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Defense Attorney Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kennedys

Insurance Defense Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Kennedys, a Legal 500 and Chambers-ranked global firm serving insurers and the London market, is seeking dynamic and talented attorneys to join its national and international insurance defense ...

Downey & Lenkov LLC

Be Seen First

General Liability Defense Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $140K/yr

Established Mid-Sized Loop Law Firm seeks a motivated Attorney to join our General Liability practice area. * The candidate must have 5+ years of experience in Illinois insurance defense. * We will ...

Heplerbroom Llc

Attorney of Counsel

Chicago, IL · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

HeplerBroom LLC, a large defense firm, is hiring for a experienced insurance coverage attorney for its Chicago-based insurance coverage practice. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years' experience ...

Fute IT Inc

Associate Attorney

Highland, IN · On-site

GC/US Citizen The client is a purpose-driven criminal defense firm based in Northwest Indiana. Our ... Our attorneys are backed by a sharp support team, freeing you to focus on advocating and winning ...

The Hartford

Complex Litigation Attorney

Chicago, IL · Remote

$171.20K - $256.80K/yr

If you have a passion for the law, enjoy collaborating with peers, Claims Partners, and insureds, this tort defense attorney position is for you. We are looking for a colleague with a strong ...

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Defense Attorney information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$35.6K

$112.4K

$180.4K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in Chicago, IL is $112,399.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,700.00 and $132,000.00 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 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 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 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.

More about Defense Attorney jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Defense Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL? For Defense Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,399 per year, or $54 per hour.

Insurance Defense Attorney - Chicago, IL

FutureRecruit

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Insurance Defense Attorney - Full-time

Location: Chicago, IL

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 6 years of Illinois insurance defense experience.

  • An Indiana license.

Job Description

  • Join our General Liability practice area as a motivated Attorney.

  • Work closely with clients on all tort litigation matters.

  • Develop business rapidly and share existing casualty defense clients.

Benefits:

  • Outstanding benefit packages and a people-first work environment
  • Stable, growing company with tremendous opportunity for career advancement
  • Competitive compensation and benefits
Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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