They explain to the client what legal options are available as per their situation. Defense attorneys need a law degree and must pass the bar exam in the state they wish to practice in. One of the main parts of a defense attorney's job is that of criminal defense. The defense attorney meets with a client; the court may have appointed the attorney to this client, or the client may have hired the attorney privately. Next meeting the client and hearing an explanation of his or her situation, the defense attorney explains the legal options, which often include going to trial or making a plea agreement. The salary of a defense attorney is