Position
City
Salary

How much does a Defense Attorney make in New York, NY?

The average salary for a Defense Attorney is $129,161 per year in New York, NY.

A Defense Attorney in New York, NY can expect to earn a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for this role in the area stands at around $129,161. This income level reflects the challenging nature of the job and the importance of legal representation in the region.


The salary range for Defense Attorneys in New York City varies. The lowest reported salary is about $82,500, while the highest can reach up to $177,500. This variance depends on several factors, including experience, the specific employer, and the complexity of cases handled. Attorneys often start on the lower end of the scale and can see their salaries increase with more experience and higher-profile cases.

Defense Attorney jobs in New York, NY

What are the highest paying cities for a Defense Attorney near New York, NY?

Job seekers looking to become Defense Attorneys can expect higher salaries in cities like Seattle, WA, and San Diego, CA. These cities offer top-tier pay for legal professionals. With average salaries reaching up to $141,766, these areas provide promising career opportunities for those skilled in defense law. Other cities like San Francisco, CA, and Phoenix, AZ, also present attractive salary packages for Defense Attorneys. Professionals in these cities can earn up to $132,797 and $131,856, respectively. These figures highlight the potential for high earnings in major metropolitan areas near New York, NY.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Defense Attorney jobs near New York, NY, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $141,766 and Houston, TX with the lowest at $112,220.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $141,766
    Working as a defense attorney in Seattle provides a chance to represent clients in a vibrant and progressive city. Seattle's legal system values skilled advocates, offering opportunities in law firms and public defender offices. Notable firms include Lane Powell and Perkins Coie.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $136,149
    In San Diego, defense attorneys find a mix of military and maritime cases. The city's unique setting brings specialized legal needs. Opportunities abound in both private practice and government roles. Firms like O’Melveny & Myers and Archer & Greiner are prominent.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $132,797
    San Francisco offers a dynamic legal environment with a mix of high-profile cases and community defense work. The city's tech industry and diverse population create a rich field for defense attorneys. Established firms include Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $131,856
    In Phoenix, defense attorneys benefit from a growing legal market with diverse case types. The city’s expanding population and business sector offer ample opportunities. Notable firms include Gallagher & Kennedy and Best, Best & Krieger.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $130,958
    Los Angeles provides a bustling legal environment with high-profile cases and a large caseload. The city’s entertainment industry and diverse communities require skilled advocates. Firms like Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton are well-known.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $126,071
    San Antonio offers a strong legal market with a mix of federal and state cases. The city's growth creates opportunities in both private and public sectors. Prominent firms include Locke Lord and Strasburger & Price.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in San Antonio, TX


  7. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $125,766
    San Jose is a hub for tech-related legal matters, offering unique challenges for defense attorneys. The city’s innovation-driven economy requires specialized legal expertise. Firms like Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe are key players.
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  8. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $123,748
    Chicago’s legal scene is rich with high-stakes cases and diverse clientele. The city’s robust legal history and large population provide many opportunities. Notable firms include Kirkland & Ellis and Jenner & Block.
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  9. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $118,323
    Philadelphia offers a rich legal history and diverse case types. The city’s historic significance and urban environment create unique legal challenges. Prominent firms include Morgan, Lewis & Bockius and Blank Rome.
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  10. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $112,220
    In Houston, defense attorneys deal with a mix of energy, oil, and high-profile criminal cases. The city’s growth and business sector offer many opportunities. Notable firms include Andrews Kurth and Baker Botts.
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What are the best paying companies for a Defense Attorney in New York, NY?

Top-tier companies like Wilson Elser, gpac, and The Legal Aid Society offer attractive salaries for Defense Attorneys in New York, NY. Wilson Elser leads with an impressive average salary of $146,667, followed closely by gpac at $130,625. The Legal Aid Society provides a competitive salary of $120,062, making these firms excellent choices for legal professionals seeking rewarding careers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Defense Attorney jobs in New York, NY, highlighting Wilson Elser with the highest at $146,667 and The Legal Aid Society with the lowest at $120,062.
  1. Wilson Elser
    Average Salary: $146,667
    Wilson Elser offers exciting opportunities for Defense Attorneys in New York. The company provides a dynamic environment and works with clients across multiple locations, including New York, NY. They focus on delivering high-quality legal services and value the skills of their attorneys.


  2. gpac
    Average Salary: $130,625
    gpac presents strong opportunities for Defense Attorneys in New York. They operate in various locations across New York, NY. At gpac, attorneys enjoy a supportive atmosphere and the chance to take on challenging cases. The company emphasizes professional growth and provides a competitive salary.


  3. The Legal Aid Society
    Average Salary: $120,062
    The Legal Aid Society provides meaningful roles for Defense Attorneys in New York. They serve clients across multiple locations in New York, NY. This organization offers a chance to make a difference in the community while working in a supportive environment. Defense Attorneys here find rewarding experiences and a commitment to justice.

Currently 114 Defense Attorney job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Defense Attorney in the US?

Learn what a Defense Attorney does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Defense Attorney today.
Position
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Defense Attorney
114 Job Openings