School of Law
What soft skills should all Criminal Justice Lawyers possess?
Carolyn Wilkes Kaas: -Legal Counseling
-Empathy
-Listening
-Respect
-Ability to discuss bad news with clients
-Compassion
What hard/technical skills are most important for Criminal Justice Lawyers?
Carolyn Wilkes Kaas: -Negotiation
-Knowledge of Evidence
-Knowledge of Crim procedure
-Creativity and Persuasion-oral and visual
-Fact-finding
-Analysis
-Research and legal writing
-Trial skills - direct and cross-examination
-Oral argument
Rebecca Sarver Ph.D.
Program Coordinator, Assistant Teaching ProfessorPenn State University Wilkes-Barre
Criminal Justice Department
What skills stand out on Criminal Justice Lawyer resumes?
Rebecca Sarver Ph.D.: Three skills that can help make people stand out when applying for criminal justice lawyer jobs are communication, analysis, and argument formation. Lawyers have to listen to and speak with a wide variety of people, and they have to read a lot of different types of information. They have to do that in a way that the attorney can understand what they’re being told or reading well enough to determine what is and is not important to their case at any given time. They then have to synthesize that information into the totality of their case as they form a very clear argument for why something did or did not happen. They then communicate that argument to other parties like opposing counsel or the jury.
What soft skills should all Criminal Justice Lawyers possess?
Rebecca Sarver Ph.D.: We’ve asked this question to nearly every professional guest, internship supervisor, and employer we’ve interacted with within the time we’ve been teaching. The answers are always the same, regardless of their field. The top three answers are interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Rounding out the list of the six most important soft skills are time management, leadership, and the ability to adapt. Since we have heard the need for these skills so often, we have incorporated ways of acquiring them throughout the criminal justice curriculum here at Penn State Wilkes-Barre.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Criminal Justice Lawyers?
Rebecca Sarver Ph.D.: The hard skills for our field are clear and accurate writing & speaking, the ability to search and find relevant information using multiple databases, the use of technology, and speaking a second language which can include sign language. Also, acting skills help in this field. Whether it happens in open court or in a closed interview room, there are times when you have to pretend to love things you detest and to detest things you love. It helps to be convincing when you need to do either.
What skills will help Criminal Justice Lawyers earn the most?
Rebecca Sarver Ph.D.: In addition to the skills noted above, charisma helps you succeed. The more people are drawn to you, the more they will listen to you and the more they will trust you. The more they trust you, the more they will believe you. And their belief in you will help you succeed and, in turn, make more money.
Jeremy Olson Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Criminal JusticePenn State University Wilkes-Barre
Criminal Justice Department
What skills stand out on Criminal Justice Lawyer resumes?
Jeremy Olson Ph.D.: Three skills that can help make people stand out when applying for criminal justice lawyer jobs are communication, analysis, and argument formation. Lawyers have to listen to and speak with a wide variety of people, and they have to read a lot of different types of information. They have to do that in a way that the attorney can understand what they’re being told or reading well enough to determine what is and is not important to their case at any given time. They then have to synthesize that information into the totality of their case as they form a very clear argument for why something did or did not happen. They then communicate that argument to other parties like opposing counsel or the jury.
What soft skills should all Criminal Justice Lawyers possess?
Jeremy Olson Ph.D.: We’ve asked this question to nearly every professional guest, internship supervisor, and employer we’ve interacted with within the time we’ve been teaching. The answers are always the same, regardless of their field. The top three answers are interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Rounding out the list of the six most important soft skills are time management, leadership, and the ability to adapt. Since we have heard the need for these skills so often, we have incorporated ways of acquiring them throughout the criminal justice curriculum here at Penn State Wilkes-Barre.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Criminal Justice Lawyers?
Jeremy Olson Ph.D.: The hard skills for our field are clear and accurate writing & speaking, the ability to search and find relevant information using multiple databases, the use of technology, and speaking a second language which can include sign language. Also, acting skills help in this field. Whether it happens in open court or in a closed interview room, there are times when you have to pretend to love things you detest and to detest things you love. It helps to be convincing when you need to do either.
What skills will help Criminal Justice Lawyers earn the most?
Jeremy Olson Ph.D.: In addition to the skills noted above, charisma helps you succeed. The more people are drawn to you, the more they will listen to you and the more they will trust you. The more they trust you, the more they will believe you. And their belief in you will help you succeed and, in turn, make more money.
What Criminal Justice Lawyer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer Balboni: Adaptability! Our world is changing so rapidly through AI advancements that even the justice field (which is often resistant to change) will need to incorporate these shifts. Investigative skills utilizing AI or other software will become increasingly common, and those skills will be sought after by many different types of agencies. With that said, in the justice realm, there is absolutely no substitute for soft skills. Being able to communicate clearly with people generally, and build rapport is essential in this field. Similarly, being able to assess situations and use de-escalation techniques is equally critical. There is no AI that can interpret human emotions and make a personal connection that defuses a potentially volatile situation! All of these skills matter in improving personal and community safety. The justice realm is just beginning to implement trauma-informed approaches, and this is true progress for the field! Those skills are critical for any justice professional.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Criminal Justice Lawyer job market given the pandemic?
Hank Fradella Ph.D.: The pandemic made it clear that criminal justice professionals are “essential workers.” As a result, we are seeing increased interest in people wanted to enter a field where they know their employment will be stable.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Criminal Justice Lawyers?
