Criminal Defense Attorney

Mastagni Holstedt, A Professional Corporation; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k)

Paid MCLEs

Free parking

Job summary

Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C. in Sacramento, CA, seeks a criminal defense attorney with 3+ years of experience to join our high-stakes practice. You will represent clients through all stages of criminal defense, respond to inquiries, research, and prepare cases for trial.

We offer mentorship, a collaborative team of 40+ attorneys, and a strong commitment to public safety professionals. Full-time, in-office role with competitive compensation and benefits including health, dental, vision and life

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and active California bar membership.
• Minimum 3 years of criminal defense or related experience.
• Trial experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients through all stages of criminal defense matters.
• Pre-trial communication with clients, courts, opposing counsel, or other parties; conduct legal research and case investigation.
• Draft motions and other legal documents; negotiate with prosecutors and prepare cases for trial.
• Collaborate with senior attorneys on developing case strategies.
• Maintain case files, meet deadlines, stay up-to-date with criminal law changes.
• Participation in a rotational 24/7 on-call schedule may be required.

Skills

Legal research

Communication

Professional judgment

Trial readiness

Travel willingness

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

We’re Growing Our Team—And We Need Your Help

Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C. is seeking a skilled Criminal Defense attorney with 3+ years of experience to join our growing, high-stakes practice. For over 50 years, our AV-Preeminent rated firm has been the trusted voice for public safety personnel and unions across California. If you are a trial ready advocate who wants to defend those who protect our communities during the most critical moments of their careers, this is your long-term professional home.

What You’ll Do:

• Comprehensive Advocacy: Represent clients through all stages of criminal defense matters, administrative disciplinary hearings, and licensure boards.
• Pre-Trial: Communicate effectively with clients, courts, opposing counsel, or other parties, conduct legal research and case investigation to support case preparation.
• Litigation & Trial: Draft motions and other legal documents, negotiate with prosecutors, conduct investigations, appear in court and client meetings, and prepare cases for trial.
• Strategic Collaboration: Collaborate with senior attorneys on developing case strategies.
• Organization: Maintain case files, meet deadlines, stay up-to-date with changes in criminal law.
• Participation in a rotational 24/7 on-call schedule may be required.
• Credentials: Juris Doctor (J.D.), active membership and good standing with the California bar.
• Knowledge & Experience: Minimum 3 years or practicing law. Strong foundation in California and federal statutes. Trial experience and a strong background in criminal law (defense or prosecution) is highly preferred.
• Skills: Excellent legal research, sharp communication skills, strong professional judgment, and a willingness to travel for case assignments.

What Laterals Value Most About Us:

• A respected firm with 50 years in practice.
• Unrivaled Credentials: Recognized by Best Lawyers 2026, AV-Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, Client Champion Platinum 2025, media exposure and legislative testimony.
• Built in Support: Work alongside a 40+ attorney team, a full-time in-house investigator, and 19 Labor Relations Consultants.

What We Offer:

The successful candidate will receive training and mentorship in a collaborative environment where associates work closely with highly-seasoned practitioners. Candidates have the opportunity to gain broad experience representing public safety personnel and associations in all aspects of labor relations and employment actions ranging from internal discipline, criminal defense, and officer-involved critical incidents to collective bargaining and association leadership.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid MCLEs, professional development assistance, and free parking

Job Type: Full-time, in-office

Pay: $115,000.00 to $160,000.00 commensurate with experience.

About Our Firm:

Founded in 1976, the Firm has earned an AV-Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell and is recognized throughout California as a law firm focused on delivering client-focused, results-driven representation to unions and employees. We have been privileged to represent clients throughout California in matters related to criminal defense, labor and employment, civil litigation, personal injury, workers’ compensation, and contract negotiations.

The Firm maintains a robust criminal practice focused primarily on representing employees—particularly public safety professionals—who are facing criminal charges arising either during the performance of their official duties or in their personal capacity. Our work involves high-stakes criminal cases that intersect with administrative, employment, and disciplinary proceedings. We remain committed to providing aggressive advocacy during some of the most challenging moments of our clients’ careers.