Associate, Criminal Litigation

Job Overview

A law firm seeks a motivated mid-level associate with 3-5 years of criminal litigation experience to join their practice group in Baltimore, MD. The candidate will manage an active court docket, work closely with supervising partners, and take on meaningful responsibility from the start. Prior first- or second-chair trial experience is strongly preferred.

Duties

• Manage a diverse caseload of criminal matters at all stages, from arraignment through trial and sentencing.
• Draft and argue pretrial motions, including motions to suppress, motions in limine, and dispositive motions.
• Draft appellate briefs and post-conviction petitions.
• Appear independently in court for hearings, conferences, and trials.
• Conduct client and witness interviews.
• Develop and execute case strategy in collaboration with supervising partners.
• Negotiate with prosecutors on charges, plea agreements, and sentencing recommendations.
• Advise clients on criminal exposure, defense options, and collateral consequences.
• Coordinate with investigators, expert witnesses, and other litigation support professionals.
• Mentor junior associates and law clerks as opportunities arise.

Requirements

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing in Maryland (additional bar admissions a plus).
• 3-5 years of criminal litigation experience, with significant court exposure.
• Demonstrated first-chair or substantial second-chair trial experience.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Proven ability to manage an independent caseload with sound judgment and minimal supervision.
• A genuine commitment to vigorous, ethical client representation.

Education

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

Certifications

• Licensed and in good standing in Maryland.

Skills

• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage an independent caseload.
• Commitment to ethical client representation.

Benefits

• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life & Disability insurance.
• Bar dues and CLE reimbursement.
• Firm paid parking.
• Firm paid holidays.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Parental leave.
• Health Savings Account with monthly employer contribution.
• Bonus eligibility.

Established in the last quarter of the twentieth century, this premier law firm is based in Maryland and employs a fairly large team of veteran attorneys. Some of its main areas of practice are alternative dispute resolution, criminal defense, corporate-business law, employment law, health care law, and trademark-copyright law. An equal opportunity employer, this firm encourages diversity and inclusion at the workplace.