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Defamation Attorney Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Officer, Counsel

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$134K - $149K/yr

Position Overview Pew is seeking a client-oriented and highly skilled attorney for the position of ... defamation; drafting and reviewing agreements; conducting legal research and analysis on ...

New

Defamation Attorney information

See Washington salary details

$45.9K

$111.4K

$217.5K

How much do defamation attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for defamation attorney in Washington is $111,369.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $135,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a defamation attorney do?

A Defamation Attorney specializes in cases involving false statements that harm an individual's or business's reputation. They provide legal advice, evaluate claims, and represent clients in court to seek damages or retractions. Defamation can include libel (written statements) and slander (spoken statements). These attorneys work to prove that the false statement caused harm and was made with negligence or malice.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defamation attorney?

A Defamation Attorney needs strong research and writing skills, comprehensive knowledge of defamation law, and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with active bar licensure. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management software, and evidence gathering tools is important. Excellent negotiation, analytical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills help attorneys stand out in handling sensitive cases and client interactions. These skills and qualifications enable them to effectively advocate for clients, navigate complex legal matters, and achieve favorable outcomes in high-stakes disputes.

What are the typical challenges faced by defamation attorneys in their day-to-day work?

Defamation Attorneys often handle complex cases where they must balance First Amendment rights with the need to protect clients' reputations, requiring careful legal strategy and excellent attention to detail. They frequently face challenges such as gathering and preserving evidence, managing time-sensitive case filings, and dealing with emotional or high-profile clients. Collaboration with investigators, public relations professionals, and other attorneys is common, and effective communication is crucial for navigating negotiations or trials. The role can also involve staying up to date with evolving case law and handling media attention, especially in prominent cases.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defamation Attorney jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Defamation Attorney jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Defamation Attorney jobs in Washington? For Defamation Attorney jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defamation Attorney jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Defamation Attorney jobs in Washington are:
Infographic showing various Defamation Attorney job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,369 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

Mid-Level Defamation Attorney

Talent Search PRO

Washington, DC • Hybrid

$185K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Salary range: $185K - $235K
Location: Alexandria, VA
On-site work policy: Alexandria, VA (DC metro area). Remote/hybrid policy not confirmed on the call — treat as in-office unless confirmed otherwise with the firm.
About this role

What we're looking for:

We need a 2nd–4th year litigation associate with a strong academic record, ideally a federal clerkship, and the high EQ required to navigate demanding, high-profile clients in crisis. You should be comfortable driving cases forward with minimal supervision and have a track record of excellent legal writing and strategic thinking. Bonus points if you have plaintiff-side litigation experience, media/journalism background, or knowledge of crypto or entertainment industries.

What you'll do:

  • Run significant defamation and complex commercial litigation matters with real autonomy — the firm staffs by ability, not seniority

  • Draft strategy memos that frame case theory, jury themes, and end-goal narrative — not just doctrinal research

  • Write demand letters to media outlets seeking corrections, retractions, and apologies using the firm's extensive precedent bank

  • Conduct deposition prep and witness prep for high-profile clients including Fortune 100 executives, hedge fund principals, and public figures

  • Engage directly with publishers and broadcasters in pre-publication counseling to prevent damaging stories from running

  • Perform legal research (increasingly AI-accelerated) and high-level document review on complex matters

  • Interact directly with sophisticated clients and media outlets — answering difficult questions in real time far earlier than typical big law timelines

  • Collaborate closely with Chambers Band 1 partners on landmark matters including cases like the Dominion/Fox settlement and FINRA-record judgments