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Defense Attorney Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

TD Insurance, Counsel II

Edmonton, AB · Hybrid

CA$135K - CA$180K/yr

A minimum of 5 years' experience as a lawyer with a background in insurance defense litigation or other litigation, including personal injury or general litigation is required to be considered for ...

TD Insurance, Counsel I

Edmonton, AB · Hybrid

CA$110K - CA$150K/yr

A minimum of 2 years' experience as a lawyer with a background in insurance defense litigation or other litigation, including personal injury or general litigation is required to be considered for ...

TD Insurance, Counsel I

Calgary, AB · Hybrid

CA$110K - CA$150K/yr

A minimum of 2 years' experience as a lawyer with a background in insurance defense litigation or other litigation, including personal injury or general litigation is required to be considered for ...

TD Insurance, Counsel II

Calgary, AB · Hybrid

CA$135K - CA$180K/yr

A minimum of 5 years' experience as a lawyer with a background in insurance defense litigation or other litigation, including personal injury or general litigation is required to be considered for ...

Act as lead counsel during litigation and prosecution/defense of civil actions on behalf of the ... Coordinate, investigate, and/or copy requests by attorneys for any legal documents and/or actions ...

... and lawyers, who assist clients in addressing the complexities, issues, challenges, and ... and defense of transfer pricing policies for goods, services and intangible property * Lead ...

Defense Attorney information

See Alberta salary details

$72K

$100.5K

$149K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in Alberta is $100,540.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do 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 wages. Many defense attorneys also handle complex cases that require strong negotiation and courtroom skills.

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 is the most a defense attorney can make?

The salary of a defense attorney varies widely based on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for the government. Experienced defense attorneys in private practice can earn over $200,000 annually, while those in public defense roles typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 per year. High-profile or specialized attorneys may earn even more through case success and reputation.

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 depend on factors such as geographic location, experience, and the ability to handle complex legal cases, with job stability often linked to court caseloads and legal reforms.
What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in Alberta? For Defense Attorney jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Attorney jobs in Alberta look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Attorney jobs in Alberta are:
What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in AB? For Defense Attorney jobs in AB, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,540 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Associate Lawyer - Insurance Litigation

Clydeco

Calgary, AB • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Clyde & Co has an opening for a seasoned associate with experience in insurance defense and coverage. As a lawyer at our Firm, you will engage in matters involving all aspects of litigation including advising clients, examinations for discovery, commercial litigation, mediations, arbitrations, trials and appeals. You will have the opportunity of working as part of a collegial team in one of the leading international law firms in the insurance market, while further developing your career.
Hybrid work mode with a minimum of two days at the Calgary office.
Key Responsibilities

  • Provide legal analysis and advice in the area of insurance defense and coverage.

  • Conduct research and provide analysis.

  • Draft pleadings, motion materials and factums, as well as pre-trial memorandums and mediation briefs.

  • Prepare correspondence to counsel opposite and clients.

  • Prepare for and attend discoveries and mediations.

  • Appear in court to argue motions or other adjudicative hearings.

  • Attend Alberta or other Canadian Bar Association events for the purpose of professional and business development opportunities.

  • Perform certain tasks related to practice management.

  • Meet other related business needs or priorities as they may arise from time to time.

Essential Skills & Experience

  • Graduate from a recognized University / Common Law School with a license to practice law the Province of Alberta or another Canadian Province as a member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta or another Provincial Law Society.

  • 4 to 7 years of relevant experience in private practice or in-house legal practice, with a focus on commercial litigation and insurance law.

  • Exceptional legal writing and communication skills.

  • Sound judgement and legal reasoning, excellent analytical skills and creativity in solving problems.

  • Demonstrated ability to develop strategies, present a clear plan to the client, and communicate instructions rigorously and precisely.

  • Proven advocacy talent.

  • High integrity and intellectual rigor.

  • Strong interpersonal skills.

  • An entrepreneurial spirit and keen interest in building client relationships.

  • Able to work independently, as well as in a team.

Why Join Us?

At Clyde & Co, we believe in supporting your professional growth while ensuring you have the flexibility and benefits you need to thrive. Here's what you can look forward to:

  • Hybrid Work Flexibility - Enjoy a perfect balance between remote and in-office work.

  • Flexible Paid Time Off - Associates are trusted to use their professional judgment to take paid time off as needed.

  • Performance Bonuses - In addition to annual performance-based bonuses, our monthly bonus plan gives you the opportunity to earn up to $2,000 per month!

  • Referral Rewards - Earn generous bonuses for introducing talented colleagues to our team.

  • Mentorship & Career Growth - Access strong mentorship, global training programs, and career development support.

  • Engaging Culture - Participate in exciting social events, volunteer and community service initiatives, and professional development opportunities.

  • Inclusive Parental Leave - Six months fully paid, for all parents regardless of gender or path to parenthood.

  • Global Mobility Program - Participate in client-facing events across North America and explore our international offices.

  • Career Development: Access regional and global associate training and career development programs.

  • Comprehensive Health Benefits - Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.

  • Robust Disability Coverage - Comprehensive short-term and enhanced long-term disability plans.


The Firm


When you work at Clyde & Co, you join a team of 500 partners, 2,400 lawyers, 3,200 legal professionals and 5,500 people in nearly 70 offices and associated offices worldwide. Our values are the principles that guide the decisions we make, unite us in our endeavours and strengthen our delivery, for both our clients and our firm. We work as one, excel with clients, celebrate difference and act boldly. We are committed to operating in a responsible way by progressing towards a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities and clients it serves. We are devoted to providing an environment in which everyone can realise their potential, using its legal and professional skills to support its communities. We do this through pro bono work, volunteering and charitable partnerships, and minimising the impact it has on the environment, including through our commitment to the SBTi Net-Zero standard and the setting of ambitious emissions reduction targets.


Our Commitment


Clyde & Co is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. Our values encourage us to support fairness, celebrate diversity and prohibit all forms of discrimination in the workplace to allow everyone to excel at work. Therefore, we welcome and encourage all applications from suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background or identity. Learn more about our interview process.


A Note on Privacy


Please take a moment to read our privacy notice. This describes what personal information Clyde & Co (we) may hold about you, what it's used for, how it's obtained, your rights and how to contact us as a data subject.

If you are submitting a candidate as a Recruitment Agency Partner, it is an essential requirement and your responsibility to ensure that candidates applying to Clyde & Co are aware of this privacy notice.

This is the job description as constituted at present; however, Clyde & Co reserves the right to reasonably amend it in accordance with the changing needs of the business.