Trial Attorney

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; California (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading non-profit organization is seeking a passionate Trial Attorney to represent individuals charged with federal crimes. This full-time opportunity in California offers the chance to advocate for clients' rights and dignity while providing essential legal support in various court proceedings.

Benefits

Health insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Thrift Savings Plan

Telework options after probation

Qualifications

• Must be licensed to practice law in California.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.
• Experience in criminal law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Litigate criminal cases in federal court, representing indigent clients.
• Draft legal motions, briefs, and memoranda.
• Collaborate with paralegals and investigators.

Skills

Litigation

Legal Research

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Join to apply for the Trial Attorney role at National Legal Aid & Defender Association

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Trial Attorney role at National Legal Aid & Defender Association

Position Description

Position: Trial Attorney

Location: Los Angeles, Riverside, or Santa Ana, CA

Deadline: July 11, 2025

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for full-time attorney positions in its Trial Unit, with positions available in its offices located in downtown Los Angeles, Riverside, and Santa Ana, California. The Trial Unit represents individuals charged with federal crimes occurring throughout the Central District of California, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The Office is committed to the pursuit of justice by zealously advocating in federal court for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of individuals who are accused or convicted of crimes and cannot afford their own lawyer.

Job Duties: Trial attorneys primarily represent indigent individuals charged with violating federal criminal statutes by handling all stages of federal criminal trial matters in the district court. Core job duties include litigating criminal cases in federal court; appearing on behalf of clients in court hearings and other related proceedings; visiting clients in jail; drafting motions, briefs, and legal memoranda; developing persuasive mitigation strategies for negotiations and sentencing; and collaborating with investigators, paralegals, and support staff. On occasion, trial attorneys are also assigned cases involving appeals after conviction and post-conviction matters that are involved in federal court proceedings. Trial attorneys must be available to work during regular business hours, and when necessary, during evenings and weekends.

Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. After completion of a successful probationary period, eligible employees may elect to telework up to 2 days per week, subject to certain conditions. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Legal

• Industries

  Non-profit Organizations

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at National Legal Aid & Defender Association by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Trial Attorney” roles.

Manager/Counsel, Business and Legal Affairs - Original Series // Drama

Los Angeles, CA $130,000.00-$380,000.00 2 weeks ago

San Jose, CA $120,700.00-$230,700.00 1 week ago

Part-time Production Counsel, Good Morning Football

Associate Commercial Counsel, YouTube Business Legal

California, United States $150,000.00-$180,000.00 1 week ago

San Mateo, CA $209,800.00-$314,600.00 1 week ago

Associate Attorney - Entry Level Litigation

Merced, CA $100,000.00-$120,000.00 1 week ago

Law & Motion Attorney - Up to $230K base plus bonus

San Francisco, CA $300,000.00-$350,000.00 5 days ago

San Francisco, CA $238,000.00-$302,000.00 2 weeks ago

Commercial Counsel, YouTube Business Legal

Universal City, CA $140,000.00-$170,000.00 2 weeks ago

United States $200,000.00-$250,000.00 1 week ago

Redwood City, CA $212,000.00-$244,000.00 6 days ago

Sr. Staff Corporate Counsel, Corporate Transactions #4036

Mountain View, CA $238,000.00-$302,000.00 2 weeks ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.