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Defense Attorney Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

YO AI Labs

Criminal Defense Attorney - Remote

Boston, MA · Remote

$140 - $400/hr

Criminal Defense Attorney Job Type: Contractor Location: Remote (United States Only) Job Overview We are seeking experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys to contribute their legal expertise to an ...

YO AI Labs

Criminal Defense Attorney - Remote

Boston, MA · Remote

$140 - $400/hr

Criminal Defense Attorney Job Type: Contractor Location: Remote (United States Only) Job Overview We are seeking experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys to contribute their legal expertise to an ...

NACBA

HR Attorney

Boston, MA · On-site

$235 - $278/hr

Join us! This job is responsible for leading a team of employment lawyers and paralegals while providing regular advice to internal clients and managing a docket of litigation, agency, and ...

New

Bank of America

HR Attorney

Boston, MA · On-site

This job is responsible for leading a team of employment lawyers and paralegals while providing regular advice to internal clients and managing a docket of litigation, agency, and pre-litigation ...

Jobot

General Liability Attorney

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$110K - $170K/yr

A law firm is seeking an experienced Insurance Defense Attorney for their Worcester, MA, Hartford Connecticut or Boston MA offices This Jobot Job is hosted by: Kendall Barnett Are you a fit? Easy ...

Sullivan & Associates, LLC

Be Seen First

Insurance Defense Associate

Woburn, MA · On-site

$41/hr

Metro-North insurance defense firm seeks 3-5 years litigation associate with exceptional research, writing skills and a desire to learn as a trial lawyer. The position is a flexible one allowing for ...

Kiernan Trebach

Litigation Attorney (Hybrid)

Boston, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Litigation Attorney (Hybrid) Kiernan Trebach LLP | Boston, MA About the Firm We are a Civil ... Kiernan Trebach has become respected for our effective defense of clients ranging from Fortune 100 ...

Kiernan Trebach

Litigation Attorney (Hybrid)

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Litigation Attorney (Hybrid) Kiernan Trebach LLP | Boston, MA _____ About the Firm We are a Civil ... Kiernan Trebach has become respected for our effective defense of clients ranging from Fortune 100 ...

Kiernan Trebach

Litigation Attorney (Hybrid)

Boston, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Litigation Attorney (Hybrid) Kiernan Trebach LLP | Boston, MA _____ About the Firm We are a Civil ... Kiernan Trebach has become respected for our effective defense of clients ranging from Fortune 100 ...

Orion Placement

Litigation Attorney

Boston, MA

$120K - $135K/yr

Work directly with experienced attorneys on complex insurance defense, professional liability, personal injury, business, and coverage matters. * Build and deepen your trial, deposition, motion ...

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All JobsDefense Attorney JobsDefense Attorney Jobs in Boston, MA

Defense Attorney information

See Boston, MA salary details

$37.4K

$118.1K

$189.6K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in Boston, MA is $118,090.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,200.00 and $138,600.00 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 Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Defense Attorney jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in Boston, MA?

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

What job categories do people searching Defense Attorney jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Attorney jobs in Boston, MA are:

Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 46% In-person, 36% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,090 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Criminal Defense Attorney - Remote

YO AI Labs

Boston, MA • Remote

$140 - $400/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Criminal Defense Attorney

Job Type: Contractor
Location: Remote (United States Only)

Job Overview

We are seeking experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys to contribute their legal expertise to an innovative project focused on advancing legal technology. In this role, you will help improve next-generation AI systems by reviewing, evaluating, and refining AI-generated legal content related to criminal defense. No prior AI experience is required—your criminal law expertise, analytical skills, and legal judgment are what matter most.

Key Responsibilities

  • Review, annotate, and provide feedback on legal documents and criminal court scenarios for accuracy and relevance.

  • Create and evaluate hypothetical case analyses, plea agreements, motions, and trial strategies based on real-world criminal defense practices.

  • Develop clear explanations of legal reasoning, evidentiary considerations, and criminal procedure.

  • Evaluate AI-generated legal content for legal accuracy, clarity, and ethical compliance.

  • Provide written and verbal explanations of complex criminal law concepts.

  • Collaborate remotely with multidisciplinary teams to improve AI model outputs.

  • Support continuous improvement of legal data quality and project processes.

Required Skills

  • Criminal Law

  • Trial Advocacy

  • Legal Writing

  • Case Analysis

  • Ethical Judgment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Active license to practice law with substantial criminal defense experience.

  • Strong expertise in criminal law, trial strategy, and courtroom advocacy.

  • Experience drafting and reviewing motions, briefs, and other legal documents.

  • Ability to analyze complex fact patterns, legal arguments, and evidentiary issues.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.

  • Commitment to ethical standards, confidentiality, and professional legal practice.

  • Ability to work independently in a remote, project-based environment.