Associate Attorney - Criminal Defense

Adams & Martin Group; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Cell phone stipend

Paid parking

Paid time off

Bar dues

CLE expenses

Malpractice insurance

Professional development

Referral bonus

Business expense card

Job summary

Adams & Martin Group in the Greater St. Louis Area seeks an Associate Attorney with 2+ years in criminal defense to join our St. Louis-area office. You will counsel and represent clients through all stages of criminal proceedings and work closely with a collaborative team.

The ideal candidate has strong courtroom skills, excellent written and verbal communication, and the ability to manage multiple cases in a fast-paced environment while maintaining client confidentiality and integrity.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• At least two years of criminal defense experience.
• Missouri bar admission preferred; Illinois licensees encouraged to apply.
• Strong courtroom and advocacy skills; ability to manage multiple cases in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Counsel and represent clients throughout all stages of criminal and related proceedings
• Attend and argue motions, hearings, bond proceedings, and sentencing matters
• Develop case strategies and prepare cases for trial
• Conduct witness preparation, discovery review, and case investigations
• Serve as second-chair trial counsel and assist with trial preparation
• Perform legal research and draft motions, briefs, and other pleadings
• Maintain regular communication with clients regarding case developments
• Collaborate with attorneys and staff to deliver exceptional client service

Skills

Criminal defense

Courtroom advocacy

Legal research

Client communication

Multi-case management

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Compensation: $90,000 - $130,000 annually, depending on experience

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: Greater St. Louis Area (In-Office)

Our client, a litigation-focused law firm with a strong reputation for defending individuals facing criminal and quasi-criminal matters throughout Missouri and Illinois, is seeking an Associate Attorney with 2+ years of experience in criminal law to join its St. Louis-area office. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated attorney who enjoys courtroom advocacy, client interaction, and handling meaningful litigation matters.

Responsibilities

• Counsel and represent clients throughout all stages of criminal and related proceedings
• Attend and argue motions, hearings, bond proceedings, and sentencing matters
• Develop case strategies and prepare cases for trial
• Conduct witness preparation, discovery review, and case investigations
• Serve as second-chair trial counsel and assist with trial preparation
• Perform legal research and draft motions, briefs, and other pleadings
• Maintain regular communication with clients regarding case developments
• Collaborate with attorneys and staff to deliver exceptional client service

Qualified candidates will possess a J.D. from an accredited law school and have at least two years of criminal defense experience, including handling misdemeanor and felony matters. Missouri bar admission is preferred, though attorneys licensed in Illinois are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will have strong courtroom and advocacy skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and the ability to effectively manage multiple cases in a fast-paced environment while working both independently and collaboratively.

Our client offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including 401(k) participation with matching opportunities, health insurance and cell phone stipends, paid parking, paid time off, coverage of bar dues and CLE expenses, malpractice insurance, professional development support, referral bonus opportunities, and a company-issued business expense card.

This is a fast-paced, collaborative practice where attorneys receive substantial courtroom exposure and meaningful responsibility early in their tenure. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the St. Louis metropolitan area or relocate prior to their start date. All inquiries and applications will be handled with strict confidentiality.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.