Junior Criminal Defense Attorney - Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN

Martine Law, PLLC - Criminal Defense and Family Attorneys; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Martine Law, PLLC - Criminal Defense and Family Attorneys is seeking a driven Junior Attorney to join our fast-growing team in Minnesota. You will represent clients in criminal defense matters, gain hands-on experience, and work alongside experienced attorneys to advocate for clients in high-stakes cases.

You will conduct legal research, draft motions, and negotiate with prosecutors while developing your courtroom skills. A J.D.

Qualifications

• Attorney with drive, coachability, tech-savvy mindset, and growth orientation.
• Requires J.D. and active Minnesota license in good standing.
• 0–3 years of criminal law experience preferred (internships, clerkships, and public defender experience welcome).
• Strong interest in criminal defense, litigation, and courtroom advocacy.
• Excellent research, writing, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Confident in communicating with clients, opposing counsel, prosecutors, and the court.
• High emotional intelligence and commitment to client advocacy.
• Tech-enabled modern law practice; organized and able to manage priorities.
• Willingness to learn, receptive to coaching, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in criminal defense matters, protecting rights and pursuing best interests.
• Gain meaningful hands-on experience alongside experienced attorneys.
• Manage cases with mentorship as you develop legal judgment and confidence.
• Conduct legal research and develop case strategies based on facts, evidence, and law.
• Communicate with clients about case developments, options, and next steps.
• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and other legal documents with accuracy.
• Negotiate with prosecutors to pursue strong outcomes for clients.
• Appear in court for hearings, conferences, motions, and other proceedings.

Skills

Criminal defense

Litigation

Courtroom advocacy

Legal research

Legal writing

Negotiation

Client communication

Technology savvy

Case management

Organization

Education

J.D. and Minnesota law license in good standing

Job description

Build Your Career. Defend What Matters. Grow With Martine Law.

Great attorneys deserve great opportunities. At Martine Law, we're building something different—and we're looking for talented Criminal Defense Attorneys who want to be part of it.

As one of the nation's fastest-growing law firms, we're redefining legal representation through strong advocacy, smart technology, and an unwavering commitment to clients.

You'll enjoy the autonomy to manage your cases, the support of a collaborative team, and the opportunity to grow your career in a modern, forward-thinking firm that values your expertise.

We believe in excellence without compromise, innovation that makes a difference, and standing up for people when they need us most.

If you're a driven, confident attorney who thrives in the courtroom, takes pride in delivering exceptional client service, and wants to grow with a firm that's going places, we want to hear from you.

Your next career move matters. Make it count at Martine Law.

Compensation: $85,000 - $105,000 yearly DOE

Qualifications

• We’re looking for an attorney who is driven, coachable, tech-savvy, and ready to grow. You don’t need to know everything on day one—you need a strong foundation, a commitment to every client, and the motivation to become an exceptional advocate.
• J.D. and an active Minnesota law license in good standing.
• 0-3 years of criminal law experience preferred - internships, clerkships, and public defender experience are welcome.
• Strong interest in criminal defense, litigation, and courtroom advocacy.
• Excellent legal research, writing, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Confidence communicating with clients, opposing counsel, prosecutors, and the court.
• High emotional intelligence and a genuine commitment to client advocacy.
• Highly proficient with technology and comfortable working in a modern, tech-enabled law practice.
• Organized, accountable, and able to manage competing priorities.
• Eager to learn, receptive to coaching, and motivated in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• As a Junior Attorney at Martine Law, you’ll gain meaningful, hands-on experience while working alongside experienced attorneys and advocating for clients when the stakes are high.
• Represent clients in criminal defense matters, protecting their rights and advocating for their best interests.
• Manage cases with guidance and mentorship from experienced attorneys as you develop your legal judgment and confidence.
• Conduct legal research and develop case strategies based on the facts, evidence, and applicable law.
• Communicate directly with clients, explaining case developments, options, and next steps clearly and compassionately.
• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and other legal documents with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Negotiate with prosecutors and develop the advocacy skills needed to pursue strong outcomes for clients.
• Appear in court for hearings, conferences, motions, and other proceedings, building valuable courtroom experience.
• Collaborate with attorneys and legal support teams to develop effective strategies and move cases forward.
• Take increasing ownership of your caseload as your skills, experience, and confidence grow.
• This is an opportunity to practice law while having the mentorship, resources, and support to develop into a confident and effective criminal defense attorney.