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Defense Attorney Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Jobot

Defense Attorney

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site +1

$120K - $220K/yr

Hybrid and remote flexibility Job Details ----- Seeking a Defense attorney with at least 2 years of practical experience working in civil defense - preferably in general liability. However, if you ...

New

Lōsh Associates

Defense Attorney

Miami, FL · On-site

They are looking for junior and mid-level attorneys who have insurance defense litigation experience. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who works well in a team environment. Experience ...

Jobot

Insurance Defense Attorney

Orlando, FL

$100K - $180K/yr

Stable and well known Insurance Defense firm seeking Orlando attorneys This Jobot Job is hosted by: Kris Leishman Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now" button and sending us your ...

New

Jobot

Insurance Defense Attorney

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$125K - $160K/yr

As a Permanent Insurance Defense Attorney, your primary role is to represent our insurance company clients in litigations. You will be expected to: 1. Provide legal defense against claims and ...

New

Musca Law

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Naples, FL

$71K - $95K/yr

A criminal defense firm seeks a full-time staff or subcontract attorney. The ideal attorney must have a minimum of five to seven years of experience in the criminal defense field, former public ...

Musca Law

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Fort Walton Beach, FL · On-site

$63K - $85K/yr

A criminal defense firm seeks a full-time staff or subcontract attorney. The ideal attorney must have a minimum of five to seven years of experience in the criminal defense field, former public ...

Musca Law

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Naples, FL · On-site

$71K - $95K/yr

DOE A criminal defense firm seeks a full-time staff or subcontract attorney. The ideal attorney must have a minimum of five to seven years of experience in the criminal defense field, former public ...

Musca Law

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Fort Walton Beach, FL

$63K - $85K/yr

A criminal defense firm seeks a full-time staff or subcontract attorney. The ideal attorney must have a minimum of five to seven years of experience in the criminal defense field, former public ...

Musca Law

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Sarasota, FL

$74K - $99K/yr

A criminal defense firm seeks a full-time staff or subcontract attorney. The ideal attorney must have a minimum of five to seven years of experience in the criminal defense field, former public ...

Musca Law

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$74K - $99K/yr

DOE A criminal defense firm seeks a full-time staff or subcontract attorney. The ideal attorney must have a minimum of five to seven years of experience in the criminal defense field, former public ...

Musca Law

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$74K - $99K/yr

A criminal defense firm seeks a full-time staff or subcontract attorney. The ideal attorney must have a minimum of five to seven years of experience in the criminal defense field, former public ...

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All JobsDefense Attorney JobsDefense Attorney Jobs in Florida

Defense Attorney information

See Florida salary details

$25.8K

$81.5K

$130.8K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in Florida is $81,473.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $95,700.00 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 to $125,000, depending on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for the government. Experienced attorneys in large firms or specialized fields can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Defense attorneys' salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and the type of cases they handle. While some top-tier or highly experienced defense lawyers in large firms or high-profile cases can earn $500,000 or more annually, most defense attorneys earn between $60,000 and $150,000 per year. Achieving higher earnings often requires specialization, a strong reputation, and working in lucrative markets.

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 depend on factors such as geographic location, experience, and specialization, with job growth often aligned with overall trends in the legal industry.

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 handling high-stakes cases can increase earning potential significantly.
More about Defense Attorney jobs
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What job categories do people searching Defense Attorney jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Attorney jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Defense Attorney jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Defense Attorney job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in FL? For Defense Attorney jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $81,473 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Defense Attorney

Morgan, Akins & Jackson, PLLC

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Morgan & Akins’ Fort Lauderdale office is currently seeking an Associate Attorney for its General Liability practice in Fort Lauderdale. This is an excellent opportunity for attorneys with insurance defense litigation experience. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Morgan & Akins is a mid-size firm that services clients across 9 offices in the south and northeastern United States.   Interested in joining a full-service and leading defense litigation firm that values your quality of life as much as the quality of our legal services, then you should consider joining our team.
Morgan, Akins & Jackson, PLLC Florida office is currently seeking a skilled and motivated Defense Associate Attorney with 3 to 5+ years’ experience to join our established defense practice. The ideal candidate will be licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and possess experience managing all aspects of workers’ compensation matters.
Responsibilities Include:
  • Representing employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators in workers’ compensation claims
  • Drafting and reviewing pleadings, motions, and discovery responses
  • Conducting depositions of claimants, medical experts, and fact witnesses
  • Preparing clients and witnesses for hearings and trials
  • Managing a caseload independently and efficiently, from inception through resolution
  • Engaging in consistent communication with clients, adjusters, and opposing counsel
  • Ensuring timely compliance with all procedural deadlines
Qualifications:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
  • Active bar admissions in FL(required), NJ/NY/PA (a plus)
  • minimum of 3 years of workers’ compensation/insurance defense experience preferred
  • Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
  • Excellent organizational and time management abilities
  • Professional demeanor and a commitment to high-quality legal work
We Offer:
  • Competitive salary starting at $130,000 annually commensurate with experience
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Supportive and collaborative firm culture
  • Opportunities for professional development and advancement
  • Flexible work arrangements, including remote/hybrid schedules

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