Judy Clarke

Judy Clarke is a San Diego criminal defense lawyer at Clarke Johnston Thorp & Rice, A Partnership of Professional Corporations, known for handling complex federal and capital cases. She has represented defendants facing some of the most serious criminal charges, including death penalty prosecutions. Her work has included cases involving Ted Kaczynski, Eric Rudolph, Jared Lee Loughner, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and Susan Smith. She brings extensive trial experience, strategic judgment, and a longstanding focus on protecting constitutional rights in high-stakes matters nationwide.

Judy earned her B.A. from Furman University in 1974 after studying psychology. She earned her J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1977 and was admitted to practice in California that year. She began her career with Federal Defenders of San Diego, where she advanced from trial attorney to leadership roles. Her education and early defender experience established the foundation for her career in criminal advocacy.

Judy served as executive director of Federal Defenders of San Diego from 1983 to 1991 and later led Federal Defenders of Eastern Washington and Idaho. She also served as the first full-time Capital Resource Counsel for the Federal Public and Community Defender Program. Her career has included Supreme Court advocacy, federal trial work, and representation in capital cases where plea agreements or sentencing advocacy helped several clients avoid death sentences.

Judy Clarke has held leadership roles within the criminal defense bar, including service as president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She has been selected to Super Lawyers repeatedly, including for 2026, and has received professional honors for criminal defense and capital representation. Her recognitions include the John Frank Award and the Griffin Bell Award for Courageous Advocacy, reflecting sustained achievement in demanding criminal cases and defense work.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Clarke Johnston Thorp & Rice, APPC
• Member, State Bar of California

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of South Carolina School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)

Awards & Badges