Senior Criminal Defense Attorney - Relocation Opportunity

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Criminal Defense Attorney

Memphis, Tennessee  |  Full-Time

Compensation: Competitive, based on experience  •  Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
Benefits: Health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and 401(k) with employer match

Who Are You?

You're more than an attorney who knows the law. You're a strategic thinker, a confident advocate, and a dedicated problem-solver who understands what's at stake when someone entrusts you with their future.

You know how to evaluate a case, develop a defense strategy, navigate the courtroom, and help clients make informed decisions during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. You're comfortable taking ownership of complex matters, but you also recognize that exceptional legal representation is strengthened by a team that communicates, collaborates, and follows through.

You're ready for a role where your legal experience matters, your professional judgment is respected, and your contributions help shape the future of a growing criminal defense practice.

If that sounds like you, we'd like to meet you.

Who We Are

At The McDaniel Law Firm, we believe exceptional criminal defense starts with strong advocacy, strategic thinking, integrity, and a commitment to our clients.

We also believe attorneys should be able to focus on practicing law. Our dedicated support staff helps manage the operational side of the practice, allowing attorneys to concentrate on legal strategy, courtroom advocacy, and client relationships.

Through weekly team meetings, collaboration, and shared accountability, we work to create an environment where people can do meaningful work, continue to develop professionally, and contribute to something bigger than their individual caseloads.

As we grow, we're looking for an experienced criminal defense attorney who wants to help us build a stronger, more sustainable practice.

Who Will Thrive in Our Firm?

·        Owns the outcome: Takes responsibility for cases, deadlines, preparation, and client communication.

·        Thinks strategically: Assesses complex facts, identifies legal issues, evaluates risks, and develops practical defense strategies.

·        Is confident in the courtroom: Brings experience with criminal proceedings, motion practice, negotiations, hearings, and trial preparation.

·        Values teamwork: Works effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff while respecting others' contributions.

·        Communicates proactively: Keeps clients informed, raises concerns early, and ensures the team has the information needed to move matters forward.

·        Wants to keep growing: Welcomes opportunities to sharpen skills, share knowledge, and contribute to the firm's development.

·        Balances independence with accountability: Values professional autonomy while understanding that consistent processes and communication protect clients and strengthen the practice.

What's in It for You?

Comprehensive Benefits

·        Health insurance

·        Dental insurance

·        Vision insurance

·        Short-term disability insurance

·        Long-term disability insurance

·        Life insurance

·        401(k) retirement plan with employer match

A Career Built Around Practicing Law

·        Administrative support: Work alongside a dedicated support team so you can focus on legal work rather than carrying every operational responsibility yourself.

·        Professional autonomy: Exercise your legal judgment and take ownership of your cases within the firm's collaborative structure.

·        Professional development: Continue building litigation skills through experience, training, and ongoing learning.

·        A collaborative team: Participate in regular team meetings, case discussions, and shared problem-solving.

·        Career growth: Take on opportunities for increased responsibility, mentorship, and leadership as the firm develops.

·        Work-life balance: Benefit from paid time off, paid holidays, and a team-oriented approach to sustainable performance.

Considering a Move to Memphis?

We welcome qualified attorneys who are interested in relocating to the Memphis area. Relocation assistance may be available, depending on the candidate and the circumstances of the move. Our team can discuss the position, the surrounding community, the firm's service area, and the logistics of making Memphis your new home.

What You'll Do

Criminal Defense & Litigation

·        Represent clients in misdemeanor and felony criminal matters consistent with the firm's practice areas and your qualifications.

·        Review discovery, assess evidence, investigate allegations, identify legal issues, and develop defense strategies.

·        Research, draft, file, and argue motions, briefs, and other legal pleadings.

·        Represent clients in hearings, negotiations, trials, and other court proceedings.

·        Evaluate potential outcomes and explain legal options to clients clearly and professionally.

·        Prepare thoroughly and exercise sound judgment throughout each stage of representation.

Case Management & Client Advocacy

·        Manage assigned matters from initial assessment through resolution.

·        Maintain consistent, timely, and professional client communication.

·        Coordinate with paralegals and support staff to ensure accurate filings, organized records, and effective case progression.

·        Maintain accurate case notes, deadlines, calendars, and task updates in the firm's practice management system.

·        Identify case risks, resource needs, and potential delays before they become larger problems.

Team Contribution & Firm Growth

·        Collaborate with attorneys and support staff to improve case outcomes and the client experience.

·        Mentor less experienced attorneys when appropriate.

·        Participate in weekly team meetings, case reviews, and discussions about firm priorities.

·        Identify opportunities to improve workflows, legal processes, and client communication.

·        Participate in appropriate professional networking, referral development, and educational marketing activities in accordance with applicable professional conduct rules.

What You Bring

·        A Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.

·        An active Tennessee law license in good standing, or eligibility for admission within an agreed timeframe.

·        Seven or more years of criminal defense experience preferred.

·        Demonstrated experience with felony matters, courtroom advocacy, motion practice, negotiation, and trial preparation.

·        Strong legal research, writing, communication, and analytical skills.

·        The ability to independently manage competing deadlines and a substantial caseload.

·        Professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and a collaborative mindset.

What Success Looks Like

In your first 90 days, you'll be expected to:

·        Become familiar with the firm's processes, team, clients, and practice management systems.

·        Establish reliable ownership of assigned matters, deadlines, and client communications.

·        Demonstrate thorough case preparation and effective courtroom representation.

·        Build productive working relationships with attorneys and support staff.

·        Identify opportunities to strengthen case management and client service.

Over time, success means becoming a trusted advocate for clients, a reliable colleague, and a meaningful contributor to the firm's continued growth.

Ready to Make Your Next Move?

If you're an experienced criminal defense attorney who values strong advocacy, professional autonomy, teamwork, and the opportunity to grow with a firm, we'd like to hear from you.

Please send your resume, a cover letter highlighting your criminal defense experience and courtroom background, and at least three professional references.

Please include your current location, Tennessee bar admission status, and anticipated availability. Candidates considering relocation should also indicate their expected timeline.

Strong Advocacy. Strategic Defense. A Team Committed to Excellence.

I'm a fractional Chief Operating Officer helping clients all over the world find the best talent.

Company Description

I'm a fractional Chief Operating Officer helping clients all over the world find the best talent.