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Defence Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$115K - $165K/yr

Insurance Defence experience strongly preferred. * Construction Defect experience considered highly valuable. Role 2: Senior Associate Attorney (Oregon) Location: Fully Remote or Hybrid Required ...

Attorneys coming from construction defence, insurance defence, or general civil litigation backgrounds will find their experience highly transferable. What You'll Work On * Litigation matters ...

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 / Crown Point, Indiana 46307 / Chicago, IL Type: Full-Time Hybrid Description: We're looking for an attorney with 2-6 years of experience in Worker's Compensation (Defence ...

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Malapero Prisco & Klauber LLP is hiring a litigation attorney to join our growing insurance defense and general liability practice in White Plains, NY . We're open to junior and mid-level associates ...

Urgent

Criminal Defense Attorney

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$73K - $97K/yr

Criminal Defense Attorney Job Location: Dubuque, IA Job Type: Full Time * Represent clients from ... Develop defence strategies across a broad spectrum of criminal charges. * Communicate with empathy ...

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Malapero Prisco & Klauber LLP is hiring a litigation attorney to join our growing insurance defense and general liability practice in White Plains, NY . We're open to junior and mid-level associates ...

Urgent

Be Seen First

Malapero Prisco & Klauber LLP is hiring a litigation attorney to join our growing insurance defense and general liability practice in White Plains, NY . We're open to junior and mid-level associates ...

Urgent

Be Seen First

Malapero Prisco & Klauber LLP is hiring a litigation attorney to join our growing insurance defense and general liability practice in White Plains, NY . We're open to junior and mid-level associates ...

Urgent

Assistant Lawyer / Solicitor - Motor Crime Birmingham Salary: Competitive - discussed at ... Preparing defence case statements, reports and bundles * Attending trials and inquests alongside ...

$159.85 - $239.78/hr

About the role As General Counsel, you will lead SoSafe's legal team of lawyers and act as the ... defence. Backed by leading VCs like Highland Europe and Global Founders Capital, we're rapidly ...

Senior Legal Counsel Home Care UKI

House, NM · On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

... and defence strategy in UKI: assessing, pursuing and defending claims and advertising matters ... Experience and Skills Experience Qualified lawyer with a minimum of six years' post-qualification ...

Defence Attorney information

See salary details

$52K

$119.2K

$200K

How much do defence attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for defence attorney in the United States is $119,188.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Defence Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectDefence AttorneyPublic Defender
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar licenseJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license
Work EnvironmentPrivate law firms, solo practice, or as a contractorGovernment-funded offices, public sector
Employer & IndustryPrivate clients, law firms, or independent practiceGovernment agencies, public defense offices

Both Defence Attorneys and Public Defenders require similar legal credentials and work in criminal defense. The main difference lies in their employment: Defence Attorneys often work privately or independently, while Public Defenders are employed by government agencies to provide legal defense for those who cannot afford private counsel.

How much do most defense attorneys make?

Defense attorneys' salaries vary based on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for the government. On average, they earn between $60,000 and $130,000 annually, with experienced attorneys and those in large firms or urban areas earning higher salaries. Many defense attorneys also handle complex cases that require strong negotiation and litigation skills.

Are defense attorneys in demand?

Defense attorneys are generally in steady demand due to the ongoing need for legal representation in criminal cases. Employment opportunities can vary based on location, experience, and specialization, with job stability often linked to the volume of criminal cases and court activity.

What are some common challenges defence attorneys face when managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Defence Attorneys often juggle several cases at once, which can make time management and organization crucial. Balancing court appearances, client meetings, and legal research requires strong prioritization skills and the ability to adapt quickly to changing schedules. Additionally, each case may involve unique legal issues and client needs, so staying detail-oriented and maintaining clear communication with clients and colleagues is essential. While the workload can be demanding, many firms offer support through legal assistants and collaborative team structures to help manage these challenges effectively.

What does a defence attorney do?

A Defence Attorney is a lawyer who represents individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. Their main job is to defend their clients in court, ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the legal process. Defence Attorneys review evidence, develop case strategies, negotiate plea deals, and advocate on behalf of their clients during trials. They work to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that's acquittal, reduced charges, or lighter sentencing. Their expertise is crucial for maintaining the fairness and integrity of the justice system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defence attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defence Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a valid law license, and a strong understanding of criminal law and legal procedures. Familiarity with legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as experience with courtroom technology and case management systems, is valuable. Outstanding negotiation, analytical thinking, and persuasive communication skills help defence attorneys build trust with clients and present compelling arguments. These skills and qualifications are essential for protecting clients' rights, developing effective legal strategies, and achieving favorable outcomes in complex legal cases.
More about Defence Attorney jobs
Infographic showing various Defence Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,188 per year, or $57.3 per hour.

Associate Attorney

W3Global Inc.

Portland, OR • On-site, Remote

$115K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

We've partnered with a growing, technology-driven litigation firm that is actively seeking experienced attorneys (Associate Attorney - Personal Injury Defence / Civil Litigation (Two Openings)) to join its expanding team. This is an excellent opportunity for attorneys looking for a long-term professional home with genuine work-life balance, remote flexibility, strong support staff, and a collaborative culture.

Role 1: Associate Attorney (Washington)

Location: Fully Remote or Hybrid.

Required License: Active Washington State Bar License.

Compensation: $115,000 - $130,000 Base Salary (commensurate with experience).

Additional Compensation: $10,000 annual bonus for achieving minimum billable requirements. Additional discretionary performance bonus opportunities.

Experience Required:

  • 3-5+ years of litigation experience.

  • Personal Injury Defence experience preferred.

  • Insurance Defence experience strongly preferred.

  • Construction Defect experience considered highly valuable.

Role 2: Senior Associate Attorney (Oregon)

Location: Fully Remote or Hybrid

Required License: Active Oregon State Bar License.

Compensation: $145,000 - $165,000+ Base Salary (commensurate with experience).

Additional Compensation: $10,000 annual bonus for achieving minimum billable requirements. Additional discretionary performance bonus opportunities.

Experience Required:

  • 8+ years of litigation experience.

  • Personal Injury Defence experience preferred.

  • Insurance Defence experience strongly preferred.

  • Construction Defect experience considered highly valuable.

  • Ability to independently manage litigation matters from inception through resolution.

Practice Areas:

  • Personal Injury Defence

  • Insurance Defence

  • Construction Defect Litigation (highly valued)


What You'll Do:

  • Manage litigation matters from inception through resolution

  • Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and legal correspondence

  • Conduct depositions and participate in mediations

  • Collaborate with attorneys and support staff in a highly team-oriented environment

  • Maintain proactive communication with clients and colleagues

  • Utilise modern legal technology and case-management platforms

Preferred Qualifications (Both Roles):

  • Active Idaho Bar Admission preferred

  • Experience independently managing litigation files

  • Strong organisational and case-management skills

  • Comfortable working in a technology-driven environment


Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage

  • Monthly Employer Contribution Toward Insurance Premiums

  • 401(k) with Safe Harbor and Profit Sharing Components

  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage

  • Life Insurance

  • CLE Support and Bar Dues Reimbursement

  • Malpractice Insurance Coverage

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Flexible Schedule

  • Remote-First Work Environment

The firm values responsiveness, collaboration, accountability, and professional growth. Attorneys are not required to generate business and are supported by a strong team infrastructure that allows them to focus on delivering excellent legal work.


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About W3Global

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs. As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Frisco, TX, US

Year founded

2006