Criminal Defense Attorney

Orionplacement; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Holidays

Professional development support

Job summary

Orionplacement is seeking a criminal defense attorney for a Washington, DC area position with remote flexibility. The attorney will handle cases in local, state, and federal courts, from arraignment through trial, with significant courtroom exposure.

The role requires DC Bar in good standing and 3+ years of defense experience. The firm emphasizes autonomy within a collaborative team, professional development, and a compensation package with upside.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Active D.C. Bar membership in good standing.
• 3+ years of criminal defense experience.
• Experience handling misdemeanor and felony cases.
• Meaningful courtroom experience, ideally including trial exposure.
• Strong oral advocacy, legal writing, negotiation, and case management skills.
• Able to work independently in a fast-paced practice while also collaborating well with a team.
• Committed to ethical, client-centered, high-level representation.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in criminal matters in local, state, and federal courts.
• Manage cases from arraignment through resolution, including investigation, motions practice, plea negotiations, and trial.
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other case-related filings.
• Advise clients on legal rights, risks, strategy, and potential outcomes.
• Appear regularly for hearings, motions, status conferences, and trials.
• Build strong client relationships through clear, responsive, and empathetic communication.
• Collaborate with attorneys, investigators, and support staff to prepare cases thoroughly and strategically.
• Handle a high-volume caseload while maintaining strong attention to detail and quality of work.

Skills

Oral advocacy

Legal writing

Negotiation

Case management

Independent work

Collaborative teamwork

Client-centered service

Ethical practice

Education

JD from an accredited law school

Job description

Pay:$130,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Handle meaningful, high-stakes criminal defense matters with real courtroom exposure
• Join a growth-oriented practice where you can manage substantive cases and make an immediate impact
• Enjoy strong autonomy while still having the support of an established, collaborative team
• Work on a wide range of matters from misdemeanors to serious felonies
• Benefit from a flexible work setup, professional development, and a compensation structure with upside

Location:Washington, DC area. This role offers flexibility to work remotely when not in court or meeting with clients, but candidates must live in the Washington, DC area.

Note:Must be an active member in good standing with the D.C. Bar and have hands-on criminal defense experience handling misdemeanor and felony matters with strong courtroom exposure.

About Us

We are a growing, client-focused law firm built around passionate advocacy, integrity, and excellence in everything we do. Our team handles serious, fast-moving matters and is committed to delivering strategic, high-quality representation to every client we serve. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Represent clients in criminal matters in local, state, and federal courts
• Manage cases from arraignment through resolution, including investigation, motions practice, plea negotiations, and trial
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other case-related filings
• Advise clients on legal rights, risks, strategy, and potential outcomes
• Appear regularly for hearings, motions, status conferences, and trials
• Build strong client relationships through clear, responsive, and empathetic communication
• Collaborate with attorneys, investigators, and support staff to prepare cases thoroughly and strategically
• Handle a high-volume caseload while maintaining strong attention to detail and quality of work

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school
• Active D.C. Bar membership in good standing
• 3+ years of criminal defense experience
• Experience handling misdemeanor and felony cases
• Meaningful courtroom experience, ideally including trial exposure
• Strong oral advocacy, legal writing, negotiation, and case management skills
• Able to work independently in a fast-paced practice while also collaborating well with a team
• Committed to ethical, client-centered, high-level representation

Why You Will Love Working Here

You will join a team that values strong advocacy, initiative, and professional growth. This is a chance to do impactful work, build your courtroom practice, and be part of a firm that offers both the resources of an established platform and the flexibility to thrive in your own practice. The role also offers benefits including health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, holidays, and professional development support.

JPC-799

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance