Prosecuting Attorneys

• Prosecuting attorneys work either in federal or state attorney generals' offices or those of county prosecutors. Their role is to convict individuals for the commission of alleged crimes.
  
  

Defense Attorneys

• Defense attorneys must vigorously defend their clients' rights and innocence, as a conviction may cost a defendant his freedom or even his life. Defense attorneys may work as public defenders or in private practice.
  
  

Skills

• Criminal law attorneys must be able to adequately counsel clients and crime victims. Further, their skills in research, investigation, litigation and arguing before a jury will often be put to the test.
  
  

Helpful Courses of Study

• A person interested in pursuing this career should gain academic experience through courses in criminal law and procedure, trial techniques and jury law, per Santa Clara University.
  
  

Working Conditions and Earnings

• Attorneys often work long hours while under heavy case loads. Starting salaries range upward from $34,000 per year while experienced government lawyers may earn over $100,000 annually.