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Defense Attorney Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Marshall Dennehey

Civil Defense Associate

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

C., a nationally recognized Am Law 200 civil defense law firm with more than 60 years of dedicated ... This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with 5-10 years of litigation experience to join the fast ...

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Jobot

Commercial Litigation Attorney

Cincinnati, OH

$120K - $160K/yr

Salary: $120,000 - $160,000 per year A bit about us: ----- Our growing litigation practice is seeking an experienced Commercial Litigation Defense Attorney to join our Cincinnati office. This is an ...

Australia-Employment

Law Attorney- Defense

Wooster, OH · On-site

$100 - $135/hr

Law Attorney - Defense $100000 - $135000 per year | Wooster, OH | On-Site | Permanent About us This is a well-established full-service law firm rooted in Northeast Ohio with a long history of ...

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All JobsDefense Attorney JobsDefense Attorney Jobs in Ohio

Defense Attorney information

See Ohio salary details

$32.8K

$103.6K

$166.4K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in Ohio is $103,648.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,700.00 and $121,700.00 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 Ohio? For Defense Attorney jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Attorney jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Attorney jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Defense Attorney jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Defense Attorney job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in OH? For Defense Attorney jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,648 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Adam Burke LLC

Columbus, OH • On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Senior Criminal Defense Trial Attorney (Felonies) — Part-time (20–30 hrs/wk)

About Us

Located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, Attorney Adam Burke LLC is a criminal defense firm dedicated to championing the rights of individuals confronted with criminal allegations. Led by Founding Attorney Adam Burke, our firm prides itself on its zealous representation, commitment to clients, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Focusing on federal, felony, and misdemeanor charges, including DUI/OVI cases, we strive to provide top-tier legal representation and support to our clients during their most challenging times.


Role Overview

We’re hiring a senior felony trial attorney to lead serious cases from intake through trial. You’ll argue suppression and evidentiary motions, try jury cases, mentor junior lawyers, and leverage our tech-enabled support to move matters quickly and well. You will be instrumental in guiding clients through the complexities of the legal system—from initial consultations to strong courtroom advocacy

Responsibilities

  • Handle felony matters end-to-end: strategy, negotiations, motion practice, evidentiary hearings, jury trials, sentencing.
  • Evaluate discovery at scale; identify constitutional/evidentiary/procedural issues; develop defense themes and cross-plans.
  • Mentor associates and VAs; collaborate closely with the team; maintain excellent client communication.
  • Use MyCase (or similar), Notion, Zoom/Teams, Slack, and AI-assisted discovery tools.
  • Appear in person across Central Ohio courts; manage schedules and deadlines independently.


Minimum Requirements (must-have)

  • Active Ohio law license in good standing.
  • 10+ years criminal defense experience focused on felonies.
  • Felony jury-trial experience to verdict (first- or second-chair).
  • Strength in motions practice (4th/5th/6th Amendment); excellent writing/oral advocacy.
  • Reliable transportation for multi-county coverage; strong organization and judgment.


Schedule & Setting

  • Part-time: 20–30 hours/week.
  • Monday–Friday; weekends as needed.
  • Hybrid for research/drafting; in-person for court; on-the-road as required.


Compensation & Benefits

Competitive part-time compensation with performance bonus potential


How to Apply

Apply via here at ZipRecruiter


EOE.

Job Type: Part-time


Benefits:

  • Flexible schedule

Work Location: On the road

Company Description

Located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, Attorney Adam Burke LLC is a criminal defense firm dedicated to championing the rights of individuals confronted with criminal allegations. Led by Founding Attorney Adam Burke, our firm prides itself on its zealous representation, commitment to clients, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Focusing on federal, felony, and misdemeanor charges, including DUI/OVI cases, we strive to provide top-tier legal representation and support to our clients during their most challenging times.