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Defense Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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$34.5K

$109K

$175K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 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.

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 or specialized fields earning significantly more. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the complexity of cases handled.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Defense attorneys' salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and the complexity of cases. While some top-tier or highly experienced defense lawyers in large markets can earn $500,000 or more annually, most earn significantly less, with median salaries typically ranging from $60,000 to $120,000 per year.

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.

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 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.

Are defense attorneys in demand?

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

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

Defense attorneys can earn $500,000 or more annually by gaining extensive experience, specializing in high-profile or complex cases, and working in large firms or private practice. Building a strong reputation, developing specialized skills, and taking on high-stakes clients can increase earning potential, often requiring advanced certifications and a significant workload.
More about Defense Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Defense Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Defense Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Attorney jobs? The most popular types of Defense Attorney jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Defense Attorney jobs? The top employers for Defense Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most Defense Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Defense Attorney jobs include:
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What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs? 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,024 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Criminal Defense Attorney

Hitch Defense Attorneys

Louisville, KY • On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

HITCH DEFENSE ATTORNEYS


Criminal Defense Attorney – KENTUCKY: Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green Offices.


Hitch Defense Attorneys, a rising criminal defense firm, is seeking hard-working and ambitious attorneys across Kentucky to join their team in Louisville, Lexington and Bowling Green.


Experience:


  • We are hiring all levels of experience.


Bar Requirement:


  • Must be a member of the Kentucky Bar.


Salary:


  • $70,000 – $120,000 +
  • Commensurate with experience, with opportunities for growth within the firm.


Job Responsibilities:


  • Represent clients in criminal cases.
  • Be part of our team!


More about this position:


  • Travel within Kentucky is required.
  • Flexible work schedule.
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance.
  • HSA.
  • 401(K).
  • Paid vacation/sick leave, and holidays.


Ready to apply?


Send us your resume AND cover letter to info@hitchdefense.com. Review our website: https://hitchdefense.com to learn more about us.

Apply