Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

Entry-Level / Early Career Attorney About the Role The Botnick Law Firm is looking for an associate attorney who is interested in building a career in criminal defense. If you are looking for a place where you can develop courtroom confidence, learn criminal defense strategy, and grow inside a team-centered law firm, this may be the right fit. You do not need to know everything on day one. We are looking for someone who is motivated, coachable, organized, and committed to helping clients through difficult moments. Our firm handles criminal, traffic, OVI/DUI, juvenile, and related defense matters throughout Northeast Ohio. The work is fast-paced, meaningful, and client-focused. Our Core Values We try to make decisions and serve clients based on four core values: * Responsibility — We own our work and follow through. * Dignity — We treat clients, coworkers, courts, and opposing counsel with respect. * Quality — We prepare carefully and take pride in our work. * Teamwork — We support each other and communicate openly. Compensation and Benefits Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Benefits include: * PTO * Sick time * Floating holidays * Health insurance * HSA * 401(k) * Eligibility for firm performance bonuses How To Apply Please submit your resume and a short cover letter telling us about your criminal law or courtroom experience and why you are interested in joining our team. Compensation: $65,000 - $80,000 + commensurate with experience Responsibilities: What You'll Do As an associate attorney, you will work with our team on a variety of criminal defense matters. Your responsibilities may include: * Appearing in court for arraignments, pretrials, hearings, and other case events * Meeting and communicating with clients * Reviewing discovery, police reports, videos, and court records * Helping prepare cases for negotiation, hearings, sentencing, and trial * Drafting motions, letters, case updates, and other legal documents * Working with attorneys and staff to keep cases moving forward * Learning how to evaluate cases, spot issues, and develop defense strategies * Conducting consultations with prospective clients * You will receive guidance and support, but we will also expect you to take ownership of your work, follow through, and keep improving. Qualifications: What We're Looking For The right candidate will bring: * Ohio law license or a clear path to admission * Interest in criminal defense, traffic, and OVI/DUI work * Strong written and verbal communication skills * Good judgment and professionalism * Attention to detail * Willingness to appear in court, speak with clients, and visit clients in jail * Ability to stay organized in a busy practice * Coachability and desire to learn * Respect for clients, courts, opposing counsel, and teammates Prior criminal law, courtroom, clinic, public defender, prosecutor, mock trial, or law clerk experience is helpful but not required. About Company The Botnick Law Firm is a boutique criminal defense practice serving clients in state and federal courts across Northeast Ohio. But more than that, we are counselors, problem solvers, and protectors who stand between clients and a system often built for convictions—not compassion or justice. We take our work seriously and fight hard for our clients—while keeping a genuinely enjoyable, laid-back atmosphere internally. Criminal defense is fast-paced : deadlines are real, details matter, and our clients are relying on us during a high-stress time in their lives. #WHLAW2 Compensation details: 65000-80000 Yearly Salary PI8faaf2289f00-29400-40665443