Criminal Defense Attorney

SMB Team; California; On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision Insurance

PTO

Professional Development

Job summary

Santa Clara Law Firm is seeking a Criminal Defense Litigation Attorney to join full-time, on-site in Santa Clara, CA. You will handle misdemeanors and felonies with supervision in a senior capacity, requiring 4+ years of experience and a zealous, client-focused approach.

The role emphasizes active courtroom work, drafting motions, and direct client advocacy across California counties. Travel and flexible scheduling around court calendars are expected.

Qualifications

• Active California State Bar license in good standing.
• Court experience in multiple California counties.
• Senior attorney with 4+ years of criminal defense and trial exposure.

Responsibilities

• Draft motions, briefs, and legal correspondence.
• Appear in court hearings and trials across California counties.
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients throughout cases.
• Represent clients in criminal defense matters across California counties.
• Travel to courts in various California counties.
• Complete all assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Close 80% of misdemeanor cases within six months and felonies within one year.

Skills

Trial experience

Writing skills

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Active California Bar license

Job description

Due to its rapid growth, our law firm client in Santa Clara, California, seeks a Criminal Defense Litigation Attorney to work full-time on-site at their office. In this role, you will handle criminal law infractions, misdemeanors, and felony cases for the Firm. The Firm seeks a senior attorney with 4+ years of criminal defense experience, including trial.

The Firm is fast-growing, with a dependable legal practice focused on criminal defense, traffic, and corporate law. The Firm believes that everyone deserves a fierce, zealous, and dedicated advocate.

This is a hands-on litigation role. From day one, you'll be in the courtroom, drafting motions, and standing beside clients when it matters most. If you thrive under pressure, communicate clearly and confidently, and want to build a meaningful litigation career, this is your opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Draft motions, briefs, and legal correspondence
• Appear in court hearings and trials across multiple jurisdictions
• Communicate directly and compassionately with clients throughout their cases
• Represent clients in criminal defense matters across California counties
• Travel to courts in various California counties
• Complete all assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Close cases: Close 80% of misdemeanor cases closed within six months of employment and within one-year on felonies.

Requirements

• Active California State Bar license, in good standing
• Court experience in various California counties
• Trial experience is a plus
• A command of California criminal procedure
• Commitment to criminal defense and client advocacy
• Excellent writing skills, strong negotiation abilities, and expert communication skills

In addition to the firm's standard working days and hours, the schedule for this position will also adjust as needed based on court calendars, hearing dates, filing deadlines, and other case-related requirements. Flexibility is essential, as court appearances and litigation demands may occasionally require work outside regular business hours.

• Health insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Professional Development
• PTO

Compensation

Pursuant to California regulation, the salary range for this position is $120,000 to $200,000 annually, contingent on relevant experience and education.

The compensation range and benefits described in this posting are believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. The Firm reserves the right to modify compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment as permitted by applicable law.

The Firm is committed to equal employment opportunity and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding compensation transparency and non-discrimination.