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Defensive Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC

$80K - $120K/yr

We're looking for an admitted attorney for an extremely promising Criminal Defense Associate Attorney position within a premier law firm with lots of room for growth. This is an opportunity for a ...

Latitude Inc

Criminal Defense Attorney

San Jose, CA

$130K - $250K/yr

Criminal Defense Attorney Location: San Jose, CA Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to join our team and represent clients in a wide range of criminal matters.

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 ...

Prevail Recruiting

Insurance Defense Attorney

Dallas, TX · Hybrid

$150K - $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 ...

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 ...

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

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

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 ...

Kosmos

Insurance Defense Attorney

Mission Viejo, CA · Remote

$150K - $300K/yr

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

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

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 ...

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Defensive Attorney information

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$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

How much do defensive attorney jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for defensive attorney in the United States is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Defensive Attorney, you need a law degree, a license to practice, and a strong foundation in criminal or civil law, legal research, and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management software, and continuing legal education certifications is important. Outstanding analytical thinking, negotiation, and persuasive communication skills set successful attorneys apart. These abilities ensure effective representation of clients, strategic case management, and positive outcomes in complex legal matters.

What are some common challenges a defensive attorney faces when preparing for trial?

Defensive attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of evidence, ensuring thorough client communication, and anticipating prosecution strategies. Coordinating with investigators and expert witnesses can also be complex, requiring strong organizational and analytical skills. Additionally, balancing a high caseload while adhering to strict court deadlines is a frequent challenge, making time management and prioritization essential for success in this role.

What does a defensive attorney do?

A defensive attorney, also known as a defense attorney or defense lawyer, represents individuals or organizations accused of criminal offenses. Their primary responsibility is to protect the legal rights of their clients, provide legal counsel, and develop a defense strategy to ensure a fair trial. This includes investigating the case, negotiating plea deals, representing clients in court, and challenging evidence presented by the prosecution. Defensive attorneys play a crucial role in the justice system by ensuring that every defendant receives adequate representation and due process.

What is the difference between Defensive Attorney vs Criminal Defense Lawyer?

AspectDefensive AttorneyCriminal Defense Lawyer
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar licenseJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license
Work EnvironmentCourts, law firms, private practiceCourts, law firms, private practice
Industry UsageLegal defense in criminal casesLegal defense in criminal cases
Common Search IntentDefensive Attorney vs Criminal Defense LawyerDefensive Attorney vs Criminal Defense Lawyer

Both Defensive Attorneys and Criminal Defense Lawyers are legal professionals specializing in defending clients accused of crimes. While the terms are often used interchangeably, 'Defensive Attorney' emphasizes the role of defending clients in court, whereas 'Criminal Defense Lawyer' explicitly indicates a focus on criminal cases. Both require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, serving clients within the criminal justice system.

More about Defensive Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Defensive Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Defensive Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Defensive Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Defensive Attorney jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Defensive Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Defensive Attorney jobs are:
Defensive Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defensive Attorney job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 88% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,160 per year, or $52 per hour.

Criminal Defense Attorney

The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC

On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

We're looking for an admitted attorney for an extremely promising Criminal Defense Associate 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 Bakersfield/Kern area. As the Criminal Defense Associate 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 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

  • At least 1 year of Criminal Defense Experience
  • Experience handling complex criminal cases at the federal, state, and local levels
  • A team player who is open to helping, strategizing, and working with your fellow associates
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred, but not required
  • Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to exceptional client service

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

Pay ranges can vary depending on experience on a case-by-case basis.

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.

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