Associate Attorney - Criminal Defense

Job Overview

A law firm seeks an experienced Associate Attorney to join its Phoenix, Arizona office. The successful candidate will represent clients in criminal defense cases, providing high-quality legal advocacy and maintaining a full caseload. This role offers a hybrid work model with both remote and in-office responsibilities.

Duties

• Represent clients in felony and misdemeanor cases from arraignment through trial or resolution.
• Serve as lead or secondary counsel on various legal matters.
• Conduct legal research, draft motions, and prepare for hearings and trials.
• Negotiate with prosecutors and interact professionally with judges and court personnel.
• Communicate clearly with clients to manage expectations and maintain trust.
• Attend court appearances, hearings, and trials as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in criminal defense and/or prosecution.
• Demonstrated courtroom experience, including trials and plea negotiations.

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Active member in good standing with the Arizona State Bar (or eligible for waiver).

Skills

• Analytical thinking and sound legal judgment.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Persuasive oral and written advocacy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and Google Suite.
• Experience with legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).
• Experience with Clio or other legal CRMs is a plus.
• Spanish fluency is a plus, but not required.

Benefits

• Hybrid work model with flexibility for remote and in-office responsibilities.