Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

Matthew Lopez Law, PLLC; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company matching

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company gas card

Paid time off

Coverage for bar dues and CLEs

Job summary

Matthew Lopez Law, a premier criminal defense firm in Arizona, is seeking an experienced Associate Attorney for a full-time role in Phoenix. The firm handles misdemeanor and felony cases across the state and emphasizes long-term career growth in a supportive, team-driven environment.

Ideal candidates have prior criminal defense experience in AZ, a track record with misdemeanor and felony cases, and a commitment to client service.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a public defender’s office, county/city attorney’s office, or criminal defense law firm in Arizona
• Experience handling misdemeanor and felony cases
• Candidates without criminal law experience are encouraged to apply; compensation will be commensurate with experience

Responsibilities

• Requesting discovery and conducting case investigations
• Interviewing police officers and witnesses
• Filing and arguing pretrial motions
• Handling misdemeanor and felony trials
• Working closely with investigators
• Attending court appearances in superior, justice, and city courts
• Communicating with clients to guide them through criminal procedures and provide case updates
• Conducting in-office and telephonic consultations
• Collaborating with administrative staff to maintain an efficient and professional workflow

Skills

Criminal defense experience

Arizona law familiarity

Client communication

Job description

Matthew Lopez Law is a top-rated criminal defense law firm in Arizona, representing clients in misdemeanor and felony cases throughout the state. We are currently accepting applications for a full-time, experienced Associate Attorney to join our dedicated team. This position offers an outstanding opportunity for attorneys who are passionate about building a long-term career in criminal defense and becoming part of one of Arizona’s premier criminal defense firms.

Key Responsibilities

The Associate Attorney will be responsible for a variety of legal tasks, including:

• Requesting discovery and conducting case investigations
• Interviewing police officers and witnesses
• Filing and arguing pretrial motions
• Handling misdemeanor and felony trials
• Working closely with investigators
• Attending court appearances in superior, justice, and city courts
• Communicating with clients to guide them through criminal procedures and provide case updates
• Conducting in-office and telephonic consultations
• Collaborating with administrative staff to maintain an efficient and professional workflow

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a public defender’s office, county/city attorney’s office, or criminal defense law firm in Arizona
• Experience handling misdemeanor and felony cases
• Candidates without criminal law experience are encouraged to apply; compensation will be commensurate with experience

Our Firm Culture

At Matthew Lopez Law, we provide a supportive, team-oriented environment focused on career

development, hands-on training, and employee satisfaction. Our attorneys are supported by experienced paralegals and legal assistants, allowing them to focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for clients. We pride ourselves on maintaining low employee turnover and fostering a positive workplace culture that values both professional growth and work-life balance.

• $130,000 – $150,000 annual salary
• 401(k) with company matching
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company gas card
• Paid time off
• Coverage for bar dues and CLEs