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Defense Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Staffingine LLC

Criminal Defense Attorney

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$73K - $97K/yr

Criminal Defense Attorney Job Location: Dubuque, IA Job Type: Full Time * Represent clients from arraignment through verdict in felony and misdemeanor jury trials. * Draft motions, conduct ...

Laird Law Firm

Litigation Attorney

Mason City, IA · On-site

Litigation Attorney FIRM OVERVIEW Laird Law Firm, P.L.C., with offices in Mason City, Clear Lake ... Criminal Defense BENEFITS * Cafeteria Plan with Health, Dental, Vision, and AFLAC plans available ...

Hupy and Abraham S C

Attorney

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

We welcome attorneys with transferable litigation experience, including insurance defense, workers' compensation, civil litigation, or other insurance-related matters . We're looking for a confident ...

Hupy and Abraham S C

Attorney

Davenport, IA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

We welcome attorneys with transferable litigation experience, including insurance defense, workers' compensation, civil litigation, or other insurance-related matters . We're looking for a confident ...

Scott County, IA

Assistant Attorney

Davenport, IA · On-site

$88K - $102K/yr

Addresses a variety of defense issues to include requests for investigative reports, exhibits ... other attorneys regarding changes in the law. Schedules and attends depositions. Is available for ...

Scott Count

Assistant Attorney

Davenport, IA · On-site

$88 - $102/hr

Assistant Attorney Closing Date/Time: Aug 17, 2026 Salary: $88,358.40 to $102,481.60 per year Will ... Addresses a variety of defense issues to include requests for investigative reports, exhibits ...

Scott County (IA)

Assistant Attorney

Davenport, IA

$88K - $102K/yr

Addresses a variety of defense issues to include requests for investigative reports, exhibits ... other attorneys regarding changes in the law. Schedules and attends depositions. Is available for ...

CSAA

Sr. Trial Attorney - Remote

Nevada, IA · On-site

Job Title Sr. Trial Attorney - Remote Requisition Number R7824 Sr. Trial Attorney - Remote (Open ... defense practice with considerable courtroom and first-chair trial experience * Requires Juris ...

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Defense Attorney information

See Iowa salary details

$32.4K

$102.4K

$164.4K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in Iowa is $102,402.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,700.00 and $120,200.00 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 Iowa?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,402 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Criminal Defense Attorney

Staffingine LLC

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$73K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Criminal Defense Attorney 
Job Location: Dubuque, IA 
Job Type: Full Time 

Job Description:  

  • Represent clients from arraignment through verdict in felony and misdemeanor jury trials. 

  • Draft motions, conduct negotiations, and advocate at hearings and sentencing. 

  • Develop defence strategies across a broad spectrum of criminal charges. 

  • Communicate with empathy while guiding clients through high-stakes situations. 

  • Partner with legal support staff to deliver excellent service from intake to resolution. 

Qualifications 

  • Juris Doctor (JD) and active license to practice in Iowa (or eligibility to obtain promptly). 

  • 5+ years of experience handling criminal defense matters, including jury trials through verdict. 

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage files independently. 

  • Skilled oral advocate with polished courtroom presence. 

  • Commitment to professionalism, teamwork, and client-centered service.