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

Kiernan Trebach

Litigation Attorney (Hybrid)

Boston, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The Role We are seeking a new Associate Attorney experienced in Insurance Defense (5+ years) to join our team. Your role will be to defend a variety of matters at our growing Boston, MA practice.

Kiernan Trebach

Litigation Attorney (Hybrid)

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

The Role We are seeking a new Associate Attorney experienced in Insurance Defense (5+ years) to join our team. Your role will be to defend a variety of matters at our growing Boston, MA practice.

Kiernan Trebach

Litigation Attorney (Hybrid)

Boston, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The Role We are seeking a new Associate Attorney experienced in Insurance Defense (5+ years) to join our team. Your role will be to defend a variety of matters at our growing Boston, MA practice.

Brooks Law

Associate

Medford, MA · On-site

The Opportunity Brooks Law Firm is seeking an Immigration Associate Attorney to join its growing immigration practice. The position may involve removal defense, detained representation, affirmative ...

Morrison Mahoney LLP

Litigation Associate

Boston, MA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

... Morrison Mahoney LLP as a Full Time Associate Attorney, working in civil litigation. Areas of focus may include General Liability and Premises Liability Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense ...

Morrison Mahoney LLP

Litigation Associate

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$110K - $125K/yr

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY (Civil Litigation) - Hybrid Join Morrison Mahoney LLP as a Full Time Associate ... Areas of focus may include General Liability and Premises Liability Defense, Medical Malpractice ...

Morrison Mahoney LLP

Litigation Associate

Boston, MA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY (Civil Litigation) - HybridJoin Morrison Mahoney LLP as a Full Time Associate ... Areas of focus may include General Liability and Premises Liability Defense, Medical Malpractice ...

CMBG3

Associate Attorney - MA & CA Licensed

Boston, MA · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

Associate Attorney Reports To : Partner, Product Liability Responsibilities: * Draft and review ... defense, construction, or complex civil litigation. Prior paralegal, judicial clerkships ...

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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.

Litigation Attorney (Hybrid)

Kiernan Trebach

Boston, MA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Litigation Attorney (Hybrid)
Kiernan Trebach LLP | Boston, MA
About the Firm
We are a Civil Litigation Defense Law Firm. Our mission is focused on a slow and sustainable growth process to create a diverse working environment while remaining sensitive to the needs of our employees and their families. Kiernan Trebach has become respected for our effective defense of clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to individuals and small business owners. We take pride in knowing our clients, understanding what they want, and exceeding their expectations.
The Role
We are seeking a new Associate Attorney experienced in Insurance Defense (5+ years) to join our team. Your role will be to defend a variety of matters at our growing Boston, MA practice.
What You Will Do
Defend a Variety of Insurance Defense matters as well as:
  • General Liability
  • Personal Injury
  • Product Liability
  • Professional Liability
What You Will Bring
Our ideal candidate will have 5+ years of relevant experience and the following credentials/skills:
  • Juris Doctorate Degree
  • Experience with Insurance Defense.
  • Experience writing motions and other legal memoranda, summarizing depositions, and trial preparation is preferred.
  • The ability to work independently from suit inception to settlement/trial is preferred.
Required Education & Licensure
  • Active Massachusetts Bar License (Required).
  • Active Connecticut, Rhode Island, of New Hampshire Bar Licensure, and/or ability to transfer UBE scores (A Plus).
  • Being able to waive into another bar and having multiple bars is ideal, however, we are willing to consider candidates with only one bar.
Why You'll Love Us
At Kiernan Trebach LLP, we commit our talents and energy to continue a decades-long practice devoted to defense litigation and counseling the Firm's clients on issues that affect their potential for litigation. Kiernan Trebach represents clients on a national basis and maintains twelve offices in nine states plus the District of Columbia, with local presence in several others. Our lawyers have appeared in the courts of over 35 states and territories.
Benefits
  • Health Insurance
  • Life Insurance and AD&D Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Profit Sharing
  • Medical Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Holiday Pay
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Flexible Schedules
Equal Opportunity Statement
Kiernan Trebach LLP is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnic background, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

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