Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney – Criminal Defense & DUI $105,000–$140,000 per year + discretionary bonus If you became a lawyer because you wanted to actually practice law—to be in court, make decisions, advocate for clients, and take responsibility for cases—this position may be worth a conversation. Moffitt Law is looking for an attorney to join our team and primarily handle criminal defense and DUI cases in Columbus, Muscogee County, and the surrounding area. This is not a position where you will spend years sitting behind another lawyer drafting documents while waiting for an opportunity to handle your own cases. You will have real responsibility. You will represent clients facing serious problems. You will appear in court regularly, negotiate cases, argue motions, develop defense strategies, prepare cases for trial, and take ownership of your caseload. But you will not be expected to do it alone. You will be part of a team of attorneys and staff who collaborate on case strategy, work through difficult legal and factual issues, prepare for hearings and trials, and help one another provide excellent representation. We want our attorneys to develop the judgment and confidence to take ownership of their cases without feeling like they are practicing law on an island. What You’ll Be Doing Approximately 90% of this position will involve criminal defense and DUI work. You will be responsible for cases from beginning to end, including: Representing clients charged with misdemeanors, felonies, and DUI offenses Appearing regularly in courts throughout Columbus and surrounding areas Reviewing discovery and identifying factual and legal defenses Developing case strategies Negotiating with prosecutors Drafting and arguing motions Preparing for hearings and trialsTrying cases when appropriate Meeting with clients and helping them understand their options Maintaining consistent communication with clients throughout their cases Managing deadlines and taking ownership of your files Working closely with other attorneys and support staff We aren't looking for someone who simply wants assignments. We want another lawyer who wants responsibility, wants to improve, and wants to be part of a team. Who We’re Looking For You might be an experienced courtroom attorney looking for a new challenge, a criminal defense lawyer looking for a stronger platform, or a newer attorney who wants the opportunity to become an excellent advocate. We care about experience, but we also care about judgment, initiative, communication, preparation, and the willingness to improve. You should be the kind of lawyer who: Wants to be in the courtroom Takes ownership rather than waiting to be told what to do next Prepares thoroughly Communicates well with clients Wants feedback and wants to improve Enjoys being part of a team Is willing to ask for input, share ideas, and collaborate on difficult cases Works well with attorneys and staff Is competitive without being arrogant Understands that our clients are often going through one of the most stressful periods of their lives Cares about doing excellent work even when nobody is watching Georgia Bar membership is required. What This Position Offers There are easier ways to practice law than criminal defense. But there are few areas where a lawyer gets more opportunities to advocate, negotiate, think strategically, appear in court, and directly affect a client's life. Our goal is to give you the opportunity to become an excellent lawyer while giving you the support necessary to do the job well. You will have meaningful responsibility for your own cases, but you will not be expected to handle difficult issues alone. When a difficult case, unusual legal issue, or important strategic decision comes up, you will have other lawyers to talk through it with. You will have a team around you—other attorneys to collaborate with, staff to support the work, established systems, and a firm responsible for generating the cases. You will be expected to take ownership of your matters, but you will not be expected to figure everything out by yourself. We believe good lawyers should be trusted with responsibility, supported by a strong team, and held accountable for how they handle their cases. Base salary: $105,000–$125,000 , depending on experience and qualifications. The position also includes the opportunity for a discretionary performance bonus. Benefits include: Health insurance 401(k) Paid CLE Paid time off Support from attorneys and staff This is a full-time position based in Columbus, Georgia. When you are not in court, this is primarily an in-office role. Moffitt Law represents people throughout Georgia in criminal defense, DUI, personal injury, and other matters. We take our work seriously because the consequences our clients face are serious. We want to provide excellent legal representation while also treating clients like people—not file numbers. That requires lawyers who are prepared, responsive, thoughtful, collaborative, and willing to take responsibility. We’re continuing to build our presence in Columbus, and we’re looking for the right attorney to become an important part of that practice and our team. #J-18808-Ljbffr