Criminal Defense Associate Attorney

The Choyce Law Firm; Fairfield (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

The Choyce Law Firm, a premier criminal defense practice in Northern California, seeks a Criminal Defense Associate Attorney with at least one year of criminal law experience. The ideal candidate will handle court appearances, draft motions, and advise clients, delivering aggressive, ethical, and client-centered representation.

Join a growing team offering mentorship, professional growth, and a collaborative office environment with a competitive salary starting at $75,000+ based on experience.

Qualifications

• Active member in good standing with the California State Bar.
• Minimum of one year experience practicing criminal law.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload independently.
• Excellent communication and client-relations skills.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel to courts and detention facilities.

Responsibilities

• Appear in court on behalf of clients in criminal matters, including arraignments, pretrial hearings, motions, and trials.
• Draft, file, and argue legal motions, including suppression motions, discovery motions, and sentencing motions.
• Conduct jail and detention facility visits to meet with incarcerated clients.
• Negotiate case resolutions with District Attorneys and prosecutors.
• Review discovery, police reports, and evidence.
• Advise clients on legal rights, options, and case strategy.
• Prepare cases for trial, including witness preparation and evidence review.
• Maintain accurate case files and documentation.
• Communicate regularly with clients and their families regarding case status.

Skills

Bar admission

Criminal law experience

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Caseload management

Client communication

Travel to courts

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

About Us

Choyce Law Firm is a premier criminal defense firm serving Northern California for over 25 years. We are committed to aggressive, ethical, and client-centered representation. We are currently seeking a motivated Criminal Defense Associate Attorney to join our growing team.

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and driven Criminal Defense Associate Attorney with at least one year of criminal law experience and possibly some personal injury experience. The ideal candidate will be passionate about advocacy, comfortable in court, and committed to providing exceptional representation to clients facing criminal charges.

Minimum Qualifications

• Active member in good standing with the California State Bar
• Minimum of one (1) year experience practicing criminal law
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to manage a caseload independently
• Excellent communication and client-relations skills
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel to courts and detention facilities

Primary Responsibilities

• Appear in court on behalf of clients in criminal matters, including arraignments, pretrial hearings, motions, and trials
• Draft, file, and argue legal motions, including suppression motions, discovery motions, and sentencing motions
• Conduct jail and detention facility visits to meet with incarcerated clients
• Negotiate case resolutions with District Attorneys and prosecutors
• Review discovery, police reports, and evidence
• Advise clients on legal rights, options, and case strategy
• Prepare cases for trial, including witness preparation and evidence review
• Maintain accurate case files and documentation
• Communicate regularly with clients and their families regarding case status

Additional Responsibilities for Criminal Associate

• Manage assigned caseload from intake through resolution
• Assist senior attorneys with complex litigation and trials
• Participate in case strategy meetings and legal brainstorming
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda
• Attend continuing legal education (CLE) programs as required
• Represent the firm professionally in court and with clients
• Contribute to a collaborative and supportive office environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary starting at $75,000+, based on experience
• Performance-based bonuses (where applicable)
• Opportunity for professional growth and advancement
• Mentorship from experienced trial attorneys
• Supportive team-oriented work environment