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Defense Attorney Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Justice North

Staff Attorney

Duluth, MN

$80K - $110K/yr

Staff Attorney FLSA Status:Exempt Reports To:Supervising Attorney Location:Alexandria/North ... defense, consumer law, public benefits, elder law, and other civil legal issues consistent with ...

Justice North

Staff Attorney

Duluth, MN · On-site

Staff Attorney FLSA Status:Exempt Reports To:Supervising Attorney Location:Alexandria/North ... defense, consumer law, public benefits, elder law, and other civil legal issues consistent with ...

CSAA

Job Title Insurance Litigation Attorney (CA License Required) - Remote Requisition Number R7712 ... Required Experience, Education and Skills * 5-8+ years of experience in insurance defense practice ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDefense Attorney JobsDefense Attorney Jobs in Minnesota

Defense Attorney information

See Minnesota salary details

$33.8K

$106.8K

$171.4K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in Minnesota is $106,779.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,200.00 and $125,400.00 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 Minnesota? For Defense Attorney jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Attorney jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Attorney jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Defense Attorney jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Defense Attorney job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in MN? For Defense Attorney jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,779 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Law Clerk - Criminal Defense - Minnesota

Martine Law

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description
The Law Clerk supports the criminal defense team by conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and assisting attorneys in preparing cases for hearings, negotiations, and trial. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented law student or recent graduate who wants hands-on experience in criminal litigation while working in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
The hours are flexible to accommodate class schedules.
MUST BE ENROLLED IN AN ACCREDITED LAW SCHOOL IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.
Responsibilities
• Conduct legal research on criminal statutes, case law, and procedural issues.
• Draft legal documents, including motions, memoranda, briefs, and discovery summaries.
• Assist attorneys with case preparation for hearings, trials, and negotiations.
• Review police reports, discovery materials, and evidence to identify key issues.
• Maintain organized case files and assist with document management.
• Support attorneys with trial preparation, including witness outlines and exhibit organization.
MUST BE ENROLLED IN AN ACCREDITED LAW SCHOOL IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.
Qualifications
• Currently enrolled in an accredited law school in MINNESOTA or a recent J.D. graduate in Minnesota.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Interest in criminal defense and courtroom litigation.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced legal environment and manage multiple deadlines.

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