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Defense Paralegal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Newman Law Associates PLLC

Be Seen First

Insurance Defense Paralegal

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're a Downtown AV rated Insurance Defense/Personal Injury Law Firm. Interested in hiring for NYC- Paralegal position. F/T. Paralegal with 3-10 years experience in Insurance Defense litigation.

AMS Staffing, Inc.

Insurance Defense Paralegal- 3637577

Dallas, TX · Hybrid

$85K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Insurance Defense Paralegal Location: Dallas, Texas Salary/Payrate: $85-95K annually, bonus and AWESOME benefits!!! Work Environment: Hybrid Term: Permanent Bachelor's degree required: No Referral ...

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Defense Paralegal information

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$33.5K

$71.4K

$108.5K

How much do defense paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense paralegal in the United States is $71,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $89,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense paralegal?

Defense paralegals are legal professionals who assist defense attorneys in preparing cases, primarily for the defense side in criminal or civil litigation. Their responsibilities include conducting legal research, organizing documents and evidence, drafting legal documents, managing case files, and communicating with clients and witnesses. They play a vital role in ensuring that the defense team is well-prepared for court proceedings, hearings, and trials. Defense paralegals must have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of legal procedures and terminology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense paralegal?

To thrive as a Defense Paralegal, you need a solid understanding of legal procedures, research, and documentation, typically supported by a paralegal certificate or associate's degree in paralegal studies. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management software, and e-discovery tools is essential. Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and strong written and verbal communication skills make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate case preparation, efficient workflow, and effective support for defense attorneys in high-stakes legal environments.

What are some common challenges faced by defense paralegals when managing case files and evidence?

Defense paralegals often handle large volumes of case files and evidence, which can be challenging to organize and track efficiently. They must ensure that all documents are accurately cataloged, secure, and easily accessible for attorneys, while also maintaining strict confidentiality. Balancing tight deadlines, responding to discovery requests, and keeping up with court filings require strong organizational and multitasking skills. Additionally, defense paralegals regularly coordinate with law enforcement, expert witnesses, and clients, making clear communication and attention to detail crucial for success.

What is the difference between Defense Paralegal vs Litigation Paralegal?

AspectDefense ParalegalLitigation Paralegal
CredentialsParalegal certificate or degree, possibly specialized in criminal or defense lawParalegal certificate or degree, often with civil litigation focus
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, or defense attorneys handling criminal or defense casesLaw firms, courts, or civil litigation departments
Employer & IndustryLegal defense teams, criminal law firms, government defense officesCivil law firms, courts, or civil litigation departments
Common Search & ComparisonDefense Paralegal vs Litigation Paralegal

Defense Paralegals primarily support criminal defense teams, focusing on criminal law cases, while Litigation Paralegals assist with civil lawsuits. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in case types and work environments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit within the legal field.

What do defense paralegals do?

Defense paralegals assist attorneys in criminal defense cases by conducting legal research, preparing documents, organizing case files, and managing discovery. They often review evidence, draft reports, and communicate with clients and witnesses under the supervision of a licensed attorney.
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Defense Paralegal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Paralegal 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 $71,376 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Criminal Defense Paralegal

The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$20 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

At The Matian Firm, our expert legal team is a driving force behind our continued success. We're in search of an experienced Criminal Defense Legal Assistant/Paralegal to join this team and help maintain the standard of excellence for which we're known. The Criminal Defense Senior Legal Assistant/Paralegal will have an immediate effect on our operations, guiding us toward positive outcomes with comprehensive legal research, document creation, and database maintenance. The Criminal Defense Legal Assistant/Paralegal will report directly to the Department Supervisor. You and your team will work in collaboration to ensure that criminal matters within the department are moving along. As the Senior Legal Assistant/Paralegal, you will have a working knowledge of current legislative and regulatory guidelines and experience in Criminal Defense. The Matian Firm is proud to offer comprehensive, specialized services, which start with our own attention to the letter of the law. 

Responsibilities

  • Maintain communication with clients and provide case updates promptly
  • Manage attorney schedule efficiently (attorney-client meetings, court appearances, etc.)
  • Process criminal cases for trial preparation, including legal documents, data entry, and correspondence.
  • Complete a daily court calendar, request discovery from prosecuting offices, and assist with motion drafting.
  • Prepare subpoenas and cancel subpoenas when trials are completed, dismissed, or continued.
  • Enter revocation petitions and prepare files for court.
  • Request criminal history documentation, including national, state, and local criminal histories, booking photos, arrest records, juvenile criminal histories, and Bureau of Motor Vehicles records.
  • Schedule appointments for defense attorneys to meet with deputy prosecutors, conduct depositions, and hold pretrial conferences.
  • Communicate with law enforcement individuals at the federal, state, and local levels, the general public, and victims and witnesses in criminal cases.
  • Perform a variety of office-related activities to support department functions,s including back-up of co-workers.

Qualifications

  • At least 2 years of Criminal Defense experience.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.
  • Previous experience as a paralegal or other legal field.
  • Experience with Case Management Software.
  • Experience with Federal Criminal matters 

Salary: $20-32/hr (based on experience)

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

The Matian 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're dedicated to providing an inclusive, open, and diverse work environment.

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