Overview Salaries

Defense Attorney Salaries

Updated on Apr 10, 2026
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Salary

How much does a Defense Attorney make?

The average salary for a Defense Attorney is $120,037 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Defense Attorney positions, showing an average salary of $120,037 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Defense Attorney positions, showing an average salary of $120,037 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Defense Attorney positions, showing an average salary of $120,037 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Defense Attorney positions, showing an average salary of $120,037 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Defense Attorney has an important role in our legal system. They work to protect the rights of individuals accused of a crime. They fight to ensure a fair trial for their clients. This profession can be both rewarding and challenging. One key aspect is the salary these attorneys can expect.


The salary for Defense Attorneys varies based on experience and location. The average yearly salary for a Defense Attorney is about $120,000. New Defense Attorneys may start with lower salaries, around $72,500. More experienced attorneys can earn much more, with some making up to $225,000 per year. Several factors can influence these figures. These include the size of the law firm, the region, and the complexity of the cases handled.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Defense Attorney?

Defense attorneys can find some of the best pay in big cities like San Diego, Seattle, and San Francisco. San Diego offers an average salary of around $139,670. Seattle and San Francisco follow closely with salaries over $130,000. Other cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Sacramento also offer competitive salaries. Cities like San Jose, Las Vegas, and the Florida cities of Tampa and Orlando are also strong options. Defense attorneys in these areas can expect salaries that are both attractive and rewarding. These cities provide good opportunities for those looking to pursue a career in defense law.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Defense Attorney jobs, highlighting San Diego, CA with the highest at $139,670 and Orlando, FL with the lowest at $124,806.

  1. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $139,670
    Working in San Diego offers a stable environment for legal professionals. With a strong local economy, defense attorneys find plenty of opportunities. Key firms include Fisher & Gluckman and The Law Offices of Jonathan L. Wright.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $138,433
    Seattle presents a vibrant legal market with a mix of corporate and criminal law. The area boasts firms like K&L Gates and Davis Wright Tremaine. Defense attorneys enjoy a good work-life balance here.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $133,497
    In San Francisco, defense attorneys benefit from a bustling legal sector. The presence of major firms such as Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe and Cooley LLP provides diverse cases. The city's dynamic environment keeps professionals engaged.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $132,660
    Los Angeles is a dynamic hub for defense attorneys. With its large population, there is a constant demand for legal services. Notable firms include Manatt, Phelps & Phillips and Morrison & Foerster.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $131,856
    Phoenix offers a growing legal market with many opportunities for defense attorneys. The presence of firms like Lewis & Roca and Snell & Wilmer provides a variety of cases. The city's expanding economy benefits legal professionals.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  6. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $130,167
    Sacramento provides a stable environment for defense attorneys, with a strong local presence of firms like Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt and Morrison & Foerster. The capital city offers a balanced caseload.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Sacramento, CA


  7. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $128,715
    San Jose, a tech hub, offers unique challenges for defense attorneys. Firms like Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Arnstein & Lehr provide diverse legal opportunities in a fast-paced environment.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in San Jose, CA


  8. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $127,458
    Las Vegas presents an exciting market with a variety of legal cases. Defense attorneys here work with prominent firms like Mandelbaum Barrett PC and The Law Offices of Robert J. Webb.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  9. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $125,167
    Tampa offers a growing legal market with opportunities in both civil and criminal defense. Notable firms include Fowler White Boggs and The Law Offices of John H. Phillips.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Tampa, FL


  10. Orlando, FL
    Average Salary: $124,806
    Orlando provides a dynamic environment for defense attorneys. The area's tourism industry creates a steady stream of legal cases. Key firms include Holland & Knight and Akerman LLP.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Orlando, FL

What are the best companies a Defense Attorney can work for?

Defense Attorney positions offer robust career opportunities, especially in top-paying companies. Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLP leads with an average salary of $165,357. Following closely is ALBERT & MACKENZIE, offering $160,000 per year. These firms provide excellent compensation and professional growth in the legal field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Defense Attorney jobs, highlighting Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLP with the highest at $165,357 and Law Offices of the Public Defender with the lowest at $97,926.

  1. Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLP
    Average Salary: $165,357
    Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLP offers rewarding opportunities for Defense Attorneys. They operate in several locations across California, including San Francisco and Los Angeles. Their focus on criminal defense provides a dynamic and impactful work environment.


  2. ALBERT & MACKENZIE
    Average Salary: $160,000
    ALBERT & MACKENZIE provides high-paying positions for Defense Attorneys. This firm is based in Portland, Oregon, and emphasizes quality client service. Working here means engaging in high-profile cases and advocating for justice.


  3. The Hanover Insurance Group
    Average Salary: $145,000
    The Hanover Insurance Group offers competitive salaries for Defense Attorneys. They have offices across the U.S., including Hanover, PA, and Boston, MA. Their role focuses on defending policyholders, offering a unique blend of law and insurance.


  4. Price Benowitz LLP
    Average Salary: $135,416
    Price Benowitz LLP seeks talented Defense Attorneys with a strong salary. Located in New York City, this firm specializes in criminal defense and civil litigation. They value integrity and client advocacy.


  5. W3Global, Inc
    Average Salary: $128,011
    W3Global, Inc offers good salaries for Defense Attorneys. They have offices in San Francisco and Palo Alto, California. They provide a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.


  6. American Lawyers Group PLLC
    Average Salary: $120,000
    American Lawyers Group PLLC offers attractive compensation for Defense Attorneys. Based in Dallas, Texas, this firm focuses on providing strong legal representation in criminal cases.


  7. Office of the Attorney General
    Average Salary: $112,262
    The Office of the Attorney General provides solid salaries for Defense Attorneys. They operate in various locations across the U.S. Working here means defending state interests and ensuring justice is served.


  8. Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
    Average Salary: $110,763
    The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts offers good pay for Defense Attorneys. Located in Austin, Texas, this role involves defending the state in legal matters related to public finance and taxation.


  9. Huron Law Group
    Average Salary: $101,515
    Huron Law Group offers fair compensation for Defense Attorneys. They are based in Chicago, Illinois, and focus on providing strong legal defense in various criminal cases.


  10. Law Offices of the Public Defender
    Average Salary: $97,926
    The Law Offices of the Public Defender provides a stable salary for Defense Attorneys. They operate in several locations across the state of California. Their mission is to ensure fair representation for all clients.

How to earn more as a Defense Attorney?

A Defense Attorney can earn a good salary by focusing on several key areas. Specialization in a specific type of defense work often leads to higher earnings. Criminal defense, family law, and corporate defense are examples where specialization can make a difference. Experienced attorneys who master these areas can command higher fees from clients.

Working for a law firm can offer stable income and benefits. However, experienced defense attorneys may earn more by starting their own practice. Running a private practice allows for greater control over the types of cases taken and the setting of fees. Networking and building a strong reputation in the community can lead to more cases and higher earnings.

Other factors that increase a Defense Attorney's income include:

  • Gaining more years of experience
  • Obtaining additional certifications
  • Taking on complex cases
  • Expanding to new geographic areas
  • Teaching or writing on legal topics

Currently 154 Defense Attorney job openings, nationwide.

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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.
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Defense Attorney
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