Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Trial Attorney

Lanham, Maryland | Full-Time | $120,000 - $160,000 + Incentives

Ready to Take First Chair?

A Maryland Law Firm is seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Trial Attorney to join their team in Lanham, Maryland.

This is an excellent opportunity for a confident litigator who thrives in the courtroom, values autonomy, and is ready to take ownership of serious criminal cases from inception through resolution. We are especially interested in candidates with 3-5 years of criminal litigation experience , including former Assistant State's Attorneys , although strong criminal defense trial attorneys are encouraged to apply.

This is not an entry-level role. We're looking for an attorney prepared to immediately handle a meaningful caseload and make an impact from day one.

Status: In-office

Salary: $120,000.00 - $160,000,00

**LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY **

What You'll Do

✅ Manage a criminal defense caseload independently from charging through disposition

✅ Appear regularly in Maryland District and Circuit Courts

✅ Advise clients facing serious criminal charges with confidence and strategic insight

✅ Handle all phases of criminal litigation, including:

• Motions practice
• Suppression hearings
• Plea negotiations
• Bench trials
• Jury trials

✅ Collaborate with our experienced administrative and legal support team to deliver outstanding client service

Qualifications

Required:

• Active Maryland Bar license
• 3-5 years of criminal defense or prosecutorial litigation experience
• Experience practicing in Maryland District and Circuit Courts
• Strong courtroom presence and trial advocacy skills
• Excellent legal writing and oral argument abilities
• Ability to work independently with professionalism and sound judgment

Preferred:

• Former Assistant State's Attorney experience

Why Join the team

At the law firm you'll find the resources, support, and autonomy needed to build a successful litigation practice while working alongside experienced trial attorneys.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $120,000 - $160,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Performance incentives
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Professional, collegial work environment
• Experienced support staff dedicated to helping you succeed

How To Apply: Please respond with your resume for consideration. We welcome all candidates that meet the REQUIRED qualifications with recent relevant experience. Palmer Legal Staffing is an equal opportunity employer.

About Us: Palmer is an award-winning staffing agency offering direct hire, temp-to-hire, and temporary placements for administrative, management, executive, legal and more. We represent more than 500 of the finest law firms and legal departments in the D.C. area. Palmer Google Reviews = 4.7 stars, visit online to see what other Palmer candidates have to say about us. You are more than just a “number”!

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