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Defense Attorney Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Lead Attorney

Southfield, MI · On-site

As an insurance defense attorney in our Michigan office, you will be part of a team providing legal representation to Hanover/Citizens' insureds and/or Hanover/Citizens Insurance before courts and ...

thg

Lead Attorney

Southfield, MI

As an insurance defense attorney in our Michigan office, you will be part of a team providing legal representation to Hanover/Citizens' insureds and/or Hanover/Citizens Insurance before courts and ...

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Defense Attorney information

See Michigan salary details

$30.1K

$95K

$152.5K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in Michigan is $95,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,800.00 and $111,600.00 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

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What cities in Michigan are hiring for Defense Attorney jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Defense Attorney job openings:

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Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,025 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Civil Defense Litigator/Attorney

LUPO AND KOCZKUR PC

Grosse Pointe, MI • On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Benefits
  • 401(k) matching
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Competitive salary
  • Flexible schedule
Benefits / Perks
  • Careers Advancement Opportunities
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Competitive Compensation
Job Summary

We are seeing a Litigation Defense Attorney to join our law firm. In this role, you will provide legal counsel, perform legal research, draft documents, pleadings and motions, take depositions, argue motions and try cases. You will work closely with administrative staff, other colleagues, and senior partners to provide excellent legal services to our clients. The ideal candidate is experienced in all litigation phases. If you are a self-starter with experience in insurance law, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities
  • Develop risk mitigation strategies
  • Perform legal research and extensive due diligence
  • Provide legal advice to clients
  • Review, modify, and create pleadings and motions
  • Prepare for and attend legal proceedings and depositions
  • Negotiate on behalf of clients
  • Maintain detailed and accurate client records
Qualifications
  • Successful completion of a Juris Doctor (J.D. degree) from an accredited law school and bar exam
  • Previous experience in personal injury law
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to collaborate to best serve clients
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