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Defense Attorney Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Prevail Recruiting

Insurance Defense Attorney

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$150K - $220K/yr

Insurance Defense Attorney Location: Austin, TX Position: Full Remote Experience Level: Open to mid-level or senior candidates About the Role A well-established litigation firm is seeking a skilled ...

Teksky

Insurance defense Attorney

Houston, TX · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Insurance Defense Attorney (First-Party Property Litigation) Location: Kingwood, TX or Broward County, FL (Hybrid Available) Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Insurance Defense Attorney to ...

Prevail Recruiting

Insurance Defense Attorney

Mcallen, TX · On-site +1

$150K - $220K/yr

Insurance Defense Attorney Location: Rio Grande Valley Position: Full Remote Experience Level: Open to mid-level or senior candidates About the Role A well-established litigation firm is seeking a ...

Jobot

Insurance Defense - Attorney

Dallas, TX · Hybrid

$110K - $155K/yr

Civil Defense firm seeking well rounded Dallas Attorney - Hybrid This Jobot Job is hosted by: Kris Leishman Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now" button and sending us your resume.

Orion Placement

Insurance Defense Attorney

Houston, TX · Hybrid

$100K - $180K/yr

Insurance defense firm background strongly preferred Why You Will Love Working Here You will be trusted with real responsibility, supported by experienced attorneys, and encouraged to grow without ...

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Defense Attorney information

See Texas salary details

$32.1K

$101.6K

$163K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in Texas is $101,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,100.00 and $119,300.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Defense Attorney jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Defense Attorney jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in Texas? For Defense Attorney jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Attorney jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Attorney jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Defense Attorney jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Defense Attorney job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in TX? For Defense Attorney jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,572 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Entry Level Criminal Defense Attorney

The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC

Dallas, TX

$76K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

We're looking for an admitted attorney, for an extremely promising Entry Level Criminal Defense Attorney position within a premier law firm with lots of room for growth. This is an opportunity for a dedicated Attorney to get a foot in the Criminal Defense door and further their career with a established firm in the Dallas area. As the Entry Level Criminal Defense Attorney, you will report to the Managing Criminal Defense Attorney. The Attorney will manage their caseload, as well as client interaction, and can collaborate with our wonderful Criminal Defense Team of Attorneys' and legal assistants.

Responsibilities

  • Advise client on their legal rights in matters and draw up legal documents about their case
  • Attend pretrial hearings on behalf of clients and advise clients following each hearing about best strategies
  • Manage court appearance, trail, drafting motions, interviewing witnesses and performing legal research
  • Analyze probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents
  • Manage workload of cases
  • Provide legal analysis for clients to determine any possible case benefits
  • Accrue additional evidence to support clients case or for arguments against the prosecutions charges
  • Prepare clients for depositions; determine essential goals of case strategy and gather information from witnesses and important experts that support client's positions

Qualifications

  • Interest gaining experience in Criminal Defense 
  • Interest gaining experience handling complex criminal cases at the federal, state and local level
  • Must be barred in Texas
  • A team player who is open to helping, strategizing, and working with your fellow associates
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required
  • Interpersonal skills of the highest caliber

Do you have a passion for Criminal Defense and a desire to practice within an organization with lots of room for growth? Here at the Matian Firm, we offer benefits (medical, dental and vision insurance), an excellent compensation package, paid parking, paid time off, and more! Come work as an Entry Level Criminal Defense Attorney at a growing firm with opportunities to advance and learn alongside a team of professionals within' the legal industry. Apply now!

The Matian Firm, APC is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we welcome everyone regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive, open, and diverse work environment.

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