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Defense Attorney Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Brett Metcalf, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A.

Be Seen First

Criminal Defense Attorney

Tampa, FL · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

As a Criminal Defense Attorney in a small law firm, you will focus on representing clients primarily in complex felony and misdemeanor cases. You will manage ongoing casework and new client intake ...

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 ...

Jobot

Defense Attorney

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Job Details ----- We are seeking a compassionate and experienced full-time Litigation Attorney to join our Insurance Defense/Tort department. We are seeking an attorney with a minimum of 3 years ...

Jobot

Insurance Defense Attorney

Orlando, FL · On-site

$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 ...

Prevail Recruiting

Insurance Defense Attorney

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$130K - $200K/yr

Associate Attorney - General Liability Defense (Hybrid) Location: Orlando, Florida (Hybrid Schedule) Experience Level: 2-5+ Years About the Opportunity We are seeking a motivated Associate Attorney ...

Musca Law

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Naples, FL · On-site

$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

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 ...

YO AI Labs

Criminal Defense Attorney - Remote

Miami, FL · 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 ...

Orion Placement

Criminal Defense Attorney

Panama City, FL · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Collaborate with attorneys, investigators, and legal support staff to build the strongest possible defense. * Manage an active caseload while maintaining exceptional client service and professional ...

Jobot

Insurance Defense Attorney

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Musca Law

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Naples, FL · On-site

$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

Sarasota, FL · On-site

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 Aug 21, 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.

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 Florida?

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

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

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

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,473 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Criminal Defense Attorney

Brett Metcalf, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A.

Tampa, FL • On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

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Job description

As a Criminal Defense Attorney in a small law firm, you will focus on representing clients primarily in complex felony and misdemeanor cases. You will manage ongoing casework and new client intake while utilizing case management software to streamline legal processes. This role involves regular appearances in local courts and requires thorough preparation and strong client advocacy.

Responsibilities

  • Evaluate criminal cases and develop defense strategies
  • Represent clients in local court proceedings
  • Conduct thorough legal research relevant to case specifics
  • Prepare for trials including evidence organization and witness preparation
  • Attend court appearances predominantly in local jurisdictions
  • Counsel clients on legal rights, case progression, and possible outcomes
  • Review and analyze evidence to support defense arguments

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 2 years experience in criminal defense law
  • Admission to the state bar and an active state bar license
  • Solid understanding of criminal law and procedures