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

Helpful Criminal Law Resources

  • 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.
  • PSJD Careers in Criminal Prosecution features many resources about prosecutorial careers, including Harvard’s Fast Track to a U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Yale Criminal Prosecution Guide.
  • PSJD Careers in Public Defense features extensive resources about public defense work, including NYU’s Public Defender Career Handbook and the Harvard Careers in Indigent Defense Guide.

Public Defense/Death Penalty:

Prosecution:

Representative Employers