Criminal Defense Trial Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

TOP-RATED CRIMINAL DEFENSE & PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM
SEEKS CRIMINAL DEFENSE TRIAL ATTORNEY

Location: Tacoma, Washington
Employment Type: Full-Time (On-Site)
Compensation: $125,000-$150,000+ Base Salary + Performance Incentives (DOE)

We aren't looking for attorneys who simply practice law.

We're looking for attorneys who believe it can be practiced better.

The legal profession has always had its traditions. Some deserve to be preserved. Others deserve to be challenged.

At NextLaw, we believe the future belongs to lawyers who are curious enough to question the status quo, committed enough to continually improve, and bold enough to help build something better.

We're not building a traditional law firm.

We're building the Criminal Defense and Personal Injury law firm we always wished existed—one that combines outstanding trial advocacy with an exceptional client experience, embraces innovation without sacrificing relationships, and values ideas more than titles.

If that sounds like the kind of firm you've been looking for, we'd love to meet you.

ABOUT NEXTLAW

NextLaw is one of Washington's fastest-growing Criminal Defense and Personal Injury law firms and was recently voted Best Criminal Defense Law Firm in Pierce County by the Tacoma News Tribune.

We're building the law firm we always wished existed — one that values innovation, exceptional client service, and people who ask one simple question:

"What's Next?"

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

You might be a prosecutor ready for your next challenge, or a criminal defense attorney looking for greater trial opportunities, stronger mentorship, and room to grow.

You're a thoughtful advocate who prepares meticulously, communicates effectively, genuinely cares about clients, and enjoys working with talented teammates. You believe great lawyering and great client service go hand in hand.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

You'll work alongside an experienced team of former prosecutors and accomplished defense attorneys to:

• Represent clients in misdemeanor and felony criminal matters
• Handle DUI, assault, domestic violence, drug, theft, and other criminal cases
• Draft motions, briefs, and pleadings
• Develop case strategy and negotiate with prosecutors
• Represent clients at hearings, bench trials, and jury trials
• Participate in prospective client consultations
• Collaborate with attorneys and staff to deliver exceptional representation

AN OPPORTUNITY THAT SETS NEXTLAW APART

Unlike most criminal defense firms, NextLaw also has a rapidly growing Personal Injury practice.

If that interests you, you'll have the opportunity to gain experience and eventually build a practice in both Criminal Defense and Personal Injury.

Personal Injury experience is a plus—but absolutely not required .

We're looking for exceptional attorneys. The rest can be taught.

WHAT MAKES SOMEONE SUCCESSFUL HERE

Our best attorneys:

• Love being in the courtroom
• Prepare relentlessly
• Think strategically and creatively
• Communicate exceptionally well
• Build trust with clients
• Collaborate with teammates
• Welcome feedback and continual improvement
• Care deeply about changing clients' lives

YOU'LL PROBABLY BE A GREAT FIT IF YOU HAVE

• Active Washington State Bar membership
• Approximately 3-5+ years of criminal litigation experience
• Strong courtroom and trial advocacy skills
• Excellent legal writing and analytical abilities
• Outstanding communication skills
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial mindset

Bonus Points If You Also Have

• Former prosecutor experience
• Personal Injury litigation experience
• Jury trial experience
• Spanish-language proficiency
• Experience with Clio

WHY ATTORNEYS CHOOSE NEXTLAW

At NextLaw, you'll find:

• Meaningful courtroom and trial opportunities
• Direct mentorship from experienced trial attorneys
• Leadership that values your ideas
• The opportunity to expand into Personal Injury litigation
• Recognition based on initiative and results
• A collaborative culture built around growth, trust, and continuous improvement

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• $125,000-$150,000+ base salary plus incentives
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with immediate company match
• Paid parking
• Generous PTO
• CLE support
• Opportunities for advancement as the firm grows

READY TO BUILD WHAT'S NEXT?

If you're passionate about trial work, committed to exceptional client service, and excited about helping build one of Washington's premier Criminal Defense and Personal Injury law firms, we'd love to hear from you.

Learn more at

"The future doesn't belong to firms that ask, 'How has it always been done?' It belongs to those who ask one simple question: WHAT'S NEXT? NEXTLAW

NEXTLAW is the top-rated Criminal Defense and DUI law firm in the Pacific Northwest. We were just voted the Best Criminal Defense Law Firm in Pierce County for 2025. We are growth-focused, have a winning team culture, and are committed to providing every client an experience that exceeds expectations.

Company Description

NEXTLAW is the top-rated Criminal Defense and DUI law firm in the Pacific Northwest. We were just voted the Best Criminal Defense Law Firm in Pierce County for 2025. We are growth-focused, have a winning team culture, and are committed to providing every client an experience that exceeds expectations.