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Defense Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

State of Iowa

Public Defender 2 - Iowa City

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

... an attorney's skills and career. Represent clients in court at pre-trial hearings, bench or jury trial sentencings and other court hearings. Prepare a defense, conducting legal research, gathering ...

CSAA

Litigation Paralegal - Remote

Nevada, IA · On-site

As a paralegal supporting our Folsom or San Jose, CA law offices, you will partner closely with two CSAA attorneys, assisting in the defense of insureds involved in litigation. The paralegals ...

State of Iowa

Driver's License Hearing Officer

Ames, IA · On-site

$53K - $81K/yr

Read, interpret, and explain Iowa Code and Administrative Rules to various stakeholders, including defense attorneys, prosecutors, and law enforcement, to ensure compliance and proper license ...

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 ...

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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 Aug 16, 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.

How much do defense attorneys make?

Defense attorneys' salaries vary based on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for the government. On average, they earn between $60,000 and $130,000 annually, with experienced attorneys and those in large firms or urban areas earning higher wages. Many defense attorneys also handle complex cases that require strong negotiation and courtroom skills.

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 is the most a defense attorney can make?

The salary of a defense attorney varies widely based on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for the government. Experienced defense attorneys in private practice can earn over $200,000 annually, while those in public defense roles typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 per year. High-profile or specialized attorneys may earn even more through case success and reputation.

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 the ability to handle complex legal cases, with job stability often linked to court caseloads and legal reforms.
More about Defense Attorney jobs

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.

Legal Assistant

The Reserves Network Inc

West Des Moines, IA

$65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Legal Assistant|$65,000 + DOE| In Office| Direct Hire | M-F 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. |West Des Moines, IA
What Matters Most
  • Competitive pay of $65,000 + DOE
  • Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • Location: West Des Moines, IA
  • Direct-Hire opportunity with long-term stability and career growth
Job Description
The Reserves Network is partnering with a growing Des Moines office. We are seeking experienced Legal Assistants skilled with insurance defense civil litigation to support several attorney teams in defending corporate clients against legal claims. The role combines administrative precision with substantive litigation tasks to manage high-volume caseloads from intake through trial.
Responsibilities
  • Document Preparation: Draft, format, and proofread legal documents including pleadings, motions, discovery requests, and correspondence.
  • Court Filing: Execute electronic filing (e-filing) in state and federal courts, adhering strictly to procedural rules and deadlines.
  • Calendar Management: Track court deadlines and manage attorney calendars for hearings, depositions, and trial dates.
  • Discovery & Records: Organize medical records, prepare medical chronologies, and coordinate with vendors for record retrieval.
  • Logistics Coordination: Schedule depositions, mediations, and examinations for defense experts.
  • Trial Support: Assemble trial binders, prepare exhibits, and coordinate witness logistics.
  • Communication: Act as a professional liaison between attorneys, clients, insurance adjusters, and court personnel.
Qualifications
  • Experience: Most roles require 1–5 years of experience in civil litigation, specifically in insurance defense or personal injury.
  • Education: A high school diploma is often the minimum requirement, though an associate degree or paralegal certificate is frequently preferred.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and legal case management software is essential.
  • Core Competencies: Strong attention to detail, ability to handle high-volume work under pressure, and mastery of legal terminology.
Benefits and Perks
  • Competitive compensation package
  • Health and disability insurance options
  • Retirement savings plan
  • Team-oriented culture that values collaboration, professional development, and community involvement
Your New Organization
This established and respected law firm fosters a supportive, team-driven culture where employees are valued contributors and encouraged to grow professionally while maintaining work-life balance.
Your Career Partner
The Reserves Network, a veteran-founded and family-owned company, specializes in connecting exceptional talent with rewarding opportunities. With extensive industry experience, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your professional goals and shine in your field. The Reserves Network values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. As an equal-opportunity employer, we foster an environment of respect, integrity, and trust in every aspect of employment.
The base salary range for this position is $65,000 annually, excluding benefits, bonuses, or other compensation. Your final salary will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, location, and internal pay equity. Please note that hiring at the top of the range is uncommon to allow room for future salary growth.