How much does a Defense Attorney make?
Defense attorneys play a crucial role in ensuring fair trials. Their work can be both challenging and rewarding. The average yearly salary for a defense attorney stands at $123,492, making it a competitive career choice for many.
The salary distribution for defense attorneys varies. The middle 50% of defense attorneys earn between $88,750 and $159,250 annually. This range shows that with experience and skill, defense attorneys can achieve a lucrative salary. Experience, location, and the complexity of cases handled often impact earnings. Therefore, career growth and advancement can lead to higher pay over time.
What are the highest paying cities for a Defense Attorney?

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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $149,426
In Phoenix, legal professionals find a dynamic environment with numerous law firms. The city’s robust legal sector offers diverse opportunities for those in the legal field. With major companies like JacksonWhite and The Sullivan Law Firm, a career here can be both fulfilling and challenging.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $145,083
Dallas boasts a strong legal community with a mix of large firms and boutique practices. The city’s economy offers many avenues for legal careers. With firms like Dallas Law Group and Alexander Krull, LLP, legal professionals can find stable and rewarding positions.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $144,474
Chicago is a hub for legal careers with many opportunities in prominent firms. The city’s legal sector is rich with history and offers many high-profile cases. Firms such as Sidley Austin LLP and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP provide excellent platforms for legal professionals.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $142,784
Los Angeles offers a diverse legal landscape with many high-profile cases. The city’s vibrant legal community provides numerous opportunities for growth. With firms like Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP, a career here can be both challenging and rewarding.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $142,518
San Diego provides a balanced environment for legal professionals. The city’s legal sector is growing, with many opportunities in various firms. Companies like Altshuler Berzon LLP and Robins Kaplan LLP offer dynamic settings for career development.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $140,364
Stockton offers a more intimate legal environment with opportunities in both small and medium-sized firms. The city’s legal sector is supportive, providing a great setting for professional growth. Firms like The Larson Law Group and The Stockton Law Firm offer stable and rewarding careers.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $139,326
Las Vegas provides a unique legal landscape with opportunities in entertainment and tourism law. The city’s vibrant economy offers many avenues for legal careers. With firms like Lathrop GPM and The Law Offices of Thomas L. Cusick, legal professionals can find exciting challenges.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $138,410
Seattle offers a progressive legal environment with a focus on technology and environmental law. The city’s legal sector is innovative, providing many opportunities for growth. Firms like Lane Powell PC and Perkins Coie LLP offer dynamic settings for legal careers.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $135,238
San Francisco provides a prestigious legal environment with many opportunities in top-tier firms. The city’s legal sector is competitive, offering many high-profile cases. With firms like Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP and Cooley LLP, a career here can be both challenging and rewarding.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $135,192
San Jose offers a thriving legal environment with many opportunities in tech-related law. The city’s legal sector is growing, providing many avenues for career development. With firms like Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and ArentFox Schiff, legal professionals can find exciting challenges.
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What are the best companies a Defense Attorney can work for?

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Imhoff & Associates, PC
Average Salary: $459,750
Imhoff & Associates, PC offers highly competitive salaries for Defense Attorneys. They specialize in a range of criminal defense cases and operate in several locations across the country. Their team is known for their dedication and strong results.
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Leoforce
Average Salary: $179,591
Leoforce provides a solid salary for Defense Attorneys. They focus on both criminal and civil defense. Their offices span multiple states, giving attorneys opportunities to work in various legal environments.
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Lewis Brisbois
Average Salary: $171,364
Lewis Brisbois offers a competitive salary for Defense Attorneys. They have a wide network of offices and specialize in defending clients in complex legal matters. Their attorneys often work on high-profile cases.
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LAW OFFICES OF BRADFORD & BARTHEL LLP
Average Salary: $156,471
LAW OFFICES OF BRADFORD & BARTHEL LLP provides an attractive salary for Defense Attorneys. The firm is known for its strong litigation practice. They are located in key cities, offering diverse casework.
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Orion Placement
Average Salary: $142,000
Orion Placement offers a good salary for Defense Attorneys. They work on a variety of cases across their multiple locations. Their team is experienced and well-regarded in the legal community.
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Marshall Dennehey
Average Salary: $140,238
Marshall Dennehey provides a competitive salary for Defense Attorneys. They handle a wide range of criminal and civil cases. Their offices are located in major cities, allowing for extensive client interaction.
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W3Global
Average Salary: $137,904
W3Global offers a strong salary for Defense Attorneys. They have offices in several states and focus on providing robust legal support. Their attorneys are highly skilled and dedicated.
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Portner and Shure, P.A.
Average Salary: $117,083
Portner and Shure, P.A. offers a solid salary for Defense Attorneys. They specialize in criminal defense and operate in various locations. Their team is known for their dedication and effective defense strategies.
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American Lawyers Group, PLLC
Average Salary: $116,500
American Lawyers Group, PLLC provides a good salary for Defense Attorneys. They work on both criminal and civil cases and have offices in major cities. Their attorneys are experienced and committed to their clients.
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Action Label
Average Salary: $110,333
Action Label offers a fair salary for Defense Attorneys. They focus on criminal defense and have multiple locations. Their team is known for their thorough approach and strong client relationships.
How to earn more as a Defense Attorney?
Becoming a successful Defense Attorney can lead to a rewarding and high-paying career. Several factors can help increase earnings in this field. Building a strong reputation is key. Defense Attorneys who gain a good reputation often receive referrals from satisfied clients. This helps them secure more cases and higher-paying clients.
Another factor is gaining experience. Experienced Defense Attorneys often command higher fees. They can handle complex cases more efficiently. Specialization in a specific area of law can also lead to higher earnings. For example, specializing in criminal law or intellectual property law can make a Defense Attorney more valuable. Working in a high-demand area with a shortage of qualified attorneys can also increase earning potential. This is true in larger cities or regions with many legal disputes. Last, negotiating higher fees with clients is another way to earn more. As Defense Attorneys gain experience and a solid reputation, they can justify higher rates.
These steps can help Defense Attorneys increase their earnings. Building a strong reputation, gaining experience, specializing, working in high-demand areas, and negotiating fees are all effective strategies.
Here are some ways to earn more as a Defense Attorney:
- Build a strong reputation
- Gain experience
- Specialize in a specific area of law
- Work in high-demand areas
- Negotiate higher fees



