Criminal Defense Attorney

RIM Recruitment Professionals; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

RIM Recruitment Professionals is seeking a Criminal Defense Attorney for a full-time, in-office role in Northern Virginia. The attorney will handle a high-volume caseload from intake to resolution, representing clients in misdemeanor and felony matters with a focus on trial readiness and client communication.

Ideal candidates will have 3+ years of criminal litigation experience, including felony cases, and a proven jury trial track record.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Virginia (required).
• 3+ years of criminal litigation experience, including felony matters.
• Jury trial experience (required).

Responsibilities

• Manage a full caseload of criminal defense matters from intake through resolution
• Represent clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies in court
• Conduct client consultations and assess case strategy
• Draft and argue motions, negotiate dispositions, and prepare cases for trial
• Appear in court for arraignments, bond hearings, preliminary hearings, motions, and trials
• Conduct jury trials and represent clients through verdict
• Maintain proactive client communication throughout the lifecycle of each case
• Collaborate with internal team members on case strategy and workload management
• Maintain accurate documentation using case management software

Skills

Criminal defense

Jury trial

Legal writing

Client communication

Courtroom advocacy

Job description

JOB-38099 Position: Criminal Defense Attorney Location: Northern Virginia (In-Office) Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent Compensation: $120, 000-$135, 000 base salary + performance-based bonus (OTE $130, 000-$155, 000+)

About Our Client

Our client is a fast-growing, performance-driven litigation firm in Northern Virginia specializing in criminal defense and personal injury. Known for its strong courtroom presence and high-volume caseload, the firm is built for attorneys who take ownership of their cases and are motivated by delivering strong results for clients. They are seeking a trial-focused Criminal Defense Attorney to step into an active caseload and represent clients from arraignment through trial or resolution.

What You'll Be Doing

• Manage a full caseload of criminal defense matters from intake through resolution
• Represent clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies in court
• Conduct client consultations and assess case strategy
• Draft and argue motions, negotiate dispositions, and prepare cases for trial
• Appear in court for arraignments, bond hearings, preliminary hearings, motions, and trials
• Conduct jury trials and represent clients through verdict
• Maintain proactive client communication throughout the lifecycle of each case
• Collaborate with internal team members on case strategy and workload management
• Maintain accurate documentation using case management software

What They're Looking For

Must-Haves

• Licensed to practice law in Virginia (required)
• 3+ years of criminal litigation experience, including felony matters
• Jury trial experience (required)
• Proven ability to independently manage a high-volume caseload
• Strong courtroom advocacy, negotiation, and legal writing skills
• Experience appearing in General District and Circuit Courts
• Client-focused approach with strong interpersonal communication skills

Nice-to-Haves

• 7+ first-chair jury trials taken to verdict
• 9+ years of criminal litigation experience
• Experience handling serious felony matters (violent crimes, drug offenses, etc.)
• Familiarity with Northern Virginia courts (Fairfax, Prince William, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun)
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)
• Existing referral network within the local community

Why This Role?

• Immediate opportunity to step into an active, high-volume caseload
• Work in a fast-paced, trial-driven environment
• Competitive base salary plus performance-based bonus structure
• Strong support system and infrastructure
• Opportunity for growth into senior and leadership roles

Compensation & Long-Term Opportunities

• Base Salary: $120, 000-$135, 000 depending on experience
• Performance-Based Bonus: Quarterly bonus tied to case outcomes and productivity
• On-Target Earnings: $130, 000-$155, 000+
• Referral Bonuses: Additional incentives for originated cases
• Growth Path: Opportunity to advance into senior associate and leadership roles as the firm expands

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