Criminal Defense Attorney

Palmer Legal Staffing; Lanham (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Performance incentives

Base salary commensurate with exp.

Professional, collegial work env.

Experienced support staff

Job summary

Palmer Legal Staffing is seeking a Criminal Defense Trial Attorney in Lanham, Maryland to manage a criminal defense caseload from start to finish. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of criminal litigation experience and a Maryland Bar license, with prior state’s attorney or defense work preferred.

This is an in-office, local candidate role with a meaningful caseload and autonomy. Join a firm that supports experienced trial attorneys, offers a competitive base salary, incentives, and a

Qualifications

• Active Maryland Bar license
• 3-5 years of criminal defense or prosecutorial litigation experience
• Experience practicing in Maryland District and Circuit Courts
• Strong courtroom presence and trial advocacy skills
• Excellent legal writing and oral argument abilities

Responsibilities

• Manage a criminal defense caseload independently from charging through disposition
• Appear regularly in Maryland District and Circuit Courts
• Advise clients facing serious criminal charges with confidence and strategic insight
• Handle all phases of criminal litigation, including: suppression hearings, bench trials, jury trials
• Collaborate with our experienced administrative and legal support team to deliver outstanding client service

Skills

Strong courtroom presence and trial

Excellent legal writing and oral arg

Ability to work independently

3-5 years of criminal defense or pro

Education

Active Maryland Bar license

Job description

Ready to Take First Chair?

A Maryland Law Firm isseeking an experienced Criminal Defense Trial Attorney to join their team in Lanham, Maryland.

This is an excellent opportunity for a confident litigator who thrives in the courtroom, values autonomy, and is ready to take ownership of serious criminal cases from inception through resolution. We are especially interested in candidates with 3-5 years of criminal litigation experience, including former Assistant State's Attorneys, although strong criminal defense trial attorneys are encouraged to apply.

This is not an entry-level role. We're looking for an attorney prepared to immediately handle a meaningful caseload and make an impact from day one.

Status: In-office

LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY

What You'll Do

• Manage a criminal defense caseload independently from charging through disposition
• Appear regularly in Maryland District and Circuit Courts
• Advise clients facing serious criminal charges with confidence and strategic insight
• Handle all phases of criminal litigation, including:
• Suppression hearings
• Bench trials
• Jury trials
• Collaborate with our experienced administrative and legal support team to deliver outstanding client service

Qualifications

Required:

• Active Maryland Bar license
• 3-5 years of criminal defense or prosecutorial litigation experience
• Experience practicing in Maryland District and Circuit Courts
• Strong courtroom presence and trial advocacy skills
• Excellent legal writing and oral argument abilities
• Ability to work independently with professionalism and sound judgment

Preferred:

• Former Assistant State's Attorney experience

Why Join the team

At the law firm you'll find the resources, support, and autonomy needed to build a successful litigation practice while working alongside experienced trial attorneys.

• Base salary: $120,000 - $160,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Performance incentives
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Professional, collegial work environment
• Experienced support staff dedicated to helping you succeed