Contrary to the portrayal of criminal defense attorneys as enjoying poor ethics, sordid working conditions, or low public and professional esteem, the majority of this sample of attorneys did not desire to change careers. This job satisfaction runs across the entire range of the professional group without regard to the number of years an individual practiced law or status as a private practitioner, public defender, or mixed public/private category. It is clear from the information generated by this study that criminal defense attorneys view their role and function very differently from the perceptions of academic critics, the elite bar, and much of the public. (Author abstract modified)