Criminal Defense Attorney

The Jeffcoat Firm; Rock Hill (SC); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with employer contribution

Unlimited paid time off

Job summary

The Jeffcoat Firm, based in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is seeking a Criminal Defense Attorney who is passionate about justice and dedicated to high-caliber advocacy for clients facing serious charges. The role emphasizes courtroom skill, strategic defense planning, and client-centered service.

You will work within a collaborative team across offices in South Carolina, with travel to appear in court and at hearings as needed.

Qualifications

• Active South Carolina Bar license in good standing.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in criminal law.
• Strong courtroom and negotiation skills — able to litigate cases, challenge evidence, and negotiate plea bargains.

Responsibilities

• Defend clients facing DUIs, drug offenses, violent crimes, white-collar charges, and more with high intensity.
• Build winning defense strategies through thorough legal research and evidence gathering.
• Represent clients in court appearances including first appearances, bond hearings, pre-trial hearings, trials, and sentencing.
• Negotiate favorable plea agreements and case dismissals when possible.
• Guide clients through consultations, clearly explaining legal rights and options.
• Collaborate with fellow attorneys, investigators, and expert witnesses to strengthen each case.

Skills

Courtroom advocacy

Negotiation

Legal research

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal research tools

Job description

Description

At The Jeffcoat Firm, every case starts and ends with the client. We are a highly respected South Carolina criminal defense firm built on a simple belief: people facing criminal charges deserve a fierce, knowledgeable advocate in their corner — not just a case number.

Under the leadership of Michael Jeffcoat, our mission is to deliver exceptional legal representation to those who need it most, and to make sure every client feels heard, respected, and fought for from the very first interaction.

What sets us apart is how we get there: with humility, grit, and relentless advocacy for real people. Whether we’re in the courtroom or the conference room, we treat every client like they matter. Because they do.

We reject ego. We embrace growth. We make no excuses.

We are actively seeking a Criminal Defense Attorney with a passion for justice, a drive to win for the people who trust us with their future, and an appetite for a law firm home that invests as much in your career as you invest in your clients.

The Impact You'll Have for Our Clients

• Defend the people who need it most — represent clients facing DUIs, drug offenses, violent crimes, white-collar charges, and more, with the same intensity whether it’s their first encounter with the system or their toughest fight yet.
• Build winning defense strategies — conduct thorough legal research, gather evidence, and craft strong, individualized defense plans for every client you represent.
• Stand with clients in court — attend first appearances, bond hearings, pre-trial hearings, plea hearings, trials, and sentencing hearings, giving clients a steady, prepared advocate at every stage.
• Negotiate for the best possible outcome — work directly with prosecutors to pursue favorable plea agreements and case dismissals whenever possible.
• Guide clients through one of the hardest moments of their lives — conduct initial consultations, clearly explain legal rights, and provide the advice clients need to make informed decisions about their future.
• Strengthen every case as part of a team — collaborate with fellow attorneys, investigators, and expert witnesses so each client benefits from the full strength of the firm.

The Experience You'll Have as Part of Our Team

We believe attorneys do their best work for clients when they’re genuinely supported. That’s why we’ve built an environment designed around your focus and growth:

• Practice law, not paperwork — our experienced Operations team handles back-office and administrative support so you can stay focused on building winning legal strategies, not chasing logistics.
• Work where you do your best work — flexible, work-from-home options paired with a collaborative in-office culture with offices across South Carolina, and the Defense flagship location in downtown Columbia.
• Grow on a real track — supportive leadership, clear accountability, and a genuine investment in your long-term career growth within the firm.
• Take the time you need — unlimited time off under our Attorney Leave policy, so you can show up for your clients and for yourself.
• Be part of something bigger — give back through Jeffcoat Gives Back and community initiatives like the Veteran’s Expo, on paid volunteer time.
• Feel the security of comprehensive support — medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, parental leave, and investment in your retirement with a 401(k) with employer contribution.

Criminal Defense Attorney Incentive Plan

We back our attorneys with one of the most straightforward, attorney-friendly incentive plans in the profession — designed so your hard work on behalf of clients translates directly into your earnings:

• No administrative fees — 100% of your earned incentive is yours; nothing is reduced by hidden administrative costs.
• Earn on every assigned case you successfully conclude — incentive pay applies to all assigned cases you conclude, so your effort is recognized and rewarded.
• Your earning potential grows with you — incentive pay increases with tenure, rewarding the experience, judgment, and client relationships you build over time at the firm.

Combined with a competitive base salary, this is a compensation structure built to grow alongside your career.

Who You Are

• Client centric; someone who truly enjoys the consistent and committed interaction with clients.
• Willing to travel; recognizes the most impactful work is done in courtrooms.
• Active South Carolina Bar license in good standing (Client-centric required).
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in criminal law.
• Strong courtroom and negotiation skills — able to litigate cases, challenge evidence, and negotiate plea bargains with confidence.
• Growth-oriented and driven, with a forward-thinking mindset and commitment to continuous learning.
• Detail-oriented, with a genuine sense of responsibility to the clients you represent.
• Tech-savvy — proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research tools.

Location

Rock Hill, South Carolina area.

Work authorization/security clearance requirements

Authorized to work in the United States.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement:

The Jeffcoat Firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.