How much does a Defense Attorney make?
A Defense Attorney works to protect people accused of crimes. They help ensure that everyone gets a fair trial. The salary for this job can vary. Many Defense Attorneys earn between $76,012 and $215,000 each year. The average yearly salary is around $120,040. This means that most Defense Attorneys make a good living.
Several factors can affect a Defense Attorney's salary. These include experience, location, and the type of cases they handle. Those with more experience often earn higher salaries. Attorneys in larger cities may also make more due to higher living costs. Those who specialize in complex cases can command higher fees. This can lead to a higher overall salary. The job of a Defense Attorney is both challenging and rewarding, both in terms of compensation and the impact they have on people's lives.
What are the highest paying cities for a Defense Attorney?

-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $136,572
In Sacramento, legal professionals enjoy a vibrant community. The city's courthouses handle a variety of cases, offering diverse experiences. Many attorneys work for firms like Duane Morris LLP and Kutak Rock LLP.
Find Defense Attorney jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $136,481
Seattle offers a dynamic environment for legal careers. The city's robust economy means plenty of cases. Notable firms include Lane Powell PC and K&L Gates LLP.
Find Defense Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $134,466
San Diego provides a unique blend of urban and coastal living. The city's legal scene is active, with many cases involving maritime law. Firms like Fredrikson & Byron PA and Littler Mendelson are prominent.
Find Defense Attorney jobs in San Diego, CA
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $132,576
San Francisco is a hub for legal professionals. The city's diverse population leads to a wide range of cases. Major firms include Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.
Find Defense Attorney jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $131,325
Colorado Springs offers a growing legal market. The city's courthouses handle many cases, especially those involving military and federal law. Firms like Holland & Hart LLP and Robinson Overrider are well-known.
Find Defense Attorney jobs in Colorado Springs, CO
-
Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $129,783
Phoenix provides a bustling legal environment. The city's diverse population leads to a variety of cases. Notable firms include Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie and Snell & Wilmer LLP.
Find Defense Attorney jobs in Phoenix, AZ
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $129,265
Los Angeles offers a dynamic and diverse legal scene. The city handles many cases, especially those involving entertainment and media. Major firms include Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and O'Melveny & Myers LLP.
Find Defense Attorney jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $125,499
San Jose is a tech-centric city with a growing legal market. The city's courthouses handle many cases, especially those involving technology and intellectual property. Firms like Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP are prominent.
Find Defense Attorney jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $125,069
Tampa offers a vibrant legal environment. The city's courthouses handle a variety of cases, especially those involving maritime and insurance law. Notable firms include Shutts & Bowen LLP and GrayRobinson, P.A.
Find Defense Attorney jobs in Tampa, FL
-
Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $123,035
Chicago provides a rich legal landscape. The city's courthouses handle many cases, especially those involving corporate law. Major firms include Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Sidley Austin LLP.
Find Defense Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL
What are the best companies a Defense Attorney can work for?

-
Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLP
Average Salary: $165,278
Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLP offers exciting opportunities for Defense Attorneys. They operate in San Francisco, California, and provide a dynamic environment for legal professionals. The firm focuses on a variety of cases, ensuring attorneys gain diverse experience.
-
ALBERT & MACKENZIE
Average Salary: $160,000
ALBERT & MACKENZIE is known for its strong defense team. They are located in Seattle, Washington, and offer competitive salaries. The firm values its attorneys and provides a supportive work environment. They handle a range of cases, from criminal to civil defense.
-
CyberCoders
Average Salary: $153,230
CyberCoders connects job seekers with top companies. They offer Defense Attorney positions with an average salary of $153,230. They operate nationwide, providing opportunities in various locations. The firm helps attorneys find roles that match their skills and career goals.
-
DL Group, LLC
Average Salary: $144,342
DL Group, LLC provides Defense Attorney jobs with an average salary of $144,342. They are based in New York, New York, and offer a vibrant legal community. The firm focuses on criminal defense and ensures attorneys have the resources they need to succeed.
-
Price Benowitz LLP
Average Salary: $130,536
Price Benowitz LLP offers Defense Attorney positions with an average salary of $130,536. They are located in Los Angeles, California, and provide a collaborative work environment. The firm specializes in criminal defense and values its attorneys' contributions.
-
W3Global, Inc
Average Salary: $124,471
W3Global, Inc offers Defense Attorney jobs with an average salary of $124,471. They operate in multiple locations, including Washington, D.C. The firm provides a supportive environment and focuses on various legal areas, including defense.
-
gpac
Average Salary: $124,375
gpac connects Defense Attorneys with top companies. They offer positions with an average salary of $124,375. They operate nationwide, providing opportunities in various locations. The firm helps attorneys find roles that match their skills and career goals.
-
American Lawyers Group PLLC
Average Salary: $120,000
American Lawyers Group PLLC offers Defense Attorney jobs with an average salary of $120,000. They are located in Dallas, Texas, and provide a supportive work environment. The firm focuses on criminal defense and values its attorneys' contributions.
-
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Average Salary: $109,951
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts offers Defense Attorney positions with an average salary of $109,951. They are based in Austin, Texas, and provide a range of legal opportunities. The firm focuses on various legal areas, including defense.
-
Office of the Attorney General
Average Salary: $109,230
The Office of the Attorney General offers Defense Attorney jobs with an average salary of $109,230. They operate in various locations across the state. The firm provides a supportive environment and focuses on criminal defense.
How to earn more as a Defense Attorney?
To earn more as a defense attorney, consider these key factors. First, gaining experience in complex cases can lead to higher earnings. Experienced attorneys often handle more challenging and high-profile cases, which can command higher fees. Second, specializing in a niche area of law can also increase earning potential. Focusing on areas like criminal law or intellectual property can make an attorney more valuable to clients. Third, building a strong reputation through successful case outcomes and client testimonials can attract more clients and higher-paying cases. Networking with other legal professionals and staying active in the community can also enhance a defense attorney's reputation.
Another important factor is continuing education and professional development. Staying updated with the latest legal trends and obtaining certifications can make an attorney more competitive. Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences can also provide opportunities to learn new skills and meet potential clients. Lastly, leveraging technology and efficient case management systems can improve productivity and allow an attorney to handle more cases. Investing in tools that streamline legal work can lead to higher efficiency and potentially higher earnings.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a defense attorney:
- Gain experience in complex cases
- Specialize in a niche area of law
- Build a strong reputation through successful outcomes
- Continue education and professional development
- Leverage technology for efficiency



