Criminal Defense Attorney

SMB Team; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid schedule

Family-first culture

Generous vacation and personal leave

Mentorship programs

Job summary

SMB Team in Cincinnati, OH seeks an Associate Attorney with 2–4 years of Ohio DUI and criminal defense experience to join a high-performing, hybrid team. You will manage a balanced caseload, negotiate pleas, and litigate with autonomy while collaborating with experienced attorneys.

The role emphasizes integrity, client advocacy, and professional growth through mentorship. Competitive salary with hybrid work options and opportunities for development in workshops and seminars.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in Ohio DUI and criminal defense.
• Active Ohio Bar license in good standing; Ohio practice experience.
• Courtroom experience with hearings and bench trials.
• Proven trial experience with independent case management.
• Strong computer literacy and paperless workflows.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a balanced caseload of DUI and criminal matters with tailored defenses.
• Negotiate favorable plea agreements and litigate in court.
• Draft motions, pleadings, and briefs to advance clients’ interests.
• Perform comprehensive legal research and analysis on DUI/criminal issues.
• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
• Excel under pressure while managing multiple cases with meticulous detail.

Skills

DUI law

Criminal defense

Trial experience

Negotiation

Research & analysis

Client communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Active Ohio Bar

Tools

Case management software

iPad-based legal tech

Job description

Would you like to make a life-changing impact in Criminal Law defense while working in a high-tech, hybrid environment? Are you looking to grow your legal career with a dynamic team? Do you aspire to help people reclaim their freedom and ensure their rights are upheld?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, keep reading.

Our law firm client in Cincinnati, Ohio, seeks an Associate Attorney with 2-4 years of Ohio DUI and Criminal Defense experience. Join a rapidly expanding law firm with resources and support to enhance your career.

What's in it for you?

Choose to work at the Cincinnati, Ohio office, or enjoy the freedom of a flexible hybrid schedule that adapts to your lifestyle.

Culture: We put "family first" and value work-life balance. Benefit from a flexible schedule and generous vacation and personal leave, so you can truly recharge.

Experience true autonomy—no micromanagement here. Manage your practice independently and enjoy the freedom to practice law your way.

Collaboration: Work directly alongside talented, experienced attorneys and be part of a supportive team.

The firm invests in your professional growth with ample development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs.

What You'll Do as a Criminal Defense Attorney

• Manage a balanced caseload of DUI and criminal matters, ensuring each client receives dedicated attention and a tailored defense strategy
• Empower your clients to achieve the best possible outcomes, enjoy autonomy to craft and pursue the most effective defense strategies for everyone
• Negotiate favorable plea agreements and litigate cases in court, advocating zealously on behalf of your clients
• Draft persuasive motions, pleadings, and briefs that advance your client's interests at every stage of the legal process
• Perform comprehensive legal research and analysis across a variety of DUI and criminal law issues to build strong, evidence-based defenses
• Demonstrate unwavering integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct, consistently championing justice, fairness, and the rights of every client
• Excel under pressure by skillfully managing multiple cases without compromising the high quality and meticulous attention to detail that distinguishes our firm

What You'll Bring

• 2-4 years of experience practicing criminal or DUI law (additional civil litigation experience is a plus)
• Active Ohio Bar license in good standing, with demonstrable experience practicing law in Ohio
• Courtroom experience, including participation in hearings and bench trials
• Proven trial experience with the ability to independently manage and conduct trials from start to finish
• High level of computer literacy, with proficiency in managing paperless workflows and using iPad-based legal technology systems
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including clear, professional phone conversations and well-crafted email correspondence
• Strong active listening skills to build rapport and understanding with clients, colleagues, and peers
• Demonstrated personal accountability and a strong sense of professional responsibility
• Ability to make independent decisions is essential. Our firm culture champions autonomy, sound judgment, and a collaborative environment free from micromanagement
• Exceptional negotiation and persuasion skills that enable you to effectively advocate for your clients and achieve optimal outcomes
• Outstanding research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, equipping you to address complex legal challenges with confidence

What Success Looks Like

• Thorough preparation is essential, but your ability to think on your feet, communicate clearly, and adapt to new situations will set you apart and drive your success in this Associate Attorney role
• Client communication: We value responsiveness. You should strive to provide thoughtful, timely responses to clients—ideally within 24 hours, if not sooner—to build trust and strong relationships
• Client accolades: Your dedication and results will be reflected in positive client feedback. Our goal is to earn at least ten reviews per quarter across various media platforms, showcasing the quality of our service
• Reliability: As a criminal law attorney, you consistently meet deadlines and manage your caseload efficiently, ensuring no details or tasks are overlooked
• Organization and Strategy: Success in this position means approaching each case with a well-defined strategy and meticulous organization, allowing you to advocate effectively for every client
• Client Satisfaction and Referrals: By providing outstanding representation and client care, you'll create strong relationships with criminal law clients—leading to referrals and the growth of the law practice
• Successful trial or plea outcomes for our valued clients

The annual salary range for this position is $90,000 to $120,000+ contingent on relevant experience, court experience, work history, and education.