Senior Criminal Defense Attorney

Orionplacement; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

Confidential Employer in the Richmond area is seeking a Senior Criminal Defense Attorney to own challenging cases, develop litigation strategies, and advocate vigorously in court.

The role requires Virginia bar admission, 4+ years of Virginia criminal defense experience, and willingness to handle jury trials and related civil matters. A hybrid work arrangement supports professional independence and in-person collaboration with a collaborative legal team.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and Virginia Bar in good standing.
• 4+ years of criminal defense litigation with substantial Virginia courtroom experience.
• Experience preparing and conducting criminal jury trials and working with expert witnesses.
• Ability to independently manage cases, develop litigation strategies, and handle complex legal matters.
• Strong understanding of Virginia criminal law, evidence, and court procedures.
• Excellent advocacy, legal writing, negotiation, and client communication skills.
• Experience in private practice and ability to mentor or lead colleagues.
• Willingness to travel to courts throughout Central Virginia and handle related civil matters as needed.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage criminal defense cases from initial assignment through final resolution.
• Develop compelling legal strategies, investigate evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate for clients in court.
• Handle motions, evidentiary hearings, bench trials, and jury trials in Virginia courts.
• Prepare and examine witnesses, including expert witnesses, to build persuasive cases.
• Represent clients in related civil proceedings, including expungements and other matters connected to criminal charges.
• Build strong client relationships through proactive communication, sound judgment, and compassionate guidance.
• Mentor junior attorneys, collaborate with legal support staff, and help improve case preparation and team workflows.
• Contribute ideas that support our practice's continued growth and success.

Skills

Advocacy

Negotiation

Legal writing

Client communication

Mentoring

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and Virginia State Bar membership in good standing

Job description

Pay: $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Take ownership of meaningful criminal defense cases and make a real difference in clients' lives.
• Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work environment while maintaining an active courtroom practice.
• Step into a senior role with the autonomy to develop case strategies, lead trials, and influence important outcomes.
• Grow your leadership skills by mentoring attorneys and working with a collaborative legal team.
• Expand your litigation experience through challenging criminal cases and related civil matters.
• Build a rewarding long-term career with opportunities to contribute to the growth and direction of our practice.

Location: Glen Allen / Richmond, VA | Hybrid

Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement based in the Richmond area, with regular court appearances throughout Central Virginia. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney who values both professional independence and meaningful in-person collaboration.

Note: Candidates must be licensed to practice law in Virginia and have substantial hands‑on Virginia criminal defense litigation experience, including jury trials and experience working with expert witnesses. We are seeking an attorney who can independently manage cases and confidently contribute to team leadership.

About Us

Confidential Employer

We are a client‑focused law firm committed to providing thoughtful, tenacious legal representation when people need it most. Our team believes in combining strong courtroom advocacy with genuine compassion, clear communication, and personalized attention. We value attorneys who take pride in their work, support their colleagues, and want to make a lasting impact.

Job Description

As our Senior Criminal Defense Attorney, you will play a key role in representing clients, managing challenging cases, and helping strengthen our growing practice.

• Independently manage criminal defense cases from initial assignment through final resolution.
• Develop compelling legal strategies, investigate evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate for clients in court.
• Handle motions, evidentiary hearings, bench trials, and jury trials in Virginia courts.
• Prepare and examine witnesses, including expert witnesses, to build persuasive cases.
• Represent clients in related civil proceedings, including expungements and other matters connected to criminal charges.
• Build strong client relationships through proactive communication, sound judgment, and compassionate guidance.
• Mentor junior attorneys, collaborate with legal support staff, and help improve case preparation and team workflows.
• Contribute ideas that support our practice's continued growth and success.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and active Virginia State Bar membership in good standing.
• 4+ years of criminal defense litigation experience, with substantial Virginia courtroom experience.
• Experience preparing and conducting criminal jury trials and working with expert witnesses.
• Ability to independently manage cases, develop litigation strategies, and handle complex legal matters.
• Strong understanding of Virginia criminal law, evidence, and court procedures.
• Excellent advocacy, legal writing, negotiation, and client communication skills.
• Experience in private practice and the ability to mentor or lead colleagues.
• Willingness to travel to courts throughout Central Virginia and handle related civil matters as needed.

Why You Will Love Working Here

We believe great attorneys deserve the trust and freedom to do their best work. Here, you will enjoy meaningful responsibility, supportive colleagues, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference for the people you represent.

You will have room to grow as both a litigator and a leader while working with a team that values preparation, integrity, collaboration, and exceptional client service.

JPC - 2521

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance