Criminal Attorney

Community Law Group, PLLC / Abogados de la Comunidad; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Education budget

Medical benefit contribution

PTO

Team events and activities

Career advancement

Job summary

Community Law Group in Nashville, Tennessee, seeks an experienced Associate Attorney – Criminal Defense to join a growing team. This full-time role offers a competitive salary ($100,000–$120,000) and a performance-based bonus, with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.

You will handle criminal matters from intake to resolution, develop defense strategies, conduct legal research, negotiate with prosecutors, and provide compassionate, client-centered representation to

Qualifications

• Active Tennessee law license required.
• 4–5 years of criminal defense experience.
• Strong litigation experience across cases from consult to resolution.
• Excellent negotiation, research, and writing skills.
• Excellent courtroom advocacy and client communication.
• Ability to manage a significant caseload and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients exclusively in criminal defense matters from intake to resolution.
• Advocate for clients in and out of court and develop defense strategies.
• Conduct legal research, negotiate with prosecutors and opposing parties.
• Provide knowledgeable and compassionate representation throughout the process.
• Collaborate with staff to manage deadlines, hearings, and filings.
• Build trusted client relationships and contribute to firm goals.

Skills

Criminal litigation

Negotiation

Legal research

Legal writing

Courtroom advocacy

Client communication

Team collaboration

Job description

Salary: $100,000 - $120,000 + Performance Bonus | Full-Time

Make a Difference in the Community You Serve

Community Law Group (CLG), known throughout Tennessee as "Abogados de la Comunidad," has proudly served Nashville's diverse communities since 2008. With offices in Nashville and Chattanooga, we are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality legal representation to individuals facing some of life's most difficult legal challenges.

We are seeking an experienced Associate Attorney – Criminal Defense who is passionate about criminal defense advocacy, client service, and making a meaningful impact in the community.

This is an opportunity to join a growing firm where your contributions are valued, your professional development is supported, and your work directly changes lives.

If you're looking for a firm that invests in its people, embraces innovation, and is committed to providing strong legal representation to individuals navigating the criminal justice system, Community Law Group wants to meet you.

Visit us: https://communitylawgroup.com

Why Join Community Law Group?

At CLG, we believe great attorneys deserve more than a job. They deserve an opportunity to build a rewarding career while serving their community.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary: $100,000 - $120,000, based on experience
• Performance-based quarterly bonuses
• Comprehensive professional growth opportunities
• Education and learning budget for courses, books, certifications, and events
• Medical benefit contribution
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Team events, retreats, and company activities
• Collaborative and supportive culture
• Clear opportunities for advancement as the firm continues to grow

The Role

As an Associate Attorney – Criminal Defense, you will represent clients exclusively in criminal defense matters, managing cases from initial consultation through resolution.

You will advocate for clients in and out of court, develop effective defense strategies, conduct legal research, negotiate with prosecutors and opposing parties, and provide clients with knowledgeable and compassionate representation throughout the legal process.

Practice Areas

• Criminal Defense
• DUI and DWI Matters
• Traffic-Related Criminal Matters
• Assault and Related Criminal Cases
• Misdemeanor and Felony Defense
• Criminal Court Proceedings
• Plea Negotiations and Case Resolution
• Other Criminal Defense Matters as assigned

What Success Looks Like

During your first year, you will:

• Build and manage a successful criminal defense caseload
• Provide exceptional client service and effective legal representation
• Develop and implement strategic defense plans tailored to each client's circumstances
• Represent clients confidently in court and during negotiations
• Conduct thorough legal research and prepare persuasive legal documents
• Effectively manage deadlines, hearings, filings, and other case requirements
• Conduct effective client consultations and contribute to appropriate case conversions
• Develop trusted relationships with clients and referral sources
• Collaborate with legal assistants, paralegals, attorneys, and leadership to achieve case and firm goals
• Continue expanding your criminal defense expertise and professional capabilities

Qualifications

Required

• Active Tennessee law license
• Minimum of 4–5 years of criminal defense experience
• Strong criminal litigation experience
• Experience handling criminal cases from consultation through resolution
• Strong negotiation, legal research, and legal writing skills
• Excellent courtroom advocacy and oral communication skills
• Excellent client communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and case management abilities
• Ability to manage a significant caseload and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team
• Strategic thinking and sound legal judgment

Preferred

• Bilingual in English and Spanish (not a requirement)
• Experience serving multicultural or immigrant communities
• Experience handling both misdemeanor and felony matters
• Experience with DUI/DWI and assault-related cases
• Experience mentoring junior legal professionals
• Passion for community-centered criminal defense advocacy

Who Thrives at CLG?

You may be a great fit if you are:

• Client-focused and relationship-driven
• Confident in the courtroom and during negotiations
• Passionate about criminal defense and protecting clients' rights
• Motivated by meaningful work and community impact
• Collaborative, adaptable, and growth-oriented
• Organized and able to manage competing priorities
• Looking for a long-term opportunity with leadership potential

At Community Law Group, we believe every individual deserves access to quality legal representation and compassionate advocacy. Our attorneys play a vital role in ensuring that every client is treated with dignity, respect, and professionalism throughout the legal process.

If you are looking for an opportunity to grow your criminal defense career while making a lasting impact in the communities we serve, we encourage you to apply.