Hank Fradella Ph.D.: Although entry-level positions in criminal justice rarely require a bachelor’s degree, more and more hiring officials seek to hire people with such a credential because it signifies that a person not only possesses subject matter knowledge, but also critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as week as writing skills. As always, people who speak two more languages are always valued. And as crime prevention and solving become more data-driven, people who have studied research methods, statistics, and crime analysis techniques (like GIS mapping) are in particularly high demand.
How have salaries changed over time for Criminal Justice Lawyers?
Hank Fradella Ph.D.: They have been increasing.
What's a good job out of college for Criminal Justice Lawyers?
Dr. Paul Lucko: While many, if not most, college graduates expect to enter careers where they will earn a decent living, they do not necessarily anticipate grandiose salaries. Those who pursue careers in the helping professions desire to make a difference in their communities through social engagement. Evidence of skills that display an ability to interact positively during stressful occasions are vitally important in this regard.
Human services such as criminal justice and social work provide many opportunities to utilize interpersonal skills as well as obtain immediate employment upon graduation. Criminal justice reforms will not lessen the need for more police officers. One large municipality plans to spend over six million dollars this year to recruit new officers. It is significant that they are seeking candidates with degrees in criminal justice, social work, psychology, and counseling and those who have volunteer experience in community activities. Police recruits with college degrees should be even more important to agencies today since research suggests that degreed officers receive fewer public complaints related to unprofessional behavior.
Residential and community corrections agencies also afford opportunities for recent college graduates trained in human services fields. Social work and education majors from accredited programs will continue to be in demand for entry positions. Students in these fields complete extensive practicums that serve as excellent preparation for entry into the professional world.
Dr. Maria Garase Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Criminology & Criminal JusticeMercyhurst University
Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Criminal Justice Lawyers?
Dr. Maria Garase Ph.D.: For current students who are interested in local or municipal policing, some universities partner with police academies where students can complete the academy as part of their program of study. For example, in Pennsylvania, there are some programs where students can graduate with an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice and also with their Act 120 certification as a sworn police officer. Depending on the specific field of criminal justice that a student plans to go into they should chose a concentration (e.g., intelligence studies, crime mapping, criminology, cybersecurity, victimology) or a minor (e.g., sociology, psychology, social work, data analytics) that offers more in-depth courses that will expand their knowledge and skills in a given area. Students can also pursue certificates in crime analysis, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention strategies that can expand their job prospects. Internships are also highly recommended for students. Supervised internships that have agreed upon learning outcomes are an excellent way for students to gain valuable skills needed in the profession and also to network with supervisors and colleagues.
Dr. Stacie Merken Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Criminal JusticeIndiana University South Bend
Department of Criminal Justice
What experience really stands out on Criminal Justice Lawyer resumes?
Dr. Stacie Merken Ph.D.: A variety of experience can stand out on a resume. Internships are a great way to show interest in the field, help students get their "feet wet," and even help students decide if this particular career is what they really want to do in the future. Active membership and/or taking a position in a club or organization shows commitment, teamwork, and a desire to engage with others that have similar interests. Also, this organization could be student government or some other organization or activity, and not just one within the student's field of study. If students are interested in attending graduate school, working with a faculty member on research and a possible publication would help to show passion toward a particular area, as well as help with graduate applications. Undergraduate grants are a great way to earn money, or, more importantly, learn from a faculty member. Work experience (e.g. work-study or working off campus) shows time management and work ethic. Any awards or scholarships also help to distinguish the student from others. Dependent on the discipline, presenting at a regional or national conference also helps students stand out.
What type of skills will young Criminal Justice Lawyers need?
Christina Bohannan: Graduates will need to have excellent analytical and communication skills. They will need to understand how the law intersects with their clients' business or other interests. They will also need to have cultural proficiency to work with diverse clients and coworkers with different ideas, cultures, and backgrounds.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Criminal Justice Lawyers in the next 5 years?
Ronald Rychlak: Regardless of the business climate, legal issues will remain. Moreover, in the legal profession, more and more is turning to legal support services to meet clients' needs. I expect the demand for graduates in the field only to grow.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Criminal Justice Lawyers to find work opportunities?
Ronald Rychlak: Opportunities in this field exist almost everywhere. There is a particular need in rural areas, but legal support services are needed anywhere people live and do business. That's nice, because you need not limit your options due to geographic restrictions.
Rana Boujaoude
Associate Professor of Law Director of Bar ServicesGolden Gate University
Department of Law
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Criminal Justice Lawyers?
Rana Boujaoude: Absolutely. Our graduates are facing enormous hurdles trying to get licensed and enter into the workforce.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Criminal Justice Lawyers to find work opportunities?
Rana Boujaoude: It's difficult to say. With the bar exam being postponed in most jurisdictions across the country, this is causing a delay for licensing. Even some of our graduates who had post-bar work lined up before the pandemic are finding their positions are no longer needed.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Criminal Justice Lawyers to find work opportunities?
Maria Comas: Lawyers assist individuals, small businesses, large corporations, and governments with a variety of questions, issues, and policies, in geographic areas, ranging from large cities to small towns. For that reason, opportunities are available to law graduates in every state. However, depending on the economy and top industries in a particular area, the types of opportunities may vary. Lawyers are always needed to serve in rural and underserved populations, in addition to more populated cities and towns.