Associate Attorney - Criminal Defense

Associate Attorney - Criminal Defense (JN -072026-427552) St. Louis, Missouri Salary: USD90000 - USD130000 per year Associate Attorney - Criminal Defense Compensation: $90,000 - $130,000 annually, depending on experience Employment Type: Full-Time Location: Greater St. Louis Area (In-Office) Our client, a litigation-focused law firm with a strong reputation for defending individuals facing criminal and quasi-criminal matters throughout Missouri and Illinois, is seeking an Associate Attorney with 2+ years of experience in criminal law to join its St. Louis-area office. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated attorney who enjoys courtroom advocacy, client interaction, and handling meaningful litigation matters. Responsibilities Counsel and represent clients throughout all stages of criminal and related proceedings Attend and argue motions, hearings, bond proceedings, and sentencing matters Develop case strategies and prepare cases for trial Conduct witness preparation, discovery review, and case investigations Serve as second-chair trial counsel and assist with trial preparation Perform legal research and draft motions, briefs, and other pleadings Maintain regular communication with clients regarding case developments Collaborate with attorneys and staff to deliver exceptional client service Qualified candidates will possess a J.D. from an accredited law school and have at least two years of criminal defense experience, including handling misdemeanor and felony matters. Missouri bar admission is preferred, though attorneys licensed in Illinois are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will have strong courtroom and advocacy skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and the ability to effectively manage multiple cases in a fast-paced environment while working both independently and collaboratively. Our client offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including 401(k) participation with matching opportunities, health insurance and cell phone stipends, paid parking, paid time off, coverage of bar dues and CLE expenses, malpractice insurance, professional development support, referral bonus opportunities, and a company-issued business expense card. This is a fast-paced, collaborative practice where attorneys receive substantial courtroom exposure and meaningful responsibility early in their tenure. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the St. Louis metropolitan area or relocate prior to their start date. All inquiries and applications will be handled with strict confidentiality. #J-18808-Ljbffr