Criminal Defense Associate Attorney

Orion Placement; Wisconsin; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Mileage reimbursement

Professional development support

Relocation assistance considered

Job summary

Orion Placement is seeking a criminal defense attorney to build a meaningful practice across Wisconsin, handling criminal, OWI, and traffic matters.

The role offers a hybrid schedule with in-person responsibilities in the Madison area; remote arrangements may be considered for qualified candidates outside Madison, with relocation assistance available on a case-by-case basis. You will develop case strategy, negotiate with prosecutors, draft pleadings, and maintain client communications.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of criminal law experience.
• Active Wisconsin law license in good standing.
• Strong courtroom, advocacy, legal writing, and case-management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients during stressful situations.
• Criminal defense, OWI, DUI, or traffic defense experience preferred.
• Ability to attend in-person court appearances as required.

Responsibilities

• Manage criminal, OWI, and traffic matters from intake through resolution.
• Develop case strategy, investigate defenses, and advise clients on their legal options.
• Represent clients at hearings, motions, negotiations, and other court proceedings.
• Negotiate with prosecutors and pursue favorable resolutions when appropriate.
• Draft motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Maintain regular communication with clients throughout their cases.
• Travel to Wisconsin courts as required for assigned matters.

Skills

Oral advocacy

Client communication

Legal writing

Case management

Negotiation

Education

Wisconsin Bar License

Job description

• Build a meaningful criminal defense practice while helping clients navigate serious, high-stakes legal matters.
• Handle a diverse mix of criminal, OWI, and traffic cases throughout Wisconsin.
• Join a supportive team that values attorney judgment, autonomy, and strong client advocacy.
• Compensation grows with directly relevant experience, including consideration for highly experienced attorneys.
• Enjoy strong benefits including paid time off, health benefits with generous HRA support, retirement savings, mileage reimbursement, and professional development assistance.
• Flexible work arrangements may be available for attorneys who live outside the Madison area.
• Relocation candidates are welcome, with relocation assistance considered on a case-by-case basis.

Location:

Madison, Wisconsin. Attorneys who live in the Madison area will work a hybrid schedule with regular in-person responsibilities. Attorneys located elsewhere in Wisconsin may be considered for a hybrid or remote arrangement based on location and case coverage needs.

Note:

Candidates must have 1+ years of criminal law experience and be licensed to practice law in Wisconsin. Criminal defense, OWI, DUI, or traffic defense experience is strongly preferred.

About Us

We are a Wisconsin criminal and traffic defense practice focused on helping people protect their rights and navigate difficult legal situations. Our attorneys represent clients in criminal, OWI, and traffic matters throughout Wisconsin, combining strong advocacy with responsive, practical client service.

Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Manage criminal, OWI, and traffic matters from intake through resolution.
• Develop case strategy, investigate defenses, and advise clients on their legal options.
• Represent clients at hearings, motions, negotiations, and other court proceedings.
• Negotiate with prosecutors and pursue favorable resolutions when appropriate.
• Draft motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Maintain regular communication with clients throughout their cases.
• Work collaboratively with our attorneys and support team while independently managing your caseload.
• Travel to Wisconsin courts as required for assigned matters.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of criminal law experience.
• Active Wisconsin law license in good standing.
• Strong courtroom, advocacy, legal writing, and case-management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients during stressful situations.
• Criminal defense, OWI, DUI, or traffic defense experience preferred.
• Ability to attend in-person court appearances as required.

Why You Will Love Working Here

• Meaningful work where your advocacy directly impacts clients' lives.
• Significant responsibility and the opportunity to develop your own approach to cases.
• A team that welcomes attorneys at different experience levels, including seasoned practitioners.
• Flexibility for qualified attorneys located outside the Madison area.
• Competitive compensation that recognizes experience and capability.
• Health benefits, retirement savings, paid time off, mileage reimbursement, and professional development support.