Associate Attorney — Criminal Defense & Traffic

Phoenix Trial Firm; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage after 90 days

401(k) with employer match

10 vacation days

Paid holidays

Bar dues and CLE

Job summary

Phoenix Trial Firm in Virginia Beach seeks an associate attorney with 1–3 years of criminal litigation experience for meaningful courtroom responsibility, direct client relationships, and a compensation structure that grows with contribution.

The practice covers criminal and traffic matters across Hampton Roads; new lawyers start with a focused traffic caseload, with broader opportunities after six months. In-person court appearances are required.

Qualifications

• Active Virginia law license in good standing by the start date.
• 1–3 years of criminal litigation experience; newly licensed applicants welcomed.
• Strong legal writing, oral advocacy, organization and client communication.
• Ability to attend in-person court proceedings and travel throughout Hampton Roads.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in criminal and traffic matters throughout Hampton Roads.
• Prepare cases, review evidence, advise clients, conduct legal research and draft motions.
• Negotiate with prosecutors and appear in court.
• Maintain clear client communication, sound judgment and reliable case management.

Skills

Criminal litigation

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Client communication

Ethical representation

Travel readiness

Education

Virginia Bar license

Job description

$85,000–$90,000 base salary + monthly production bonuses + $5,000 signing bonus · Full-time · Virginia Beach following the planned Smithfield office transition.

Build your criminal defense practice with The Phoenix Trial Firm.

We are seeking an associate attorney with 1–3 years of criminal litigation experience who wants meaningful courtroom responsibility, direct client relationships, and compensation that grows with their contribution. Attorneys with prosecution, public defense, or private criminal defense experience are encouraged to apply. Newly licensed Virginia attorneys with a strong interest in courtroom practice will also be considered.

Your practice

Represent clients in criminal and traffic matters throughout Hampton Roads, with assignments matched to your experience and readiness. Responsibilities include preparing cases, reviewing evidence, advising clients, conducting legal research, drafting motions, negotiating with prosecutors, and appearing in court. Clear client communication, sound judgment, thorough preparation and reliable case management are central to the role.

For newly licensed attorneys

For your first six months, your assigned caseload will be limited to reckless driving and other traffic matters. This provides a focused foundation in case preparation, client counseling and courtroom advocacy. After six months, we will assess your readiness for a broader criminal caseload. Attorneys joining with prior criminal litigation experience will receive assignments appropriate to their demonstrated skills.

Compensation and benefits

• $85,000–$90,000 annual base salary, based on relevant experience and demonstrated courtroom skills.
• $5,000 signing bonus, paid with your first regular paycheck.
• Monthly production bonuses under a written compensation plan. The formula, fee-credit rules and worked examples will be provided during the interview process.
• Medical coverage after 90 days of employment, subject to plan terms.
• Eligibility to participate in the firm's 401(k), including an employer match, after one year of employment, subject to plan terms.
• 10 paid vacation days per year.
• Paid holidays.
• Firm-paid bar dues and continuing legal education (CLE).

What we are looking for

• Active Virginia law license in good standing by the start date.
• Preferably 1–3 years of criminal litigation experience; newly licensed applicants are also welcome.
• Strong legal writing, oral advocacy, organization and client communication.
• Professional judgment and a commitment to careful, ethical representation.
• Ability to attend in-person court proceedings and travel throughout Hampton Roads.

Location

Virginia Beach will be the primary location following the planned transition of our Smithfield office. We will discuss the initial reporting location and transition schedule during the interview process. This role requires in-person court appearances throughout Hampton Roads.