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Defense Attorney Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Percy Towers

Insurance Defense Attorney

Houston, TX · Hybrid

$115K - $175K/yr

We need a mid-level associate attorney with 2-6 years of insurance defense or personal injury litigation experience (3-4 years) who can own a docket independently from day one. You should be ...

SLR Search

Remote Litigation Defense Attorney

Houston, TX · Remote

$170K - $200K/yr

Remote Litigation Defense Attorney Benefits - Starting Salary targeting $170K-200K range - Annual discretionary bonus. - Health insurance/HSA/FSA. - Short term disability. - Long term disability ...

TekSky

Insurance Defense Attorney

Houston, TX · On-site

We are looking for an attorney with first-party insurance defense experience to join both our Kingwood, Texas and Broward County, Florida teams to defend insurance claims and litigation. We provide a ...

Jobot

Insurance Defense Attorney

Dallas, TX

$120K - $165K/yr

Job Details ----- We are seeking a skilled Personal Injury Defense Attorney to join our team and handle a wide range of litigation matters, including auto and trucking accidents, premises liability ...

Jobot

Insurance Defense Litigation Attorney

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$150K/yr

Insurance Defense Litigation Attorney Needed for Leading Civil Litigation Central Texas Firm!! This Jobot Job is hosted by: Bryce Koelsch Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now ...

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All JobsDefense Attorney JobsDefense Attorney Jobs in Texas

Defense Attorney information

See Texas salary details

$32.1K

$101.6K

$163K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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.

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

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Attorney jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Defense Attorney jobs in Texas are:

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For Defense Attorney jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Defense Attorney jobs in Texas are:

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Cities in Texas with the most Defense Attorney job openings:

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 65% In-person, 20% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,572 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Insurance Defense Attorney

Percy Towers

Houston, TX • Hybrid

$115K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

We need a mid-level associate attorney with 2–6 years of insurance defense or personal injury litigation experience (3–4 years) who can own a docket independently from day one.


You should be comfortable defending and taking fact witness, expert, and corporate representative depositions, drafting and responding to motions and discovery, and presenting arguments in TX state and federal courts.


Must have an active Texas Bar license in good standing and a proven track record of handling high-exposure cases ($1M+ policy limits).


What you'll do:

  • Independently manage a docket of catastrophic personal injury, product liability, and construction defect defense cases for insurance carriers, oil & gas companies, big box retailers, Fortune 500 corporations, and international delivery companies
  • Defend and take fact witness, expert, and corporate representative depositions across TX state and federal courts
  • Draft and respond to motions, discovery requests, and discovery responses with a strategic, aggressive defense posture
  • Present oral arguments in court at hearings and proceedings
  • Collaborate with a dedicated paralegal (2:1 attorney-to-paralegal ratio) to build solid case defenses at reasonable expense
  • Maintain strict time-entry discipline — all weekly time fully entered, reviewed, and self-audited by 2:00 PM Monday of the following week
  • Meet a minimum billing floor of 154 hours/month (1,848 hours annually) to maintain employment, with quarterly Tier Bonuses starting at 1,851+ hours
  • Progress along a documented career track:
  • Associate → Non-Equity Shareholder → Shareholder


Compensation & Benefits Highlights:

  • $115,000–$175,000 base salary calibrated to experience and trial capability
  • Quarterly Tier Bonus: 10–15%+ of quarterly salary based on billable hours
  • A competitive annual time-entry bonus for compliant months
  • 401(k) with 3% employer match, fully vested from day one
  • Significant firm contribution toward health insurance
  • Firm-provided short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
  • Free secured parking in Houston, TX
  • 2 days/week work-from-home after 6-month in-office ramp period (conditional on performance and compliance)
  • Catered lunch every other Friday


Who thrives here:

Self-motivated, honest, ethical, and entrepreneurial-spirited attorneys who want a long-term home — not a stepping stone. You're a standalone operator who asks questions when needed but doesn't require hand-holding. You have strong billing discipline and are comfortable with an insurance-carrier-driven litigation rhythm. The firm has a collegial, open-door culture with no big egos and six core values that show up in actual policy: Individual Wellness, Respect for Others, Communication as Foundation, Excellence in Service, Community Involvement, and Honesty.