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Defense Lawyer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

JBA International

Insurance Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

A leading Irvine law firm is seeking an experienced insurance defense attorney to add to their rock-star legal team.This law firm is committed to providing outstanding results and service to their ...

Citi Staff

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Workers Compensation Defense Attorney

Orange, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Workers' Compensation Defense Attorney to represent employer and carrier interests in California workers' compensation matters before the Workers ...

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Tully & Weiss Attorneys At Law

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Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

We don't just practice criminal defense--we live it ... If you're ambitious, driven, and want to become an exceptional trial lawyer, we'll help you get ...

New

Tully & Weiss Attorneys At Law

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Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

We don't just practice criminal defense--we live it ... If you're ambitious, driven, and want to become an exceptional trial lawyer, we'll help you get ...

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All JobsDefense Lawyer JobsDefense Lawyer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Defense Lawyer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$49K

$105K

$144K

How much do defense lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense lawyer in Riverside, CA is $104,980.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense lawyer?

A defense lawyer is a legal professional who represents individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct in court. Their primary role is to protect the legal rights of their clients, ensure a fair trial, and provide the best possible defense against criminal charges. Defense lawyers may investigate the case, negotiate plea deals, and advocate on behalf of their clients during trial. They must be knowledgeable about criminal law, court procedures, and evidence rules. The ultimate goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for the client, whether it's a dismissal, acquittal, or reduced sentence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense lawyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a strong grasp of criminal law, legal research, and trial procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and experience with case management systems are typically required. Excellent negotiation, analytical thinking, and persuasive communication skills set outstanding defense lawyers apart. These capabilities are crucial to building effective legal strategies, advocating for clients' rights, and achieving favorable outcomes in complex legal cases.

What are some common challenges defense lawyers face when managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Defense lawyers often juggle several cases at once, which requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Managing court deadlines, client meetings, legal research, and document preparation simultaneously can be demanding. To handle this, many defense lawyers rely on case management software and clear communication with their legal teams. Staying adaptable and maintaining attention to detail are crucial for ensuring each client receives thorough representation without compromising the quality of work.

What is the difference between Defense Lawyer vs Public Defender?

AspectDefense LawyerPublic Defender
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar licenseJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license
Work EnvironmentPrivate law firms, solo practice, or corporate settingsGovernment offices, public defender's office
Employer & IndustryPrivate clients, law firms, corporationsGovernment-funded public defender's office

Defense lawyers and public defenders both provide criminal defense services and require similar credentials. The main difference lies in their employment setting: defense lawyers often work privately or in firms, while public defenders are government employees representing indigent clients. Both roles focus on defending clients in criminal cases, but their work environments and client bases differ.

Are defense lawyers in demand?

Defense lawyers are generally in steady demand due to the ongoing need for legal representation in criminal cases. Employment opportunities can vary based on location, experience, and specialization, with job stability often linked to the overall criminal justice system activity and court caseloads.

How much do most defense lawyers make?

Defense lawyers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for the government. On average, defense attorneys earn between $60,000 and $130,000 annually, with experienced lawyers or those in large firms earning higher salaries. Many defense lawyers also handle complex cases that can impact their earnings.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Lawyer jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Defense Lawyer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Lawyer jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Lawyer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Defense Lawyer jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Defense Lawyer job openings:

Defense Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Lawyer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 54% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,980 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Criminal Defense Attorney

The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC

Orange, CA

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

We're looking for an admitted attorney for an extremely promising Criminal Defense Attorney position within a premier law firm with lots of room for growth. This is an opportunity for a dedicated Attorney to gain valuable experience and further their career with a 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 Attorney's and legal assistants.

Responsibilities

  • Advise 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 best strategies
  • Manage court appearance, trail, drafting motions, interviewing witnesses and performing legal research
  • Analyze probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents
  • Manage workload of cases
  • Provide legal analysis for clients to determine any possible case benefits
  • Accrue additional evidence to support clients 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 client's positions

Qualifications

  • Experience handling criminal cases at the federal, state and local level
  • A team player who is open to helping, strategizing, and working with your fellow associates
  • Interpersonal skills of the highest caliber

Salary: $80,000 - $120,000

Do you have a passion for Criminal Defense and a desire to practice within an organization with lots of room for growth? Here at The United Firm, we offer benefits (medical, dental and vision insurance), an excellent compensation package, paid parking, paid time off, and more! Come work as an Criminal Defense Attorney at a growing firm with opportunities to advance and learn alongside a team of professionals within' the legal industry.

The United Firm, APC is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we welcome everyone regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive, open, and diverse work environment.

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