Criminal Defense Trial Attorney

DeChant Law Firm; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

401(k) contribution

Performance Bonuses

Unlimited flexible time-off

Paid court holidays

Job summary

DeChant Law in Denver seeks a licensed attorney with at least two years in criminal defense to join a team that values preparation, clear communication, and proactive client advocacy. The role is in-office with remote flexibility after integration, offering mentorship and growth opportunities.

You will handle hearings, motions, and trials across Colorado, collaborate with a team, and leverage data-driven practices to improve outcomes. Strong writing, negotiation, and multitasking are essential.

Qualifications

• Trial-driven attorney with at least 2 years in criminal law.
• Active Colorado bar license and willingness to improve trial practice.
• Strong legal writing, research, and drafting skills.
• Ability to multitask and thrive in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in criminal matters across Colorado, including Denver Metro.
• Conduct hearings, motions, and jury trials; may require travel.
• Communicate proactively with clients about every stage of their case.
• Collaborate with a team and embrace feedback in a KPI-driven environment.
• Prepare and draft legal documents such as motions to suppress.
• Develop trial strategies and guide clients through the process.
• Stay updated on criminal law trends and legislation.
• Stay up to date with technology to increase efficiency and adaptability.

Job description

Join a Team That Fights Smart, Works Hard, and Wins Together at DeChant Law

Experience Required: Minimum 2 years in criminal law

Position Type: Full-time, in-office (remote flexibility after integration)

Preferred but not required:

• Spanish speaking
• Prior DA or PD experience
• Experience or interest in family law, DORA/professional license work, or civil rights

About DeChant Law:

DeChant Law is a rapidly growing criminal defense firm built on teamwork, systems, and proactive representation. We believe in winning through preparation, communication, and collaboration. We pride ourselves on being straightforward, professional, and approachable with our clients and in court. We never say "my client" in court. It always is Mr. or Ms. Smith. Every team member plays a critical role in ensuring our clients receive the best defense possible and we work together to make that happen. We offer some of the best DUI defense Colorado has to offer. A lot of your cases will be impaired driving related.The government makes it seem black and white, that you are charged so you are guilty. However, we win in the gray. We take someone's story and circumstances, and we zealously advocate on behalf of that client to prevent the government from defining our client by a single moment in his/her life.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in criminal law, exceptional negotiation skills, good communication skills, and the ability to multitask effectively. We are seeking a licensed attorney in Colorado with at least two years of experience in criminal law. The candidate will possess excellent legal writing skills and have a deep understanding of the criminal justice system. The candidate is curious about learning more, growing professionally and personally, and works well in a team environment.

What You’ll Do

• Represent clients in criminal matters ranging from traffic to serious felony cases across Colorado (primarily Denver Metro)(if you don't have district court experience, that is ok, we will train you).
• Conduct hearings, motions, and jury trials. In criminal defense you’ll be in court often; from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins, from Georgetown to Greeley. We take cases further out and while you may have to drive to court, most of the rural jurisdictions permit virtual appearances.
• Communicate proactively with clients, ensuring they understand every stage of their case. We do not wait for a client to reach out to us and then react. Time management is imperative and we have systems in place to support this approach. You must be willing to adapt to our workflow which is open to change should you provide a suggestion.
• Collaborate with a team that values continuous improvement, detailed preparation, and shared success. We give and take feedback regularly, so you must be receptive to feedback.
• Be responsible for various KPIs, as this is a data-driven law firm - We use KPIs (key performance indicators) to identify bottlenecks and areas of improvement.
• You must be comfortable with using metrics to improve and receive performance-based bonuses/feedback.
• Prepare and draft legal documents such as motions to suppress
• Develop strategies and arguments in preparation of cases.
• Guide clients through the legal process, explaining the law, their rights, and their options. Truly care about their wellbeing and being there for them throughout this process. We are counselors after all.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and legislation in criminal law and propose new ideas to improve the efficiency of our legal services.
• Willing to stay up to trends with technology to help increase efficiency.If you think Ai is the devil, you won't fit well here.

Qualifications:

• A trial-driven attorney with at least 1 year of experience as a Criminal Defense Attorney or 2 years in civil litigation.
• Admission to the state bar in Colorado and active legal license.
• Proven experience in trials and willingness to improve trial practice.
• Proficiency in legal research, legal writing, and drafting legal documents.
• Knowledge of criminal law, rules of evidence, and procedural law.
• Excellent negotiation, mediation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
• High ethical standards and professionalism.
• Eager to learn systems that make representation efficient and effective.
• Strong in time management, communication, and client rapport.
• Someone who values team success over ego. You help, ask for help, and take pride in the firm’s reputation.
• You want to keep growing as a lawyer, a communicator, and a professional. You care about your reputation.

What You’ll Get

• Regular jury trial experience and mentorship from experienced trial attorneys.
• Room to grow within the firm. This is not a dead-end position with no opportunity to grow professionally and financially.
• Performance-based incentives for exceptional results and effort.
• Dental insurance available
• 401(k) contribution
• Performance Bonuses
• Unlimited flexible time-off
• Paid court holidays

What to Expect

• All applications will receive a response within 48 hours, if the above directions are followed.
• Selected candidates will be invited for an in-person interview, where you’ll be asked to deliver a brief opening or closing argument.

We’re looking for an attorney who’s not just skilled, but who wants to keep getting better, cares about clients and colleagues, and believes that defense work done right changes lives. We can teach trial skills and criminal defense strategy, but we can’t teach drive, pride, or the desire to make our team better. If you are looking to work the minimum amount required to get a paycheck, don't bother applying. If you are willing to do what it takes to become the best, then we look forward to talking to you!

DeChant Lawis an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. DeChant Law also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is DeChant Lawpolicy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.