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Defense Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vasquez Law Firm,PLLC

Criminal Defense Attorney

$100K - $150K/yr

Description Criminal Defense Attorney - Smithfield, NC Office - On-Site "Yo Peleo." At Vasquez Law Firm, this isn't just a slogan-it's our identity. We fight for clients with skill, heart, and ...

New

Ascendion

Insurance Defense Attorney

Farmingdale, NY · On-site

$200K - $210K/yr

Attorney Location: Farmingdale, NY (Hybrid) We're seeking an experienced Insurance Defense Attorney to join a well-established law firm with a strong litigation practice. This is a hybrid opportunity ...

New

The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC

$80K - $120K/yr

We're looking for an admitted attorney for an extremely promising Criminal Defense Associate Attorney position within a premier law firm with lots of room for growth. This is an opportunity for a ...

Latitude Inc

Criminal Defense Attorney

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $250K/yr

Criminal Defense Attorney Location: San Jose, CA Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to join our team and represent clients in a wide range of criminal matters.

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

San Diego, CA · Remote

PSI is seeking a skilled Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing legal team in San Diego. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in insurance defense and litigation, with experience ...

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

PSI is seeking a skilled Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing legal team in Los Angeles. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in insurance defense and litigation, with ...

Thurston County

DEFENSE ATTORNEY I, II, or III

Olympia, WA · On-site

$10K - $13K/mo

The Defense Attorney classifications are distinguished by years of experience and the responsibility to handle both adult and juvenile felony and misdemeanor caseloads. The salary range for these ...

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Defense Attorney information

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$34.5K

$109K

$175K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attorney in the United States is $109,024.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,000.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do most defense attorneys make?

Most defense attorneys earn a median annual salary of around $63,000 to $125,000, depending on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for the government. Experienced attorneys in large firms or specialized fields can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Defense attorneys' salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and the type of cases they handle. While some top-tier or highly experienced defense lawyers in large firms or high-profile cases can earn $500,000 or more annually, most defense attorneys earn between $60,000 and $150,000 per year. Achieving higher earnings often requires specialization, a strong reputation, and working in lucrative markets.

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 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 specialization, with job growth often aligned with overall trends in the legal industry.

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

Defense attorneys can earn $500,000 or more annually by gaining extensive experience, specializing in high-profile or complex cases, and working in large firms or private practice. Building a strong reputation, developing specialized skills, and handling high-stakes cases can increase earning potential significantly.
More about Defense Attorney jobs
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Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,024 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Criminal Defense Attorney

Vasquez Law Firm,PLLC

Remote

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Description
Criminal Defense Attorney - Smithfield, NC Office - On-Site
"Yo Peleo." At Vasquez Law Firm, this isn't just a slogan-it's our identity. We fight for clients with skill, heart, and unshakable purpose. We are seeking a Criminal Defense Attorney for our Smithfield, NC office-an elite litigator who lives for the courtroom and leads with integrity.
Who You Are
  • A battle-tested criminal defense attorney with 5+ years of criminal litigation experience.
  • A strategic thinker and skilled oral advocate who thrives under pressure.
  • A mentor to younger attorneys and staff, with a passion for developing others.
  • A mission-driven professional ready to be part of something greater than themselves.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Full health, dental, and vision insurance for self and family.
  • 401(k) with employer match.
  • Paid time off, CLEs, and bar dues.
  • Supportive, purpose-driven work environment with.
  • Continuous learning and development opportunities.
  • Performance-based incentives.
  • Paid training.

Compensation: $100,000 - $150,000 based on experience & performance
Responsibilities
• Represent clients in criminal matters, including first appearances, bond hearings, motions, plea negotiations, trials, sentencing hearings, and appeals.
• Develop legal strategies that are aggressive, ethical, and client-focused.
• Provide leadership and support to junior team members to ensure outstanding legal performance.
• Uphold the highest standards of service, honesty, and client advocacy.
Qualifications
• JD and an active license in any U.S. state.
• Fluent in Spanish (required).
• Minimum 5 years of criminal litigation experience with strong trial skills.
• Deep knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, trial advocacy, plea negotiations, evidentiary rules, and courtroom practice.
• Fully aligned with our core values: Family, Honesty & Integrity, Dedication, Innovation, Empowerment, and I Fight.

Apply