Career Roadmap
Explore 10 career tracks in criminal defense. See salary ranges, requirements, and certifications for every level — adjusted for your California region.
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Criminal Defense Attorney
The core legal track in public defense. Attorneys represent indigent clients at every stage of criminal proceedings — from arraignment through trial and sentencing. Advancement leads to supervisory roles with mentoring and policy responsibilities.
Salary ranges are estimates based on California public and private sector compensation data, NACDL surveys, CalHR pay scales, federal JSP pay tables, and specialty organization reports. Actual salaries vary by county, employer, and individual qualifications. Regional multipliers reflect cost-of-living differences across California.
Find training programs and certifications for your career stage
25+ criminal defense certifications, CLE programs, and professional development opportunities.