Criminal Defense Lawyer salary in Canada

Average Yearly Salary of Criminal Defense Lawyer in Canada is approximately 84,756 CAD (84,617 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Criminal Defense Lawyer do?

A criminal defense lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in defending individuals or organizations charged with criminal offenses. Their primary role is to provide legal representation and counsel to their clients, ensuring their rights are protected throughout the legal process. Criminal defense lawyers conduct thorough investigations, analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and build strong defense strategies to challenge the prosecution's case. These lawyers play a crucial role in protecting the constitutional rights of their clients, including the right to a fair trial, the presumption of innocence, and the right to legal representation. They may negotiate plea bargains, prepare and present arguments in court, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for their clients' best interests.

Skills: Criminal defense lawyer, Legal representation, Constitutional rights, Fair trial, Evidence analysis, Defense strategy
Job industry: Law enforcement

How much does Criminal Defense Lawyer make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Criminal Defense Lawyer a well paid job?

Yes, our data show that Criminal Defense Lawyer is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Criminal Defense Lawyer?

High salary for Criminal Defense Lawyer would be somewhere between 93,232 CAD and 122,896 CAD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Criminal Defense Lawyer in Canada?

Living in Canada the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,118 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 84,756 CAD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,063 CAD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,630 CAD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 41 CAD per hour
By working as Criminal Defense Lawyer a person can save up to 4,933 USD per month or 59,196 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in Canada, see costs of living in Canada.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: United States of America.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Criminal Defense Lawyer

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in Canada

Data as of 2025

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