Senior Criminal Defense Attorney

The Nieves Law Firm: Oakland Criminal Defense Attorneys; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision plan contributions

401(k)

Mileage reimbursement

Use of the company car when applicable

Bar dues

Malpractice insurance

Parking

Student loan assistance

Rainmaking bonuses

Additional firm benefits

Job summary

The Nieves Law Firm seeks a Senior Criminal Defense Attorney in Oakland, CA, with 7+ years of experience and significant felony handling skills. This full-time role demands professional maturity, strong litigation capabilities, and the ability to advocate effectively for clients across Alameda County.

Compensation ranges from $140,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience. Benefits include health contributions, 401(k), and student loan assistance.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in criminal defense.
• Significant felony experience is required.
• Organized and responsive in high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in criminal defense matters throughout Alameda County.
• Handle felony litigation, motion practice, preliminary hearings, and jury trials.
• Prepare thoroughly for client calls, court appearances, and case discussions.

Skills

Criminal Defense Experience

Felony Litigation

Strong Communication Skills

Professional Maturity

Emotional Intelligence

Education

Admitted to the California Bar

Job description

Senior Criminal Defense Attorney

7+ Years Criminal Defense Experience Required | Felony Experience Required

The Nieves Law Firm is seeking a full‑time Senior Criminal Defense Attorney with significant felony experience, strong litigation skills, and the professional maturity to lead, collaborate, and serve clients at a high level.

We are not looking for someone who is merely “good in court.” We are looking for a skilled attorney who understands that excellent legal representation requires preparation, communication, judgment, emotional intelligence, and respect for the people around them.

At The Nieves Law Firm, we take the criminal out of criminal defense. Our work is serious, our standards are high, and clients deserve attorneys who are prepared, responsive, strategic, and steady under pressure. We are a fast‑growing, team‑oriented criminal defense firm built on trust, strong advocacy, transparent communication, and a commitment to helping clients protect their futures.

The right candidate is an experienced criminal defense attorney who can handle serious cases, speak to clients with clarity and confidence, work well with support staff and junior attorneys, and represent the firm with professionalism in every interaction.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a senior attorney who is technically strong and a strong team member.

You Should Be Someone Who

• Prepares thoroughly before client calls, court appearances, strategy meetings, and internal case discussions
• Communicates with clients clearly, professionally, and with appropriate reassurance
• Can explain complicated legal issues without confusing, alarming, or overwhelming clients
• Treats legal assistants, paralegals, intake staff, junior attorneys, and leadership with respect
• Accepts feedback without defensiveness and gives feedback without condescension
• Takes ownership of their cases instead of blaming others, avoiding responsibility, or creating chaos
• Understands that client service is part of excellent legal representation
• Knows how to respond with judgment and finesse when a client is emotional, frustrated, confused, or afraid
• Is organized, responsive, and capable of managing deadlines without constant hand‑holding
• Brings calm, competence, and professionalism into high‑pressure situations

This is not the right position for someone who is brilliant on paper but unreliable, dismissive, disorganized, combative with staff, poor with clients, or unwilling to operate within a team‑based law firm.

We value attorneys who are sharp, prepared, respectful, accountable, and emotionally intelligent. Talent matters. Character matters more.

Position Overview

The Senior Attorney will represent clients in criminal defense matters throughout Alameda County and the surrounding Bay Area. This role requires meaningful criminal defense experience, including felony litigation, motion practice, preliminary hearings, and jury trials.

The candidate’s experience must be specifically in criminal defense. Experience in other practice areas will not count toward the minimum experience requirement.

Admission to the California Bar and the ability to attend court throughout the Bay Area are required.

Applicants who possess second‑language skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for this position is $140,000 - $180,000 annually, depending on experience.

Benefits May Include

• Health, dental, and vision plan contributions
• 401(k)
• Mileage reimbursement
• Use of the company car when applicable
• Bar dues
• Malpractice insurance
• Parking
• Student loan assistance
• Rainmaking bonuses
• Additional firm benefits