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Defense Attorney Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Gemology Search

Insurance Defense Attorney

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

Insurance Defense Attorney Location: Remote in Washington Salary: 120k-200k + attainable billables About the Position We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Insurance Defense Attorney to join ...

YO AI Labs

Criminal Defense Attorney - Remote

Seattle, WA · 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 ...

Bastion Law, PLLC

Criminal Defense Attorney

Kent, WA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

S. (SMH) is a prominent 20-attorney law firm based in King County, Washington. Our dynamic practice spans criminal defense, civil litigation, and appellate practice. We pride ourselves on delivering ...

YO AI Labs

Criminal Defense Attorney - Remote

Seattle, WA · 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

Criminal Defense Attorney

Kent, WA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

S. (SMH) is a prominent 20-attorney law firm based in King County, Washington. Our dynamic practice spans criminal defense, civil litigation, and appellate practice. We pride ourselves on delivering ...

Knauss Law

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Criminal Defense and Protection Order Attorney

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

We are a fast-growing, high-energy criminal defense firm looking for an attorney who can * Stand up to the government and fight for our clients * Deliver results while keeping clients informed and ...

Knauss Law

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Criminal Defense and Protection Order Attorney

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

We are a fast-growing, high-energy criminal defense firm looking for an attorney who can * Stand up to the government and fight for our clients * Deliver results while keeping clients informed and ...

Puget Law Group

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Senior Criminal Trial Attorney

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$135K - $250K/yr

Join the Largest and Premier-Rated Criminal Defense Law Firm in the Pacific Northwest! PUGET LAW GROUP (PLG) is seeking a distinguished Senior Criminal Trial Attorney to join our premier litigation ...

W3Global Inc.

Criminal Defense Trial Attorney

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

Criminal Defense Trial Attorney Location: Tacoma, WA (On-site) Job Type: Full-Time About the Opportunity Our client is seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Trial Attorney to join its growing ...

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All JobsDefense Attorney JobsDefense Attorney Jobs in Seattle, WA

Defense Attorney information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$39.3K

$124.1K

$199.2K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in Seattle, WA is $124,072.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,000.00 and $145,700.00 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

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

What job categories do people searching Defense Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Defense Attorney jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Defense Attorney job openings:

Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% Hybrid, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,072 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Insurance Defense Attorney

Seattle, WA • On-site, Remote

Gemology Search
See more jobs at Gemology Searchexternal

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Insurance Defense Attorney
Location: Remote in Washington
Salary: 120k-200k + attainable billables  
 
About the Position
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing litigation practice. This full-time position offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated legal professional to handle a diverse caseload while working with a collaborative team of attorneys and support staff. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in insurance defense litigation, exceptional legal research and writing skills, and the ability to manage cases from inception through trial.
 
Role Overview
As an Insurance Defense Attorney with our firm, you will represent insurance companies and their insureds in a variety of civil litigation matters. You will be responsible for managing your own caseload while working closely with senior partners, associates, and clients to develop effective defense strategies. This position requires someone who can work independently, think critically, and provide exceptional client service while maintaining the highest ethical standards of the legal profession.
 
Primary Responsibilities
Case Management & Litigation:
  • Manage a diverse caseload of insurance defense matters including personal injury, premises liability, professional liability, construction defect, product liability, and general liability claims
  • Conduct thorough case evaluations and provide strategic recommendations to clients and insurance carrier.
  • Draft, review, and file pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, and other legal documents
  • Conduct and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and expert witnesses
  • Prepare cases for mediation, arbitration, and trial proceedings
  • Appear in court for hearings, motion practice, settlement conferences, and trials
  • Negotiate settlements within authority guidelines and client expectations
  • Maintain accurate and timely case documentation and file management
Client Relations & Communication:
  • Serve as primary point of contact for assigned insurance carrier clients and insureds
  • Provide regular case status updates and communicate significant developments promptly
  • Prepare detailed case evaluations, litigation plans, and budget projections