Associate Attorney

Bernard OUI Defense; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on courtroom experience

Direct mentorship from trial attorneys

National seminars and CLE events

Job summary

The Law Offices of Joseph D. Bernard seeks a motivated Associate Attorney to join our criminal defense team, focusing on OUI defense and complex forensic issues. This role offers hands-on courtroom experience and exposure to cutting-edge litigation strategies.

You will develop skills in challenging scientific evidence, cross-examining experts, and handling suppression issues while benefiting from ongoing CLE opportunities and a supportive, client-centered culture.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Massachusetts Bar (or pending).
• Strong interest in criminal defense and trial work.
• Experience with legal research and writing at a high level.
• Law Review, Journal, Moot Court, or Trial Team experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in OUI and criminal defense matters in District Courts.
• Conduct legal research and develop strategic defenses.
• Draft motions, pleadings, and legal memoranda.
• Appear in court for hearings, motions, and trials.
• Analyze discovery, including police reports, bodycam footage, and forensic evidence.
• Litigate breath test admissibility issues, including certification, calibration, and compliance challenges.
• Work with scientific and technical evidence, including breathalyzer data, blood testing, and field sobriety testing.
• Collaborate with attorneys and experts on forensic and evidentiary challenges.
• Communicate directly with clients, providing guidance and support throughout their case.

Skills

Strong interest in criminal defense

Excellent writing and communication

Legal research and analysis

Multi-case management

Education

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

Job description

The Law Offices of Joseph D. Bernard is a premier criminal defense firm dedicatedto defending individuals charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI) and related offenses across Massachusetts. Led by Joseph D. Bernard, our team has a nationalreputation for forensic laboratory science in the courtroom and cutting-edge defense strategies, with a focus on forensic analysis and an unwavering commitment to client advocacy.

Bringing science into the courtroom is an important aspect of our firm's commitment to providing our clients with the best defense. You would be mentored by lawyers who have been nationally recognized as leaders in their areas of practice. We pride ourselves on a personalized, compassionate approach—fighting aggressively in court while guiding clients through one of the most stressful moments of their lives. The firm also authors two of the statewide treaties published by Thomson Reuters/West Publishing.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated, driven Associate Attorney to join our growing criminal defense team. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on courtroom experience while working on complexlitigation and forensic evidence issues that are central to modern criminal defense. Although there is a focus on OUI defense, we are looking to expand our practice into other areas of criminal defense.

This role goes beyond traditional criminal defense—you will develop skills in challenging scientific evidence, cross-examining expert witnesses, and litigating technical suppression issues. The firm also takes a proactive approach to continuing legal education andprovides multiple opportunities throughout the year to attend a variety of different seminars. Continued legal education is a focal point of the law firm’s culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients in OUI and criminal defense matters in District Courts
• Conduct legal research and develop strategic defenses
• Draft motions, pleadings, and legal memoranda
• Appear in court for hearings, motions, and trials
• Analyze discovery, including police reports, bodycam footage, and forensic evidence
• Litigate breath test admissibility issues, including certification, calibration, and compliance challenges
• Work with scientific and technical evidence, including breathalyzer data, blood testing, and field sobriety testing
• Collaborate with attorneys and experts on forensic and evidentiary challenges
• Communicate directly with clients, providing guidance and support throughout their case

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Admission to the Massachusetts Bar (or pending admission)
• Strong interest in criminal defense and trial work
• Interest or experience in forensic evidence, science-based litigation, or evidentiary challenges is a plus
• Experience with legal research and writing at a high level
• Law Review, Journal, Moot Court, or Trial Team experience is preferred
• Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines

What We’re Looking For

• A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Someone passionate about defending clients and challenging evidence
• Strong interpersonal skills with a client-first mindset
• Willingness to learn and grow within a specialized OUI practice

What We Offer

• Hands-on courtroom experience early in your career
• Direct mentorship from experienced trial attorneys
• Opportunity to work on high-level OUI litigation and defense strategies
• Collaborative, team-oriented office culture
• Emphasizes empathy and client care as much as courtroom success
• An opportunity to attend national seminars throughout the country