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Defensive Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Attorney Adam Burke LLC

Be Seen First

Criminal Defense Attorney

Columbus, OH · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

Senior Criminal Defense Trial Attorney (Felonies) -- Part-time (20-30 hrs/wk) About Us Located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, Attorney Adam Burke LLC is a criminal defense firm dedicated to ...

County of Fresno

DEFENSE ATTORNEY I/II/III/IV

Fresno, CA · On-site

$81K - $103K/yr

Defense Attorney I:: $78,260 - $99,892 Annually Defense Attorney II: $91,338 - $116,584 Annually Defense Attorney III: $109,590 - $139,854 Annually Defense Attorney IV: $128,258 - $163,722 Annually ...

Jobot

WC Defense Attorney- 100% Remote

Irvine, CA · Remote

$150K - $220K/yr

100% Remote WC Defense Attorney Opening-Flexible Billing Requirements & Bonus This Jobot Job is hosted by: Chris De Armas Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now" button and sending ...

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

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 ...

corviaconsulting

Insurance Defense Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $200K/yr

Insurance Defense Attorney (Hybrid) - Los Angeles, CA Are you an experienced Insurance Defense Attorney looking to join a collaborative and growing law firm? We are seeking a motivated attorney with ...

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

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 ...

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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 Aug 6, 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,160 per year, or $52 per hour.

Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Adam Burke LLC

Columbus, OH • On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

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Job description

Senior Criminal Defense Trial Attorney (Felonies) — Part-time (20–30 hrs/wk)

About Us

Located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, Attorney Adam Burke LLC is a criminal defense firm dedicated to championing the rights of individuals confronted with criminal allegations. Led by Founding Attorney Adam Burke, our firm prides itself on its zealous representation, commitment to clients, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Focusing on federal, felony, and misdemeanor charges, including DUI/OVI cases, we strive to provide top-tier legal representation and support to our clients during their most challenging times.


Role Overview

We’re hiring a senior felony trial attorney to lead serious cases from intake through trial. You’ll argue suppression and evidentiary motions, try jury cases, mentor junior lawyers, and leverage our tech-enabled support to move matters quickly and well. You will be instrumental in guiding clients through the complexities of the legal system—from initial consultations to strong courtroom advocacy

Responsibilities

  • Handle felony matters end-to-end: strategy, negotiations, motion practice, evidentiary hearings, jury trials, sentencing.
  • Evaluate discovery at scale; identify constitutional/evidentiary/procedural issues; develop defense themes and cross-plans.
  • Mentor associates and VAs; collaborate closely with the team; maintain excellent client communication.
  • Use MyCase (or similar), Notion, Zoom/Teams, Slack, and AI-assisted discovery tools.
  • Appear in person across Central Ohio courts; manage schedules and deadlines independently.


Minimum Requirements (must-have)

  • Active Ohio law license in good standing.
  • 10+ years criminal defense experience focused on felonies.
  • Felony jury-trial experience to verdict (first- or second-chair).
  • Strength in motions practice (4th/5th/6th Amendment); excellent writing/oral advocacy.
  • Reliable transportation for multi-county coverage; strong organization and judgment.


Schedule & Setting

  • Part-time: 20–30 hours/week.
  • Monday–Friday; weekends as needed.
  • Hybrid for research/drafting; in-person for court; on-the-road as required.


Compensation & Benefits

Competitive part-time compensation with performance bonus potential


How to Apply

Apply via here at ZipRecruiter


EOE.

Job Type: Part-time


Benefits:

  • Flexible schedule

Work Location: On the road

Company Description

Located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, Attorney Adam Burke LLC is a criminal defense firm dedicated to championing the rights of individuals confronted with criminal allegations. Led by Founding Attorney Adam Burke, our firm prides itself on its zealous representation, commitment to clients, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Focusing on federal, felony, and misdemeanor charges, including DUI/OVI cases, we strive to provide top-tier legal representation and support to our clients during their most challenging times.