ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Associate Defense Attorney Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

NACBA

Litigation Defense Attorney - Tampa

Tampa, FL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Litigation Defense Attorney - Tampa Beytin McLaughlin is seeking an experienced associate attorney for its Tampa office to support shareholders and partners in the defense of medical malpractice and ...

Jobot

Insurance Defense Attorney

Tampa, FL · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Florida law firm looking for an amazing insurance defense associate This Jobot Job is hosted by ... With approximately 150 attorneys across 11 offices in Florida and Georgia, the firm is one of the ...

Jobot

Insurance Defense Attorney

Jacksonville, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $180K/yr

Job Details ----- Due to growth, we have an immediate opening for an experienced associate attorney with a background in Civil Litigation, preferably Insurance Defense. All levels of experience will ...

Jobot

Insurance Defense Attorney

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

... defense law firm with offices throughout Florida and the southeastern United States. Our attorneys ... Oversee associates and provide mentorship and guidance on case management and litigation techniques

Jobot

Insurance Defense Attorney (Hybrid)

Naples, FL · Hybrid

$135K - $185K/yr

Job Details ----- Due to growth, we have an immediate opening for an experienced associate attorney with a background in Civil Litigation, preferably Insurance Defense. All levels of experience will ...

Jobot

Senior Medical Malpractice Defense Attorney

Tampa, FL · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Senior Medical Malpractice Attorney / Senior Personal Injury Defense Attorney Needed for Leading ... Job Details ----- As a Senior Medical Malpractice Lawyer / Senior Medical Malpractice Associate on ...

Jobot

Medical Malpractice Defense Attorney

Miami, FL · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Medical Malpractice Defense Associate Attorney Needed in Miami, FL with FL Bar This Jobot Job is hosted by: Kendall Barnett Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now" button and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Defense Attorney JobsAssociate Defense Attorney Jobs in Florida

Associate Defense Attorney information

What is an associate defense attorney?

Associate Defense Attorneys are licensed lawyers who work under the supervision of more senior attorneys within a law firm or public defender's office. They focus on defending clients accused of crimes by conducting legal research, drafting motions, attending court hearings, and assisting in trial preparation. Associates are typically early in their legal careers and gain practical experience by working closely with experienced defense attorneys on a variety of criminal cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate defense attorney?

To thrive as an Associate Defense Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong legal research, and case analysis skills. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as courtroom and case management software, is typically required. Outstanding written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and negotiation skills help you build strong client relationships and advocate effectively. These skills ensure accurate representation, effective case strategy, and successful outcomes for clients in complex legal environments.

What are some common challenges faced by an associate defense attorney during their initial years, and how can they be addressed?

Associate Defense Attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing a high caseload, learning to navigate court procedures, and balancing client expectations with legal realities. In the early years, it can be difficult to build confidence in the courtroom and develop effective negotiation skills. These challenges are best addressed by seeking mentorship from senior attorneys, actively participating in case strategy discussions, and dedicating time to stay updated on legal precedents and local court rules. Strong organizational skills and open communication with team members also help in managing workload and client relationships effectively.

What is the difference between Associate Defense Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectAssociate Defense AttorneyPublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), license to practice lawJuris Doctor (JD), license to practice law
Work EnvironmentPrivate law firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesPublic defender offices, government-funded legal services
Employer & IndustryLaw firms, government agencies, corporationsGovernment-funded public defense offices
Common Search/ComparisonAssociate Defense Attorney vs Public Defender

Both Associate Defense Attorneys and Public Defenders hold a Juris Doctor degree and are licensed to practice law. While Associate Defense Attorneys often work in private firms or corporate settings, Public Defenders are employed by government agencies to provide legal defense for indigent clients. The primary difference lies in their employment environment and client base, with Public Defenders focusing on public service and indigent defense, whereas Associate Defense Attorneys may handle a broader range of clients in various legal settings.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Defense Attorney jobs in Florida?

For Associate Defense Attorney jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Defense Attorney jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Defense Attorney jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Associate Defense Attorney jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Associate Defense Attorney job openings:

Associate Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Defense Attorney job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

Fort Myers, FL • On-site

Lee Viacava Law Firm
Law Firms • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Lee Viacava Law Firmexternal

$90K - $125K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Lee Viacava Law Firm is seeking an Associate Criminal Defense Attorney to join our Fort Myers practice.

We are looking for a lawyer who is passionate about criminal defense, wants significant courtroom experience, and is interested in building a long-term career in private practice.


This is an opportunity to handle meaningful cases from beginning to end while working within an established criminal defense practice. The associate will have substantial responsibility and direct client contact, including court appearances, depositions, negotiations, motion practice, and trials.


Compensation

  • $90,000–$125,000 base salary, depending on experience, plus performance-based bonus opportunities with additional earning potential for attorneys who successfully take on greater case responsibility and contribute to the growth of the practice. Compensation above this range may be considered for candidates with significant criminal litigation and trial experience.
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Additional benefits to be discussed based on experience


Responsibilities

  • Manage misdemeanor and felony criminal cases
  • Communicate directly with clients
  • Review discovery and develop case strategy
  • Attend arraignments, pretrial conferences, hearings, and other court proceedings
  • Conduct depositions
  • Negotiate with prosecutors
  • Research, draft, and argue motions
  • Prepare cases for trial
  • Conduct jury and non-jury trials
  • Maintain organized case files, calendars, and deadlines


Qualifications

  • Florida Bar membership in good standing
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience practicing law, with substantial criminal law experience
  • Prior experience as an Assistant Public Defender, Assistant State Attorney, or criminal defense attorney is preferred, but other relevant litigation experience will be considered
  • Strong interest in criminal defense
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Professional courtroom presence
  • Ability to independently manage cases and deadlines
  • Strong judgment, organization, and work ethic


This is not a position where an associate will spend years waiting for meaningful courtroom experience.

You will have the opportunity to work directly with clients, handle cases, take depositions, litigate motions, negotiate resolutions, and try cases.


We are looking for someone who wants to become an important part of the firm's future. As your responsibility, performance and contribution to the practice grow, there is significant opportunity for increased compensation and opportunities for professional growth.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000–$125,000 base salary per year, plus performance-based bonus opportunities

Location: Fort Myers, Florida


To Apply:

Please submit a resume and a brief introduction describing your criminal law experience, including your experience with trials, motions, evidentiary hearings, and depositions.


Please also explain why you are interested in joining Lee Viacava Law Firm and where you see yourself professionally in the next 3–5 years.


All inquiries and applications will be handled confidentially.

Company Description

Lee Viacava Law Firm is an established Fort Myers criminal defense firm representing clients throughout Southwest Florida. Our practice is focused on providing high-quality, personalized representation while aggressively protecting our clients' rights. We value preparation, professionalism, strong client relationships, and effective courtroom advocacy. We offer attorneys the opportunity to handle meaningful cases, develop their litigation skills, and play an important role in the continued growth of the firm.