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Defense Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Perillo Group

Defense Attorney

Homestead, PA · On-site

Defense Attorney We are seeking a highly skilled Defense Attorney to join our legal team in Pittsburgh. As a Defense Attorney, you will be responsible for representing clients in criminal and civil ...

The Perillo Group

Defense Attorney

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Defense Attorney We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Defense Attorney to join our legal team in Philly. As a Defense Attorney, you will play a crucial role in representing clients in ...

Cruitin

Criminal Defense Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K/yr

Associate Attorney, Criminal Defense Attorney Location: Sherman Oaks Compensation: Base+ $100,000 or more (DOE) Benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision/401k/PTO Requirements: * Juris Doctor (JD) and licensed ...

Action Lawyers, PC

Be Seen First

Criminal Defense Attorney

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-Time Criminal Defense Attorney - Sacramento Area An established and reputable criminal defense law firm is currently seeking one (1) full-time attorney to join our team in the Sacramento area ...

Thurston County

DEFENSE ATTORNEY I, II, or III

Olympia, WA · On-site

$10K - $13K/mo

The Defense Attorney classifications are distinguished by years of experience and the responsibility to handle both adult and juvenile felony and misdemeanor caseloads. The salary range for these ...

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Defense Attorney information

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$34.5K

$109K

$175K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in the United States is $109,024.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,000.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense attorney?

A defense attorney represents defendants who are facing criminal charges. In this career, you may work to defend both organizations and individual clients. Your responsibilities include researching aspects of a case, inspecting evidence, preparing a defense, arguing the case in court, communicating with clients, managing paperwork and deadlines, and traveling regularly to meet clients. Your job duties also require negotiation and public speaking skills, knowledge of laws and the judicial process, and the ability to work long hours. As a defense attorney, you need exceptional communication skills, investigative abilities, and the integrity to represent clients from diverse backgrounds.

What does a defense attorney do?

A defense attorney is a lawyer who represents individuals or organizations accused of crimes in court. Their primary responsibility is to protect the legal rights of their clients, provide legal advice, and build a strong defense to challenge the prosecution’s case. Defense attorneys conduct investigations, negotiate plea deals, represent clients during trial, and ensure fair treatment in the legal process. They may work on criminal or civil cases and are essential to the justice system by ensuring everyone receives a fair trial.

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

To thrive as a Defense Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a solid grasp of criminal law, legal research, and case analysis. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, courtroom presentation software, and e-discovery tools is often required. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and persuasive communication skills are essential for building client trust and effectively advocating in court. These skills and qualifications are critical for securing favorable outcomes, upholding legal standards, and providing robust representation for clients.

What are some common challenges defense attorneys face during case preparation, and how can they be addressed?

Defense attorneys often encounter challenges such as limited access to evidence, tight deadlines, and managing high caseloads. Effective case preparation requires thorough investigation, close communication with clients, and collaboration with investigators or expert witnesses. Staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and proactively seeking necessary information from prosecutors can help address these challenges and ensure a strong defense for clients.

What is the difference between Defense Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectDefense AttorneyPublic Defender
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar licenseJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license
Work EnvironmentPrivate law firms, solo practices, or corporate settingsGovernment offices, public defender's offices
Employer & IndustryPrivate clients, law firms, corporationsGovernment-funded legal aid services
Common Search IntentLegal defense for clients in criminal casesLegal defense for indigent clients in criminal cases

Both Defense Attorneys and Public Defenders are licensed lawyers specializing in criminal defense. The main difference lies in their employment: Defense Attorneys typically work in private practice or firms, representing clients who can pay for legal services. Public Defenders work for government agencies, providing free legal defense to those who cannot afford it. While their roles are similar, their work environments and client bases differ significantly.

Are defense attorneys in demand?

Defense attorneys are generally in steady demand due to ongoing legal needs in criminal justice systems. Employment opportunities depend on factors such as geographic location, experience, and specialization, with job growth often aligned with overall trends in the legal industry.

How much do most defense attorneys make?

Most defense attorneys earn a median annual salary of around $63,000, with experienced professionals in private practice earning significantly more, often exceeding $100,000. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and whether they work in public or private sectors, and many defense attorneys also handle complex cases that can impact earnings.
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What states have the most Defense Attorney jobs?

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

Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,024 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Defense Attorney

Homestead, PA • On-site

The Perillo Group
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about The Perillo Groupexternal

Temporary

Posted 10 days ago

Job description


Defense Attorney
We are seeking a highly skilled Defense Attorney to join our legal team in Pittsburgh. As a Defense Attorney, you will be responsible for representing clients in criminal and civil legal matters. In this role, you will advocate for the rights of the accused and ensure that they receive a fair trial.
Responsibilities:
  • Provide legal representation to clients facing criminal charges
  • Conduct legal research and analysis
  • Develop defense strategies and arguments
  • Represent clients in court proceedings
  • Negotiate plea deals when necessary

Requirements:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
  • Admission to the state bar association
  • Proven experience as a Defense Attorney
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

If you are a dedicated legal professional with a passion for defending the rights of individuals, we encourage you to apply for the Defense Attorney position. Join us in upholding the principles of justice and fairness in the legal system.

Apply