Associate Attorney

SMB Team; Oklahoma; Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SMB Team in Cleveland, Ohio seeks an Associate Attorney with 3-6 years of Criminal Defense experience to join our expanding practice. The role offers a hybrid/remote schedule and growth opportunities.

Responsibilities include managing a large caseload, drafting briefs, negotiating with prosecutors, and maintaining client communication. Ohio Bar in good standing and strong research skills are required.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of criminal defense experience.
• Active Ohio Bar license in good standing.
• Courtroom experience, including hearings and trials.

Responsibilities

• Manage 25+ cases concurrently from intake to resolution.
• Negotiate with prosecutors and clients.
• Meet with clients in person and virtually to devise case strategy.

Skills

Criminal defense

Courtroom experience

Trial experience

Education

Ohio Bar license

Job description

Would you like to make a life-changing impact in Criminal Law defense while working in an expanding, hybrid/remote environment? Are you looking to grow your legal career with a dynamic team?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, keep reading.Our law firm client in Cleveland, Ohio, seeks an Associate Attorney with 3-6 years of Criminal Defense experience.Must have Court appearances experience and trial experience is preferred.

Why Join Us?

Choose to work at the Cleveland, Ohio office, or enjoy the freedom of a flexible hybrid/remote schedule that adapts to your lifestyle.

Experience true autonomy—no micromanagement here. Manage your practice independently and enjoy the freedom to practice law serving clients effectively.

Collaboration: Work directly alongside talented, experienced attorneys and be part of a supportive team.

The firm invests in your professional growth with ample development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and mentorship.

What You’ll Do as a Criminal Defense Attorney

• Consistently handle 25 criminal cases at a time, at minimum, from intake to resolution. Advance to 26-50 cases at a time in short order.
• Work efficiently and effectively with a team of paralegals, legal assistants, and intake specialists.
• Take job ownership and be willing to learn new areas of law.
• Meet with clients in person and virtually devising case strategy and communicating the recommended resolution to their matter.
• Negotiate with prosecutors and clients for best results for clients.
• Provide continual communication with clients as to case updates.
• Meet all case and client deadlines, including court appearances.
• Ability to write appellate briefs is essential.
• Ability to try cases independently (or aspire to learn to do so)
• Draft persuasive motions, pleadings, and briefs that advance your client’s interests at every stage of the legal process.
• Perform comprehensive legal research and analysis across a variety of criminal law issues to build strong, evidence-based defenses.
• Demonstrate unwavering integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct, consistently championing justice, fairness, and the rights of every client.
• Excel under pressure by skillfully managing multiple cases without compromising the high quality and meticulous attention to detail that distinguishes our firm.

What We’re Looking For

• 3–6 years of experience practicing criminal defense law (additional civil litigation experience is a plus).
• Active Ohio Bar license in good standing, with demonstrable experience practicing law in Ohio.
• Courtroom experience, including participation in hearings and trials.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including clear, professional phone conversations and well-crafted email correspondence.
• Understanding that serving clients goes beyond the standard 8-5 workday – Gets the job done.
• Superior work ethic - takes ownership and embraces success.
• Team player that understands the importance of and participates in firm meetings and huddles.
• Demonstrated personal accountability and a strong sense of professional responsibility.
• Ability to make independent decisions is essential. Our firm culture champions autonomy, sound judgment, and a collaborative environment free from micromanagement.
• Exceptional negotiation and persuasion skills enabling you to effectively advocate for your clients and achieve optimal outcomes.
• Outstanding research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, equipping you to address complex legal challenges with confidence.
• Must be self-directed with a competitive drive.
• Must be teachable and coachable.
• Embraces change, growth and new technology.
• An energetic go-getter who is a delight to work with.

What Success Looks Like

• Thorough preparation is essential, but your ability to think on your feet, communicate clearly, and adapt to new situations will set you apart and drive your success in this Associate Attorney role.
• Client communication: We value responsiveness. You should strive to provide thoughtful, timely responses to clients—ideally within 24 hours, if not sooner, and within 24 hours at most—to build trust and strong relationships.
• Client accolades: Your dedication and results will be reflected in positive client feedback. Our goal is to earn at least three positive reviews within 180 days or per quarter across various media platforms, showcasing the quality of our service.
• Reliability: As a criminal law attorney, you consistently meet deadlines and manage your caseload efficiently, ensuring no details or tasks are overlooked.
• Organization and Strategy: Success in this position means approaching each case with a well-defined strategy and meticulous organization, allowing you to advocate effectively for every client.
• Client Satisfaction and Referrals: By providing outstanding representation and client care, you’ll create strong relationships with criminal law clients—leading to referrals and the growth of the law practice.

The approximately annual salary range for this position is $80,000 to $100,000+, contingent on relevant experience, skills, work history, and education.