Associate Attorney – Criminal Defense (Southern California)
Location: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, or San Bernardino Counties (remote with local travel for court appearances) Compensation: $110,000 – $135,000 DOE + performance-based bonuses Experience Required: 2+ years (public defender) or 4–5 years (private criminal defense)
About the Firm
We are a fast-growing criminal defense firm serving clients across Southern California. Led by a trial attorney with nearly 20 years of courtroom experience, our team is known for fearless advocacy, compassion for clients, and relentless pursuit of justice.
We are seeking a driven Associate Attorney who thrives in the courtroom and learns best by doing. This role offers the chance to manage a high-volume docket and gain invaluable mentorship directly from an experienced trial lawyer — perfect for an attorney ready to level up fast in their criminal defense career.
Key Responsibilities
· Manage an active docket of 100+ criminal cases (misdemeanors and felonies) with support from the firm’s paralegal and administrative team
· Handle arraignments, pretrial hearings, motions, and sentencing appearances throughout Southern California
· Draft and argue motions, conduct legal research, and develop defense strategies
· Communicate regularly and empathetically with clients to keep them informed and supported
· Work closely with the managing attorney on case preparation, trial strategy, and court appearances
· Maintain accurate case updates in the firm’s case management system (Clio)
Qualifications
· J.D. from an accredited law school and active California Bar license in good standing
· 2+ years of criminal defense experience as a public defender or 4–5 years of criminal defense experience in private practice
· Family law experience preferred (especially handling DVRO or crossover criminal/family matters)
· Comfortable managing a heavy caseload and appearing in court multiple times per week
· Strong written and oral advocacy skills; calm under pressure and quick on your feet
· Willingness to travel regularly to courthouses across LA, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties
· Eager to grow, learn, and gain hands-on courtroom experience in a fast-paced environment
What We Offer
· Competitive base salary ($110,000–$135,000 DOE) + performance-based bonuses
· Hybrid-remote flexibility — work from anywhere in SoCal when not in court
· Direct mentorship and daily collaboration with a seasoned trial attorney
· Rapid skill development and courtroom exposure unmatched in most firm settings
· A dynamic, mission-driven team dedicated to fighting for our clients and their futures
How to Apply: Submit your résumé, brief cover letter, and writing sample (preferably a recent motion or brief). Please include “Associate Attorney – Criminal Defense” in the subject line.
