Overview Salaries

Defense Attorney Salaries

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
Position
Salary

How much does a Defense Attorney make?

The average salary for a Defense Attorney is $119,896 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Defense Attorney positions, showing an average salary of $119,896 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Defense Attorney positions, showing an average salary of $119,896 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Defense Attorney positions, showing an average salary of $119,896 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Defense Attorney positions, showing an average salary of $119,896 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Defense Attorney plays an important role in the legal system. They help make sure that people have a fair trial. People in this job often earn a good salary. The average yearly salary for a Defense Attorney is about $119,896. This means they have a steady income to support themselves and their families.

Defense Attorneys can earn different amounts based on where they work and how much experience they have. For example, those in the lowest 10 percent make less than $72,506 a year. Those in the highest 10 percent make more than $225,000 a year. This shows that there can be a big difference in earnings based on the job and experience. A job as a Defense Attorney can be both rewarding and financially stable.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Defense Attorney?

For those pursuing a career as a defense attorney, several cities offer competitive salaries. Seattle, WA, leads with an average salary of $141,766, making it a top choice for legal professionals. Close behind are San Diego, CA, and San Francisco, CA, each providing impressive earning potential. In addition to these, cities like Phoenix, AZ, and Sacramento, CA, offer robust salary packages for defense attorneys. Other notable locations include Los Angeles, San Jose, Orlando, Chicago, and Tampa. These cities present great opportunities for legal careers with attractive compensation.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Defense Attorney jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $141,766 and Tampa, FL with the lowest at $122,071.

  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $141,766
    In Seattle, legal professionals thrive in a vibrant city known for its tech and marine industries. With major law firms and a busy court system, there is a strong demand for skilled attorneys. Seattle's dynamic environment offers excellent opportunities for growth and development.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $136,149
    San Diego provides a unique blend of coastal charm and a strong legal sector. The city's reputation for military and defense work creates a steady need for experienced attorneys. Working here means being part of a community that values justice and professional excellence.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $132,797
    San Francisco's legal market is competitive and dynamic, with many high-profile cases and renowned law firms. The city's diverse population and bustling economy offer rich experiences for attorneys. Networking opportunities abound in this vibrant metropolis.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $131,856
    Phoenix offers a growing market for attorneys, with a mix of established firms and emerging practices. The city's sunny climate and lower cost of living make it an attractive place to work. Defense attorneys here benefit from a steady influx of cases and professional growth.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  5. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $131,559
    Sacramento provides a stable legal environment with opportunities in both the public and private sectors. The capital city's role in state government offers unique experiences for attorneys. With a supportive community, Sacramento is a great place to build a career.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Sacramento, CA


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $130,958
    Los Angeles is a bustling hub for legal work, with a high demand for defense attorneys. The city's diverse population and entertainment industry create a dynamic practice area. Attorneys here enjoy a vibrant professional network and diverse case experiences.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $125,766
    San Jose, part of Silicon Valley, offers a unique blend of tech and legal work. The area's growth in technology and startups provides specialized opportunities for defense attorneys. The city's progressive environment fosters innovation and career development.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in San Jose, CA


  8. Orlando, FL
    Average Salary: $124,800
    Orlando’s diverse economy, bolstered by tourism and entertainment, creates a steady need for legal services. The city’s warm climate and family-friendly environment make it an attractive place to live and work. Defense attorneys here enjoy a balanced lifestyle with ample professional opportunities.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Orlando, FL


  9. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $123,748
    Chicago offers a rich legal landscape with a history of prominent cases and respected law firms. The city’s robust economy and cultural diversity provide a stimulating environment for attorneys. Chicago's strong professional network offers numerous growth opportunities.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $122,071
    Tampa is a growing city with a strong legal sector, offering a mix of cases and professional opportunities. The city’s sunny weather and lower cost of living attract many attorneys. Tampa’s welcoming community and vibrant culture enhance the work experience.
    Find Defense Attorney jobs in Tampa, FL

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

Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLP offers one of the top salaries for Defense Attorneys, averaging nearly $166,000 per year. CyberCoders and ALBERT & MACKENZIE also rank high, providing competitive compensation. Job seekers should consider these firms for attractive financial benefits.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Defense Attorney jobs, highlighting Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLP with the highest at $165,938 and Law Offices of the Public Defender with the lowest at $98,269.

  1. Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLP
    Average Salary: $165,938
    Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLP offers top-tier salaries for Defense Attorneys. This firm operates across California, specializing in criminal defense, DUI cases, and more. Defense Attorneys here work in a fast-paced environment, ensuring justice is served.


  2. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $160,769
    CyberCoders is known for its competitive salaries for Defense Attorneys. They offer opportunities across the United States. The firm focuses on high-profile cases, giving attorneys a chance to gain significant experience.


  3. ALBERT & MACKENZIE
    Average Salary: $160,000
    ALBERT & MACKENZIE provides attractive compensation for Defense Attorneys. The firm is based in Chicago, Illinois, and offers a range of cases from criminal defense to civil litigation.


  4. Price Benowitz LLP
    Average Salary: $139,218
    Price Benowitz LLP offers a solid salary for Defense Attorneys. Based in New York, the firm is recognized for its work in criminal defense and appeals. Attorneys here handle challenging cases and work in a collaborative environment.


  5. W3Global, Inc
    Average Salary: $128,011
    W3Global, Inc. provides a respectable salary for Defense Attorneys. The firm operates nationwide, focusing on a variety of legal matters. They value strong advocacy skills and a commitment to clients.


  6. American Lawyers Group PLLC
    Average Salary: $120,000
    American Lawyers Group PLLC offers a competitive salary for Defense Attorneys. They are based in Washington, D.C., and specialize in federal criminal defense. Attorneys here have the opportunity to work on high-stakes cases.


  7. Office of the Attorney General
    Average Salary: $112,262
    The Office of the Attorney General provides a solid salary for Defense Attorneys. They offer positions across various states, focusing on defending the interests of the state in criminal matters.


  8. Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
    Average Salary: $110,763
    The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts offers a good salary for Defense Attorneys. They handle a range of legal matters for the state, providing a stable work environment with a focus on public service.


  9. Huron Law Group
    Average Salary: $101,418
    Huron Law Group offers a fair salary for Defense Attorneys. Based in Detroit, Michigan, they provide a range of legal services with a focus on criminal defense. Attorneys here work in a supportive environment.


  10. Law Offices of the Public Defender
    Average Salary: $98,269
    Law Offices of the Public Defender provides a decent salary for Defense Attorneys. They are based in California and focus on providing legal representation to those who cannot afford it. Attorneys here play a crucial role in ensuring fair trials.

How to earn more as a Defense Attorney?

A Defense Attorney plays a crucial role in ensuring that justice is served. To earn more in this field, a Defense Attorney can focus on several key factors. Specializing in a niche area of law can lead to higher paying cases. This specialization can also make the attorney more in demand, allowing them to charge higher fees.

Experience is another important factor. Experienced attorneys often command higher salaries due to their extensive knowledge and proven track record. Continuing education and staying updated on legal changes can also boost an attorney's earning potential. Networking with other legal professionals can lead to more opportunities and referrals, further increasing income. Lastly, working for a prestigious law firm or government agency can offer higher pay compared to smaller firms or solo practice.

Here are some steps a Defense Attorney can take to increase their earnings:

  1. Specialize in a niche area of law.
  2. Gain more experience in the field.
  3. Continue education and stay updated on legal changes.
  4. Network with other legal professionals.
  5. Consider working for a prestigious law firm or government agency.

Currently 114 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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