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Defense Attorney Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Belen Law Firm, PLLC

Be Seen First

Criminal Defense Attorney

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to join our team. You will be responsible for handling complex cases, from initial investigation through trial, for clients facing criminal ...

Urgent

Belen Law Firm, PLLC

Criminal Defense Attorney

Gilbert, AZ · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to join our team. You will be responsible for handling complex cases, from initial investigation through trial, for clients facing criminal ...

Urgent

Belen Law Firm, PLLC

Be Seen First

Criminal Defense Attorney

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to join our team. You will be responsible for handling complex cases, from initial investigation through trial, for clients facing criminal ...

Urgent

Belen Law Firm, PLLC

Be Seen First

Criminal Defense Attorney

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to join our team. You will be responsible for handling complex cases, from initial investigation through trial, for clients facing criminal ...

Urgent

Belen Law Firm, PLLC

Be Seen First

Criminal Defense Attorney

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to join our team. You will be responsible for handling complex cases, from initial investigation through trial, for clients facing criminal ...

Urgent

Belen Law Firm, PLLC

Criminal Defense Attorney

Gilbert, AZ · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to join our team. You will be responsible for handling complex cases, from initial investigation through trial, for clients facing criminal ...

Urgent

Jobot

Criminal Defense Attorney

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Criminal Defense Associate / Associate Attorney Needed for Established Law Firm! This Jobot Job is hosted by: Reed Kellick Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now" button and sending ...

YO AI Labs

Criminal Defense Attorney - Remote

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

$140 - $400/hr

Criminal Defense Attorney Job Type: Contractor Location: Remote (United States Only) Job Overview We are seeking experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys to contribute their legal expertise to an ...

Providence Staffing LLC

Criminal Defense Attorney

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Providence Staffing is partnering with a well-established and growing criminal defense firm in Yuma, Arizona that is seeking a Criminal Defense Attorney to join its team. This role is not for someone ...

Darbas, LLC

Insurance Defense Attorney

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Company Description We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Insurance Defense Attorney to join our legal team in a hybrid capacity. This role involves managing a diverse caseload of ...

Darbas, LLC

Insurance Defense Attorney

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Company Description We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Insurance Defense Attorney to join our legal team in a hybrid capacity. This role involves managing a diverse caseload of ...

Jobot

Workers' Compensation Defense Attorney

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

$110K - $125K/yr

100% REMOTE Workers Compensation Defense Attorney / Insurance Defense Attorney Needed for Established Firm! This Jobot Job is hosted by: Reed Kellick Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the ...

Jobot

Workers' Compensation Defense Attorney

Tucson, AZ · Remote

$110K - $125K/yr

100% REMOTE Workers Compensation Defense Attorney / Insurance Defense Attorney Needed for Established Firm! This Jobot Job is hosted by: Reed Kellick Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the ...

Jobot

Insurance Defense Attorney

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Permanent Insurance Defense Attorney to join our fast-paced legal team. This position offers an opportunity to be a part of a collaborative team that defends ...

Kolsrud Law Offices, PC

Criminal Defense Attorney

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$77K - $102K/yr

Develop defense strategies in collaboration with the supervising attorney. Draft and argue substantive motions. Participate in jury trials for misdemeanor and felony cases. What We're Looking For:

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All JobsDefense Attorney JobsDefense Attorney Jobs in Arizona

Defense Attorney information

See Arizona salary details

$32.1K

$101.6K

$163.1K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in Arizona is $101,598.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,100.00 and $119,300.00 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.
More about Defense Attorney jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Attorney jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Defense Attorney jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in Arizona?

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

What job categories do people searching Defense Attorney jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Attorney jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Defense Attorney jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Defense Attorney job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in AZ?

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

Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,598 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Criminal Defense Attorney

The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$77K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

We're looking for an admitted attorney, for an extremely promising Associate Criminal Defense Attorney position within a premier law firm with lots of room for growth. This is an opportunity for a dedicated Associate Attorney to gain valuable experience and further their career with a established firm in the Phoenix area. As the Associate Criminal Defense Attorney, you will report to the Managing Criminal Defense Attorney. The Associate Attorney will manage their caseload, as well as client interaction, and can collaborate with our wonderful Criminal Defense Team of Attorney's and legal assistants.
Responsibilities
  • Advise client on their legal rights in matters and draw up legal documents about their case
  • Attend pretrial hearings on behalf of clients and advise clients following each hearing about best strategies
  • Manage court appearance, trail, drafting motions, interviewing witnesses and performing legal research
  • Analyze probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents
  • Manage workload of cases
  • Provide legal analysis for clients to determine any possible case benefits
  • Accrue additional evidence to support clients case or for arguments against the prosecutions charges
  • Prepare clients for depositions; determine essential goals of case strategy and gather information from witnesses and important experts that support client's positions

Qualifications
  • At least 3 years of Criminal Defense Experience
  • Experience handling complex criminal cases at the federal, state and local level
  • A team player who is open to helping, strategizing, and working with your fellow associates
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required
  • Interpersonal skills of the highest caliber

Do you have a passion for Criminal Defense and a desire to practice within an organization with lots of room for growth? Here at the Matian Firm, we offer that, benefits(medical, dental and vision insurance), an excellent compensation package, paid parking, paid time off, and more! Come work as an Criminal Defense Attorney at a growing firm with opportunities to advance and learn alongside a team of professionals within' the legal industry. Apply now!
The Matian Firm, APC is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we welcome everyone regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive, open, and diverse work environment.

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