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Defense Attorney Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Attorney Adam Burke LLC

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Criminal Defense Attorney

Columbus, OH · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Alexandria Law Group

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Contract Attorney (Ohio Licensed) - Traffic Law | Part-Time

Columbus, OH · On-site

$2.0K/mo

Traffic Defense Attorney (Franklin County, Ohio) Alexandria Law Group is seeking an Ohio-licensed attorney to handle traffic matters throughout Franklin County, including matters arising in:

Orion Placement

Associate Attorney

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Step into a high-caliber civil defense practice and immediately handle meaningful, complex matters ... Work alongside some of Ohio's most respected civil defense attorneys in a collegial, team-oriented ...

Orion Placement

Associate Attorney

Columbus, OH

$130K - $160K/yr

Step into a high-caliber civil defense practice and immediately handle meaningful, complex matters ... Work alongside some of Ohio's most respected civil defense attorneys in a collegial, team-oriented ...

Jobot

Law Attorney- Defense

Wooster, OH

$100K - $135K/yr

The firm's attorneys offer expertise across more than 50 legal practice areas, including corporate and business law, estate planning and probate, employment and labor, real estate, litigation, and ...

Diedre Moire Corp.

Attorney

Mentor, OH · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

... defense of legal claims (Insurance Defense), including managing the process and working with ... Attorney Lawyer Insurance Company Litigation Policy Development Transaction #DiedreMoire ...

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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 1, 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 most defense attorneys make?

Most defense attorneys earn a median annual salary of around $63,000 to $125,000, depending on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for the government. Experienced attorneys in large firms or specialized fields can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Defense attorneys' salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and the type of cases they handle. While some top-tier or highly experienced defense lawyers in large firms or high-profile cases can earn $500,000 or more annually, most defense attorneys earn between $60,000 and $150,000 per year. Achieving higher earnings often requires specialization, a strong reputation, and working in lucrative markets.

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 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 specialization, with job growth often aligned with overall trends in the legal industry.

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

Defense attorneys can earn $500,000 or more annually by gaining extensive experience, specializing in high-profile or complex cases, and working in large firms or private practice. Building a strong reputation, developing specialized skills, and handling high-stakes cases can increase earning potential significantly.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 14% 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 5 days ago

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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.