Criminal lawyers encompass private criminal defense attorneys and public defenders as well as state, local, and federal prosecutors. Defense attorneys defend individuals, organizations and entities that have been charged with a crime. Prosecutors work with law enforcement officials to investigate, charge, and as needed try cases on behalf of the state. Criminal lawyers handle a diverse spectrum of criminal cases, ranging from domestic violence crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes and drug crimes to driving under the influence (DUI), theft, embezzlement and fraud.

What to do if you are interested in Criminal Law?

Georgetown Law Courses

Advanced Criminal Procedure
Complex Litigation
Extradition Simulation
National Security Crisis Law

Georgetown Law Clinics

Appellate Litigation Clinic
Domestic Violence Clinic
Juvenile Justice Clinic
Criminal Justice Clinic
Criminal Defense & Prisoner Advocacy Clinic

Criminal Law Resources for Career Exploration

Public Defense/Prisoner’s Rights/Criminal Justice Reform:

For a comprehensive list of helpful resources and suggested employers, please see the OPICS Criminal Justice Reform/Prisoners’ Rights Supplemental Resource List.

• PSJD Careers/Criminal Law features extensive resources about public defense work, including NYU’s Public Defender Career Handbook and the Harvard Careers in Indigent Defense Guide.
• The Berkeley Law Capital Defense Internships and Jobs database includes internship and job opportunities for law students and recent graduates in offices around the country that are engaged in the defense of death row inmates or capitally-charged defendants.
• The National Legal Aid and Defender Association Job Board includes positions in civil legal services, defender organizations, pro bono and public interest organizations, public interest law firms and academia.

Prosecution/Progressive Prosecution/Criminal Justice Reform:

• PSJD Careers/Criminal Law features many resources about prosecutorial careers, including the Yale Law Criminal Prosecution Guide.
• The National Association of Attorneys Generals site has information about careers in state-level prosecution and links to all U.S. AG offices.
• Criminal Hypotheticals is an article explaining the type of hypothetical questions that typically arise in criminal law interviews, and how best to prepare for them.
• National District Attorney’s Association