ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Defense Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · On-site

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

Prevail Recruiting

Insurance Defense Attorney

Dallas, TX · Hybrid

$160K - $200K/yr

Premises / General Liability Defense Attorney Location: Dallas, TX (Hybrid) Billable Requirement: 1,900 hours annually About the Role We are seeking a skilled and motivated Premises / General ...

Kosmos

Insurance Defense Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$150K - $300K/yr

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 ...

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

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

Irvine, CA · Remote

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

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · On-site

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

Martine Law

Criminal Defense Attorney

Houston, TX · On-site +1

$140K/yr

Description Criminal Defense Attorney - Texas Defend Good People During Hard Times. Try Meaningful Cases. Build an Exceptional Career. At Martine Law, we don't just process cases-we fight for people ...

Prevail Recruiting

Insurance Defense Attorney

Dallas, TX · On-site +1

$120K - $180K/yr

Insurance Defense Attorney Location: Dallas, TX Position: Full Remote Experience Level: Open to mid-level or senior candidates About the Role A well-established litigation firm is seeking a skilled ...

Price Benowitz LLP

Criminal Defense Attorney

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$100K - $250K/yr

At Price Benowitz, we're looking for an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to join us in Knoxville. TN. We'll take care of the sales and client acquisition-you take care of the lawyering. This ...

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

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 · Remote

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 ...

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 ...

Price Benowitz LLP

Criminal Defense Attorney

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$100K - $250K/yr

At Price Benowitz, we're looking for an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to join us in Knoxville. TN. We'll take care of the sales and client acquisition-you take care of the lawyering. This ...

Price Benowitz LLP

Criminal Defense Attorney

Columbia, SC · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

C., with offices and attorneys serving clients across Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Illinois. Our Criminal Defense Practice is a cornerstone of the firm and is known for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsDefense Attorney Jobs

Defense Attorney information

See salary details

$34.5K

$109K

$175K

How much do defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 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.

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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,024 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Insurance Defense Attorney

PSI

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

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 experience in representing clients in a variety of legal disputes, including general liability, personal injury, and professional malpractice cases. This role demands excellent analytical and negotiation skills, as well as a thorough understanding of insurance policies and regulations. The Insurance Defense Attorney will manage an active caseload, prepare legal documents, conduct depositions, and represent clients in court proceedings. If you are passionate about defending clients and able to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team, we encourage you to apply!

Requirements

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in insurance defense or related fields.
  • Active bar admission in California.
  • Strong understanding of insurance policies, regulations, and applicable laws.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient in legal research, writing, and case preparation.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple cases effectively.

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development
  • Work From Home