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Defense Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

City of Marion

Police Officer - Lateral

Marion, IA · On-site

$69K - $98K/yr

Work collaboratively with the County Attorney's Office to support prosecution. * Execute warrants ... Maintain proficiency in defensive tactics, de-escalation, firearms, medical response, and other ...

City of Marion

Entry Level Police Officer

Marion, IA · On-site

$69K/yr

Work in partnership with the County Attorney's Office to obtain and file criminal complaints on ... Skill in defensive and pursuit driving techniques. * Skill in the use of control and self-defense ...

City of Marion

Entry Level Police Officer

Marion, IA · On-site

Work in partnership with the County Attorney's Office to obtain and file criminal complaints on ... Skill in defensive and pursuit driving techniques. * Skill in the use of control and self-defense ...

Cityofmarion

Entry Level Police Officer

Marion, IA · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Work in partnership with the County Attorney's Office to obtain and file criminal complaints on ... Skill in defensive and pursuit driving techniques. * Skill in the use of control and self-defense ...

Cityofmarion

Entry Level Police Officer

Melcher Dallas, IA · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Work in partnership with the County Attorney's Office to obtain and file criminal complaints on ... Skill in defensive and pursuit driving techniques. * Skill in the use of control and self-defense ...

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Showing results 21-35

All JobsDefense Attorney JobsDefense Attorney Jobs in Iowa

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.

Medical Malpractice Claims Specialist | Remote

KING'S INSURANCE STAFFING LLC

Des Moines, IA • Remote

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Our client, a well-established insurance carrier specializing in professional liability coverage, is seeking an experienced Medical Malpractice Claims Adjuster to join its Claims team. This individual will independently manage a portfolio of medical malpractice and healthcare professional liability claims from initial notice through final resolution.
 
The ideal candidate will bring strong technical claims expertise, sound judgment, and experience handling complex and litigated medical malpractice matters. This role requires the ability to conduct thorough investigations, analyze coverage and liability, evaluate claim exposure, and work closely with insureds, defense counsel, medical experts, and other stakeholders to drive effective claim outcomes.
 
Responsibilities:
  • Independently manage medical malpractice and healthcare professional liability claims throughout the full claim lifecycle, from initial reporting through resolution.
  • Analyze policy language, coverage provisions, and claim circumstances to identify coverage issues and determine claim applicability.
  • Conduct comprehensive claim investigations, including reviewing medical records, legal documentation, expert reports, and other relevant materials.
  • Communicate with insureds, claimants, attorneys, medical professionals, expert consultants, and other parties throughout the claim process.
  • Evaluate liability, damages, venue, litigation exposure, and overall claim value while developing appropriate resolution strategies.
  • Manage complex and litigated claims, including selecting, retaining, and partnering with defense counsel and medical experts.
  • Negotiate settlements and pursue timely, cost-effective claim resolutions within assigned authority.
  • Draft clear and professional claim correspondence, including coverage determinations, reservation of rights letters, and other coverage-related communications.
  • Maintain accurate claim documentation, reserves, action plans, and file updates in accordance with internal standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Proactively identify claim trends, emerging exposures, and opportunities to mitigate loss severity.
 
Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience handling medical malpractice, healthcare professional liability, or comparable complex professional liability claims.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex and litigated claims from inception through resolution.
  • Strong understanding of liability investigations, coverage analysis, policy interpretation, damages evaluation, and litigation management.
  • Experience working directly with defense counsel, medical experts, insured healthcare professionals, and other external partners.
  • Working knowledge of medical terminology and legal processes related to medical malpractice and professional liability claims.
  • Strong negotiation, analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional coverage and claim correspondence.
  • Ability to independently manage multiple complex claims, prioritize competing deadlines, and maintain a high level of attention to detail.
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Professional insurance designations such as AIC, CPCU, SCLA, or similar credentials are a plus.
 
Compensation & Benefits
  • Base Salary: $115,000–$125,000, depending on experience
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Additional benefits and retirement programs available