Criminal Defense Attorney

SMB Team; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Professional Development

Travel reimbursement

PTO

Job summary

SMB Team is seeking a Criminal Defense Litigation Attorney in Santa Clara, CA, to handle criminal cases full-time on-site. The role demands 4+ years of criminal defense experience, including trial, and a strong command of California procedure.

You will draft motions, appear in court, and advocate zealously for clients across California counties, with occasional travel and flexible hours based on court calendars and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Active California State Bar license in good standing.
• 4+ years of criminal defense experience, including trial.
• Excellent writing, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Command of California criminal procedure and courtroom practice.
• Commitment to aggressive client advocacy in criminal defense.

Responsibilities

• Draft motions, briefs, and legal correspondence for criminal cases.
• Appear in court hearings and trials across California counties.
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients throughout their cases.
• Represent clients in criminal defense matters across California counties; travel as needed.
• Maintain timeliness in completing tasks; adapt to court calendars and deadlines.

Skills

Active California State Bar license

Litigation experience

Trial experience

California criminal procedure

Writing & negotiation skills

Job description

Due to its rapid growth, our law firm client in Santa Clara, California, seeks a Criminal Defense Litigation Attorney to work full-time on-site at their office. In this role, you will handle criminal law infractions, misdemeanors, and felony cases for the Firm. The Firm seeks a senior attorney with 4+ years of criminal defense experience, including trial.

The Firm is fast-growing, with a dependable legal practice focused on criminal defense, traffic, and corporate law. The Firm believes that everyone deserves a fierce, zealous, and dedicated advocate.

This is a hands-on litigation role. From day one, you'll be in the courtroom, drafting motions, and standing beside clients when it matters most. If you thrive under pressure, communicate clearly and confidently, and want to build a meaningful litigation career, this is your opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Draft motions, briefs, and legal correspondence
• Appear in court hearings and trials across multiple jurisdictions
• Communicate directly and compassionately with clients throughout their cases
• Represent clients in criminal defense matters across California counties
• Travel to courts in various California counties
• Complete all assigned tasks in a timely matter.
• Close cases: 80% of misdemeanor cases closed within six months of employment, and within one-year on felonies.

• Active California State Bar license, in good standing

• Court experience in various California counties
• Litigation experience
• Trial experience is a plus
• A command of California criminal procedure
• Commitment to criminal defense and client advocacy
• Excellent writing skills, strong negotiation abilities, and expert communication skills

In addition to the firm’s standard working days and hours, the schedule for this position will also adjust as needed based on court calendars, hearing dates, filing deadlines, and other case‑related requirements. Flexibility is essential, as court appearances and litigation demands may occasionally require work outside regular business hours.

• Health insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Professional Development
• Travel reimbursement
• PTO

Compensation

Pursuant to California regulation, the salary range for this position is $150,000 to $200,000 annually, contingent on relevant experience and education.

The compensation range and benefits described in this posting are believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. The Firm reserves the right to modify compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment as permitted by applicable law.

The Firm is committed to equal employment opportunity and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding compensation transparency and non-discrimination.