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Defense Attorney Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Both Plaintiff & Defense Attorneys encouraged to apply! THINGS THAT MAKE US DIFFERENT * Recognized as a Best Places to Work * One of Most Influential Law Firms in America - Trial Magazine * Highest ...

Both Plaintiff & Defense Attorneys encouraged to apply! THINGS THAT MAKE US DIFFERENT * Recognized as a Best Places to Work * One of Most Influential Law Firms in America - Trial Magazine * Highest ...

Both Plaintiff & Defense Attorneys encouraged to apply! THINGS THAT MAKE US DIFFERENT * Recognized as a Best Places to Work * One of Most Influential Law Firms in America - Trial Magazine * Highest ...

Associate Attorney

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

Prior insurance defense experience preferred * Active member in good standing of the Georgia Bar * Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills * Ability to manage cases ...

Be Seen First

Must have 3 years + experience Defense Litigation * Meet deadlines ... Provide support to multiple attorneys * Manage multiple tasks * Perform detail-oriented processes

Associate Attorney

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$120 - $135/hr

C. (HBS) is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its growing Medical Malpractice Litigation team ... Prior experience in insurance defense is preferred but not required. Candidates must be active ...

Associate Attorney

Marietta, GA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Associate Attorney - Criminal Defense Metro Atlanta | Miller Law Practice, LLC Salary: $70,000 - $100,000 + Commission-Based Bonuses Are you a results-driven attorney with strong sales and ...

Associate Attorney

Marietta, GA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Associate Attorney - Criminal Defense Metro Atlanta | Miller Law Practice, LLC Salary: $70,000 - $100,000 + Commission-Based Bonuses Are you a results-driven attorney with strong sales and ...

Showing results 41-60

Defense Attorney information

See Georgia salary details

$29.1K

$92.1K

$147.8K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in Georgia is $92,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $108,100.00 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.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Defense Attorney jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Defense Attorney job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,058 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

$66 - $80/hr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The District Attorney’s Office in the Dougherty Judicial Circuit has an opening for an Assistant District Attorney. The following duties are normal for this position; other duties may be required and assigned:

  • Reviews reports submitted by law enforcement to determine whether further investigation is needed; approves or returns cases for more work; researches alternative crimes; reads and researches case law.
  • Drafts accusations and indictments; evaluates and researches potential defenses; negotiates pleas to dispose of cases; dismisses cases not prosecutable.
  • Develops trial strategy for each case, presents cases to grand jury; questions witnesses; answers juror’s questions; determines appropriate sentence recommendations; calls arraignment calendars; attends pre-trial conferences with judge and defense attorneys.
  • Subpoenas appropriate witnesses for motions; researches and argues all pretrial and post-trial motions; files motions in appropriate time frame prior to trial. Complies with discovery requirements by copying and mailing documents.
Minimum qualifications:

All applicants must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia or be in good standing of another state’s bar association that is eligible for reciprocity admittance to the State Bar of Georgia; and be admitted to practice before the Georgia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. All candidates are subject to a background check. Applicants selected for hire will be subject to fingerprinting, a criminal history background check, a motor vehicle driver’s history check and pre-employment drug screening; employment is contingent upon the completion and satisfactory results of each investigation.

The Dougherty Judicial Circuit is an equal employment opportunity employer and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Salary Range: minimum starting salary of $73,000

Contact Number: 229-431-3233

Email: awynne@dougherty.ga.us
FAX: 229-431-2167
Mailing Address: Post Office Box 1827
225 Pine Avenue
Room 231
Albany, GA 31701

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