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Associate Defense Attorney Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Sullivan & Associates, LLC

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Insurance Defense Associate

Woburn, MA · On-site

$41/hr

Metro-North insurance defense firm seeks 3-5 years litigation associate with exceptional research, writing skills and a desire to learn as a trial lawyer. The position is a flexible one allowing for ...

Jobot

General Liability Attorney

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$110K - $170K/yr

A law firm is seeking an experienced Insurance Defense Attorney for their Worcester, MA, Hartford ... This is an excellent opportunity for an associate looking to gain meaningful courtroom and ...

Callahan & Fusco, LLC.

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Associate Attorney

Boston, MA · Remote

$95K - $150K/yr

As an Associate Attorney, bring 2 to 5 years of experience to our team, focusing on trucking ... Insurance Defense Litigation: 2+ years * Trucking and Transportation Litigation: 2+ years

Bowditch & Dewey, LLP

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Associate Attorney - Litigation

Southborough, MA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

The associate assists and supports the assigning attorney(s) in the practice in all phases of ... Communicating with clients, analyzing client needs, providing sound legal advice, defense plans and ...

Burns & Farrey

Attorney

Boston, MA · On-site

... defense choices. More experienced attorneys will also serve as a resource for associates - offering guidance and mentorship as they grow into seasoned litigators. Your First Year at B&F (For ...

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All JobsAssociate Defense Attorney JobsAssociate Defense Attorney Jobs in Boston, MA

Associate Defense Attorney information

See Boston, MA salary details

$50K

$117.5K

$187.4K

How much do associate defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate defense attorney in Boston, MA is $117,505.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,900.00 and $141,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Boston, MA?

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

What job categories do people searching Associate Defense Attorney jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Defense Attorney jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Associate Defense Attorney jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Associate Defense Attorney job openings:

Associate Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Defense Attorney job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,505 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Associate Attorney - Employment

GALLAGHER & CAVANAUGH, LLP

Lowell, MA • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Gallagher & Cavanaugh, LLP is a highly regarded, AV® Peer Review Rated, growing law firm located in Lowell, Massachusetts. We deliver exceptional legal representation to businesses and individuals, as national defense counsel, general counsel, and personal counsel, in complex civil litigation and business. We seek a dynamic and detail-oriented full-time Litigation Associate (Defense), with strong writing, research, and advocacy skills, to join our diverse team, in our beautiful office setting in historic, downtown Lowell, MA.


Qualifications


Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and have a minimum of three years of experience practicing law, with substantial experience handling employment law matters. The ideal candidate will have experience counseling employers, drafting employment-related agreements and policies, managing administrative agency matters, litigating employment disputes, and advising clients on workplace compliance issues. Strong writing, analytical, and communication skills, along with excellent references, are required.


In addition to handling the firm's employment law practice, a successful candidate will not be shy appearing before the court and should be willing and able to support the firm's broader civil litigation defense practice as needed. Experience drafting pleadings, conducting discovery, taking and defending depositions, arguing motions, appearing in court, and some trial experience is preferred. Admission or pending admission to the Massachusetts Bar is required.


Duties

  • Work as part of a team, with direction from partners.
  • Manage all phases of employment law matters, including providing day-to-day counseling to employers, advising on workplace compliance, drafting and reviewing employment policies and agreements, handling administrative agency proceedings, and litigating employment-related claims.
  • Handle all phases of litigation defense, including case evaluation, discovery, depositions, motions, and trial preparation.
  • Draft, review, and revise legal documents including pleadings, motions, briefs, settlement agreements, and correspondence with clients and opposing counsel.


Skills

  • Positive presence and advocacy ability.
  • Experience in employment law matters including defense of employment discrimination.
  • Ability to manage a busy caseload
  • Excellent interpersonal skills (and oral presentation skills a plus)
  • Strong commitment to professional and personal growth
  • Adaptability and attention to detail
  • Ability to advance cases with independence
  • Strong legal research experience using Westlaw.



  • We value—and will support—initiative, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service. This role is ideal for an experienced attorney who is eager to assist in expanding the firm's employment law practice while collaborating with our litigation team to support the firm's broader civil defense practice.

Apply