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Defense Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Doist

Criminal Defense Attorney

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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 ...

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 ...

My AZ Criminal Defense, LLC

Criminal Defense Attorney

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$115K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Associate Attorney Needed! Our busy, Mesa based law firm is seeking an Associate Attorney to become a part of our criminal defense team. Our firm practices: Criminal Defense, DUI, Felony, Misdemeanor ...

Australia-Employment

Insurance Defense Attorney

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$90 - $145/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Insurance Defense Attorney $90000 - $145000 per year | Oklahoma City, OK | On‑Site | Permanent Reputable Firm Hiring Insurance Defense Attorney | Junior through Senior Level A bit about us: We are ...

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Defense Lawyer information

See salary details

$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do defense lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense lawyer in the United States is $100,626.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $103,000.00 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 crime rate 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 and those in large firms or urban areas earning higher salaries. Many defense lawyers also handle complex cases that require strong negotiation and litigation skills.
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What states have the most Defense Lawyer jobs?

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Defense Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Lawyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Criminal Defense Attorney

The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

We're looking for an admitted attorney for an extremely promising Associate Criminal Defense Attorney position 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 in the San Francisco area. As the Associate Criminal Defense Attorney, you will report to the Managing Criminal Defense Attorney. The Associate 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 clients 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 complex criminal cases at the federal, state, and local levels
  • A team player who is open to helping, strategizing, and working with their fellow associates
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required
  • Interpersonal skills of the highest caliber

Pay Range: $80,000-$120,000 annual salary

Pay range may be exceeded based on experience on a case-by-case basis.

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 Matian Firm, we offer that benefits (medical, dental, and vision insurance), an excellent compensation package, paid parking, paid time off, and more! Come work as a Criminal Defense Attorney at a growing firm with opportunities to advance and learn alongside a team of professionals within the legal industry. Apply now!

The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, 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.

Apply