Criminal Defense Attorney

We’re Growing Our Team—And We Need Your Help

Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C. seeks a qualified attorney to join its growing Criminal Defense practice in Sacramento. The ideal candidate will have at minimum three (3) years of relevant legal experience. Experience in criminal defense, preferably defendant-side on criminal matters, is highly preferred.

About Our Firm

For decades, Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C. has served clients throughout California in matters related to criminal defense, labor and employment, civil litigation, personal injury, workers’ compensation, and contract negotiations. Founded in 1976, the Firm has earned an AV-Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell and is recognized throughout California as a law firm focused on delivering client-focused, results-driven representation to unions and employees. Our labor practice has obtained some of the largest public employee labor contracts in the State and expanded the rights of public employees in the appellate courts and the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB).

The Firm maintains a robust criminal practice focused primarily on representing employees—particularly public safety professionals—who are facing criminal charges arising either during the performance of their official duties or in their personal capacity. Our work involves high-stakes criminal cases that intersect with administrative, employment, and disciplinary proceedings. We remain committed to providing aggressive advocacy during some of the most challenging moments of our clients’ careers.

Essential Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• Active membership and good standing with the California bar.
• Excellent working knowledge of California and federal statutes and strong foundation in Criminal Law.
• Three years’ experience practicing as an attorney. Proven experience in criminal defense or prosecution highly preferred.
• Strong professional judgment, reliability, legal research and communication skills
• Ability to travel as case assignment warrants

What You’ll Do

• Provide comprehensive representation to clients in all stages of criminal defense matters.
• Advise clients on legal rights and defenses.
• Conduct legal research and case investigation to support case preparation.
• Draft motions and legal documents, negotiate with prosecutors, take or defend depositions or other investigatory interviews, appear in court and client meetings, and prepare cases for trial.
• Collaborate with senior attorneys on developing case strategies.
• Maintain case files and meet deadlines.
• Communicate effectively with clients, courts, opposing counsel, or other parties.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in criminal law.
• Participation in a rotational 24/7 on-call schedule may be required.

What We Offer:

The successful candidate will receive training and mentorship in a collaborative environment where associates work closely with highly-seasoned practitioners. Candidates have the opportunity to gain broad experience representing public safety personnel and associations in all aspects of labor relations and employment actions ranging from internal discipline, criminal defense, and officer-involved critical incidents to collective bargaining and association leadership.

For Experience Attorneys:

We welcome applications from experienced criminal defense attorneys and laterals seeking a long-term professional home.

What laterals value here:

• A respected firm with 50 years in practice
• Strong credentials – Recognized by Best Lawyers 2026, AV-Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, Client Champion Platinum 2025, media exposure and legislative testimony.
• A 40+ attorney team with a full-time in-house investigator and 19 Labor Relations Consultants

Benefits:

• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• 401(k)
• MCLEs and professional development assistance
• Free parking 

Pay: $115,000.00 to $160,000.00 commensurate with experience.