Criminal Defense Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney - Criminal Defense

A well-established criminal defense practice is seeking a full-time Associate Attorney to join its team. The practice handles a broad range of criminal matters, including misdemeanor and felony cases, federal criminal defense, white-collar criminal defense, investigations, and healthcare-related matters.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining in-office, remote, and court-based responsibilities.

Responsibilities include:

• Meet with clients, assess case facts, and provide clear legal guidance regarding criminal charges and potential outcomes.
• Draft motions, pleadings, memoranda, and other legal documents.
• Conduct legal research and apply findings to active cases.
• Review and analyze discovery materials.
• Prepare cases for hearings, negotiations, plea discussions, and trial.
• Appear in court and advocate for clients.
• Negotiate with prosecutors and participate in plea discussions.
• Collaborate with attorneys and support staff to develop effective defense strategies.
• Manage an active caseload efficiently while maintaining organized files and meeting deadlines.
• Communicate regularly with clients, courts, opposing counsel, and other relevant parties.
• Handle state misdemeanor and felony matters from beginning to end.
• Develop the ability to handle federal criminal matters.
• Meet with clients at the office, detention facilities, and other appropriate locations as needed.
• Participate in collaborative meetings with other attorneys.
• Assist with consultations involving potential new clients and discuss the firm's representation and retention process.

Qualifications include:

• Active membership in the Florida Bar.
• Minimum of 3 years of criminal defense experience; 5+ years is strongly preferred.
• For candidates with public defender or assistant state attorney experience, at least 1 year of felony division experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong legal research and case analysis skills, including experience using legal research databases.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience drafting motions, memoranda, pleadings, and client correspondence.
• Strong courtroom advocacy and litigation skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple cases, deadlines, and court appearances.
• Comfortable working independently in a hybrid environment.
• Strong client communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, disciplined, and able to work effectively with limited supervision.
• Willingness and ability to learn and develop experience in the federal criminal defense system.

Compensation is structured on a 1099 independent-contractor basis. The position does not include traditional employee benefits. The firm provides a $6,000 annual health-insurance stipend. Compensation is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.