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Defense Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jobot

Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · Remote

$140K - $200K/yr

Personal Injury Defense Attorney This Jobot Job is hosted by: Sharon Brown Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now" button and sending us your resume. Salary: $140,000 - $200,000 per ...

Jobot

WC Defense Attorney

San Francisco, CA

$120K - $180K/yr

Top firm seeks WC Defense Attorney This Jobot Job is hosted by: Chris De Armas Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now" button and sending us your resume. Salary: $120,000 - $180,000 ...

Attorney Robert James

Criminal Defense Attorney

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Criminal Defense Attorney Legal - Atlanta Robert James Trial Attorneys is a dedicated and client-focused law firm committed to delivering exceptional legal services in criminal defense and personal ...

New

Jobot

Medical Malpractice Defense Attorney

New York, NY · On-site +1

$150K - $225K/yr

Med Mal Defense Attorney | $150k-$225k | Hybrid work opportunities in NYC, Long Island, or White Plains This Jobot Job is hosted by: Andrew Harrison Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the ...

Brett Metcalf, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A.

Be Seen First

Criminal Defense Attorney

Tampa, FL · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

As a Criminal Defense Attorney in a small law firm, you will focus on representing clients primarily in complex felony and misdemeanor cases. You will manage ongoing casework and new client intake ...

Australia-Employment

Insurance Defense Attorney

Orlando, FL · On-site

$100 - $180/hr

Insurance Defense Attorney $100,000 - $180,000 per year | Orlando, FL | On-Site | Permanent Premier Insurance Defense firm seeking candidates to join their Orlando team!! A bit about us: Are you ...

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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 Aug 8, 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 defense attorneys make?

Defense attorneys' salaries vary based on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for the government. On average, they earn between $60,000 and $130,000 annually, with experienced attorneys and those in large firms or urban areas earning higher wages. Many defense attorneys also handle complex cases that require strong negotiation and courtroom skills.

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 is the most a defense attorney can make?

The salary of a defense attorney varies widely based on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for the government. Experienced defense attorneys in private practice can earn over $200,000 annually, while those in public defense roles typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 per year. High-profile or specialized attorneys may earn even more through case success and reputation.

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 the ability to handle complex legal cases, with job stability often linked to court caseloads and legal reforms.
More about Defense Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Defense Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Defense Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Attorney jobs? The most popular types of Defense Attorney jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Defense Attorney jobs? The top employers for Defense Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most Defense Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Defense Attorney jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Defense Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Attorney jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Defense Attorney jobs? For Defense Attorney jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,024 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Criminal Defense Attorney

The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

We're looking for an admitted attorney for an extremely promising Criminal Defense Attorney position in Rancho Cucamonga within a premier law firm with lots of room for growth. This is an opportunity for a dedicated Associate Attorney to gain valuable experience and further their career with an established firm. As the Criminal Defense Attorney, you will report to the Managing Criminal Defense Attorney. The Attorney will manage their caseload, as well as client interaction, and can collaborate with our wonderful Criminal Defense Team of Attorneys and legal assistants.

Responsibilities

  • Advise the client on their legal rights in matters and draw up legal documents about their case
  • Attend pretrial hearings on behalf of clients and advise clients following each hearing about the best strategies
  • Manage court appearances, trials, drafting motions, interviewing witnesses, and performing legal research
  • Analyze probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents
  • Manage the workload of cases
  • Provide legal analysis for clients to determine any possible case benefits
  • Accrue additional evidence to support the client's case or for arguments against the prosecution's charges
  • Prepare clients for depositions; determine essential goals of case strategy and gather information from witnesses and important experts that support the client's positions

Qualifications

  • Experience handling criminal cases at the federal, state, and local levels
  • A team player who is open to helping, strategizing, and working with their fellow associates
  • Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to exceptional client service

Salary: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

 
Why Join The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C.:
 
Here at The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C., we offer excellent benefits (medical, dental, and vision insurance), an attractive compensation package, paid parking, paid time off, and more! As a Criminal Defense Attorney, you will have the opportunity to advance your career while learning alongside a team of professionals within the legal industry.
 
The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We welcome applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetics. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and diverse work environment.

Apply