Criminal Defense Associate Attorney

Stein-Conaway DUI & Criminal Defense; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Profit-Sharing

Paid Time Off

Healthcare Reimbursement

Mentorship and Development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Stein-Conaway DUI & Criminal Defense is seeking a Criminal Defense Associate Attorney for our Santa Maria or Templeton offices. You will join a client-centered, growth-oriented team that values excellence and compassionate advocacy.

The role requires an attorney licensed in California with at least 2 years of experience in criminal defense and a track record of two jury trials. Spanish-speaking candidates are encouraged to apply, with a salary range up to $155,000 plus bonuses.

Qualifications

• Requires attorney licensed and in good standing with the California Bar.
• At least 2 years of experience as a public defender, prosecutor, or in private criminal defense.
• At least 2 jury trials to verdict; bilingual Spanish preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide vigorous criminal defense for clients in Santa Maria or Templeton.
• Collaborate with a team to prepare cases, motions, and trial strategy.
• Engage in client communication with empathy and professionalism.

Skills

Legal experience

Jury trials

Emotional intelligence

Growth mindset

Spanish (preferred)

Education

California Bar admission

Juris Doctor or equivalent

Job description

Criminal Defense Associate Attorney – Santa Maria or Templeton, California We are continuing to grow and are looking for the right attorney to join our team in our Santa Maria office or our Templeton office. At Stein-Conaway DUI & Criminal Defense, we believe criminal defense representation can be a pathway to growth and transformation. We are continuing to grow and are looking for the right attorney to join our team in our Santa Maria office or our Templeton office. When our firm represents someone facing criminal charges, they receive more than just a lawyer who shows up in court; they have a team of dedicated advocates standing beside them. We measure success both by the outcomes we have in court and by the experience we create for clients throughout their representation.

Why Join Us

We are a high-performing, client-centered team built around three core values: Excellence: Excellence means more than legal knowledge or courtroom ability. It requires preparation, reliability, ownership, thoughtful planning, proactive communication, and consistent follow-through. We expect our attorneys to maintain high professional standards at every stage of a client's representation. Compassion: The clients we serve are often navigating one of the most stressful periods of their lives. We combine zealous legal advocacy with genuine care for the person we represent, expressed through clear, responsive, and respectful communication. Growth: We value attorneys who approach their work with reflection, ownership, and a continuing desire to improve. Our attorneys welcome thoughtful feedback, learn from mistakes, and continually elevate their performance. We care about both the quality of the legal representation and the client's experience of that representation. Our goal is for clients to know that they matter, their case matters, their attorneys are prepared, and our law firm is zealously and energetically advocating for them.

What We Offer

Total Annual Compensation: Up to $155,000: $125,000 base salary plus the opportunity to earn up to an additional $30,000 in annual performance-based bonuses. 401(k) Profit-Sharing Plan: Our firm 401(k) helps you invest in your future. Paid Time Off: Includes vacation days, sick leave, and recognized holidays. Healthcare Reimbursement: Up to $500 per month reimbursement for medical expenses. Mentorship and Professional Development: Work alongside highly seasoned criminal defense attorneys. This is an opportunity for an ambitious attorney to continue elevating their practice, strengthening their skills, and growing as an advocate. Collaborative, Client-Centered Culture: Join a team that values compassion, teamwork, and excellence in advocacy.

If you're ready to grow, contribute, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we look forward to hearing from you.

Equal Opportunity

Stein-Conaway DUI & Criminal Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities: What You'll Do You are an attorney licensed and in good standing with the California Bar. You have at least 2 years of experience as a public defender, prosecutor, or in a private criminal defense practice. You have completed at least 2 jury trials to verdict. You are grounded, compassionate, and growth-oriented; you want to get better every day. You demonstrate emotional intelligence. You are self-aware, empathetic, and able to navigate challenging situations with decency. While this position requires the experience outlined herein, we are open to considering an attorney with substantially more experience who meets the minimum experience requirements outlined in a separate job post we have done for a “Criminal Defense Senior Counsel.” Please see that job post for more information. Qualifications: Who You Are You are an attorney licensed and in good standing with the California Bar. You have at least 2 years of experience as a public defender, prosecutor, or in a private criminal defense practice. You have completed at least 2 jury trials to verdict. Spanish-speaking proficiency is preferred but not required. Bilingual candidates who are comfortable speaking, reading, and writing in both English and Spanish are encouraged to apply. You are grounded, compassionate, and growth-oriented; you want to get better every day. You demonstrate emotional intelligence. You are self-aware, empathetic, and able to navigate challenging situations with decency. We are open to considering a newer rising-star attorney who meets the minimum experience requirements outlined above, and we are also open to considering an attorney with substantially more experience than the requirements outlined above; for the right candidate with substantial experience, we would consider hiring for a more senior attorney position with a higher salary than what is outlined here. Compensation: $125,000 - $155,000 yearly

• What You'll Do
• You are an attorney licensed and in good standing with the California Bar.
• You have at least2 yearsof experience as a public defender, prosecutor, or in a private criminal defense practice.
• You have completed at least2 jury trials to verdict.
• You are grounded, compassionate, and growth-oriented; you want to get better every day.
• You demonstrate emotional intelligence. You are self-aware, empathetic, and able to navigate challenging situations with decency.
• While this position requires the experience outlined herein, we are open to considering an attorney with substantially more experience who meets the minimum experience requirements outlined in a separate job post we have done for a “Criminal Defense Senior Counsel.” Please see that job post for more information.

Compensation

$125,000-$155,000 per year