Criminal Defense Attorney Job Description [Updated for 2025]

A Criminal Defense Attorney is responsible for advising and providing legal representation to individuals charged with criminal acts of varying levels, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Their duties include trying first-chair cases, drafting motions and pleadings, and running trials and motion hearings.

Criminal Defense Attorney duties and responsibilities

A professional Criminal Defense Attorney has multiple responsibilities and duties, with their main objective being to ensure their clients’ needs are met in terms of providing fair and unbiased representation in criminal matters. A Criminal Defense Attorney’s daily duties may include:

Building strong defenses for clients charged with crimes or facing criminal charges
Creating successful case strategies through thorough investigations and interviewing of witnesses
Researching statutes, crime codes and case law that pertain to the specific charges their clients are facing
Representing clients at trials in front of judges and juries
Drafting and filing appeal documents
Working toward obtaining dismissals or lesser charges by negotiating with prosecuting attorneys

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Criminal Defense Attorney Job Description Examples

Example 1

Currently seeking a Criminal Defense Attorneyto join our team of professionals in Miami, FL.

Job Summary

Represent their defendant in the criminal court system. This encompasses arraignments, pretrial hearings, settlement conferences, trials and sentence hearings.

Job Responsibilities:

Responsible for court appearances.

Trial, drafting motions.

Interviewing witnesses

Performing legal research

Creating exhibits for demonstrations in court

Accruing additional evidence in support of their case or for arguments against the prosecution's charges

Examining the crime scene

Gathering expert witnesses to testify in court

Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.

Analyzes the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.

Presents and summarize cases to judges and juries.

Evaluates findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.

Gathers evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions, by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.

Performs administrative and management functions related to the practice of law.
Requirements:

Education and experience

Must be a current Florida Bar Member in good standing.

1 + years of experience.

Skills and Abilities

Spanish is a Plus

Excellent writing skills

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Strong code ethics

Compensation and Benefits

Best Training in practice

Unlimited career growth

Hands on Trial experience

Fast paced environment

Full benefits

Top salary

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Supplemental pay pay

Work Location: One location

Example 2

Job Description:

As an Attorney at LeMond Law, you'll have the opportunity to join a team that embodies our motto:

Do Good Work: We approach every case with dedication and a commitment to excellence. Our attorneys are known for their thorough research, strategic thinking, and relentless pursuit of justice.

For Good People: We prioritize working with clients who treat us with respect and appreciation. We do not represent individuals who are disrespectful or have a negative attitude. Our clients trust us to advocate for them, and we value those relationships deeply.

Protect the Brand: We uphold our reputation by maintaining professionalism and fostering positive relationships with all clients, colleagues, and court personnel. We believe in creating an environment of mutual respect.

What We Offer:

A collaborative and supportive work environment.

Competitive compensation, with entry-level and experienced attorney opportunities available.

Opportunities for professional growth and career development.

Travel to multiple counties, including Garza, Lamb, Lynn, and Dawson, depending on the cases we accept.

Well-trained support staff and access to essential resources, including technology and research tools.

Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and Texas State Bar admission.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with clients.

Team-oriented mindset to collaborate effectively with paralegals and support staff.

Dedication to providing quality legal services and making a positive impact on clients' lives.

Willingness to uphold our firm's values and protect our reputation.

How to Apply:

If you're a passionate attorney with the desire to work for a firm that values doing good work for good people and protecting our brand, we invite you to apply. Please submit your cover letter, resume, and salary expectations.

At LeMond Law, you won't be just another cog in the wheel of big business; you'll be a valued member of our close-knit tribe. We believe in creating a career where coming to work is a fulfilling and rewarding experience every day.

LeMond Law is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Paid time off
Schedule:

8 hour shift

Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

Lubbock, TX 79401: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:

Texas Bar Card Location: In person

Example 3

We're looking for an admitted attorney for an extremely promising a Criminal Defense Attorney position within a premier law firm with lots of room for growth. This is an opportunity for a dedicated Associate Attorney to gain valuable experience and further their career with a established firm in the PhoenixArea. As a Criminal Defense Attorney, you will report to the Managing Criminal Defense Attorney. The Associate Attorney will manage their caseload, as well as client interaction, and can collaborate with our wonderful Criminal Defense Team of Attorney’s and legal assistants.

Responsibilities

Advise client on their legal rights in matters and draw up legal documents about their case

Attend pretrial hearings on behalf of clients and advise clients following each hearing about best strategies

Manage court appearances, trail, drafting motions, interviewing witnesses and performing legal research

Analyze probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents

Manage workload of cases

Provide legal analysis for clients to determine any possible case benefits

Accrue additional evidence to support clients case or for arguments against the prosecutions charges

Prepare clients for depositions; determine essential goals of case strategy and gather information from witnesses and important experts that support client’s positions

Qualifications

Experience handling complex criminal cases at the federal, state, and local level

A team player who is open to helping, strategizing, and working with your fellow associates

Bilingual (English/Spanish) is strongly preferred, but not required

Interpersonal skills of the highest caliber

Do you have a passion for Criminal Defense and a desire to practice within an organization with lots of room for growth? Here at the Matian Firm, we offer benefits (medical, dental, and vision insurance), an excellent compensation package, paid parking, paid time off, and more! Come work as an Criminal Defense Attorney at a growing firm with opportunities to advance and learn alongside a team of professionals within' the legal industry.

The Matian Firm, APC is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we welcome everyone regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive, open, and diverse work environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Referral program

Vision insurance
Schedule:

Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

What is your desired salary?

Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?

Are you a licensed attorney in the state of Arizona?

Experience:

Criminal Defense: 1 year (Required)

Language:

Spanish (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

Phoenix, AZ 85004: Relocate before starting work Location: In person

Example 4

Sanabria & Associates, PLLC is a rapidly growing law firm with offices in Maryland, DC, Virginia & Florida seeking for a dynamic Criminal Defense Attorney who is interested in joining our expanding team wanting to focus on their professional growth as well as wanting to learn about the many cases we specialize in. We also welcome attorneys in other disciplines looking to enrich their knowledge in the Criminal Defense field.

Responsibilities:

Represent clients in court or before government agencies

Prepare and draft legal documents on behalf of clients

Advise clients on business and legal transactions

Negotiate settlements for legal disputes

Comply with all legal standards and regulations

Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law

Oversee paralegal and legal assistants

Qualifications:

Previous experience in criminal law

Familiarity with various legal documents

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Ability to build rapport with clients

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Must be licensed in Virginia, MD, or DC

Speak Spanish (preferred)

Benefits:

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

PTO, Sick Leave

401k

Work Anniversary Off

Birthday Off

Bonuses

CLE Paid

Bar Dues paid

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Vision insurance
Schedule:

8 hour shift
Supplemental Pay:

Commission pay

Signing bonus

Ability to commute/relocate:

Silver Spring, MD 20910: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:

Bar MD, DC or VA Location: One location

Example 5

Overview: Manuel Diaz Law Firm, PC. is seeking a dynamic, self-starting individual with vision, initiative, and a demonstrated commitment to serve as an attorney in the Criminal Department at our Dallas office.

Reporting Relationship: Reports to the Supervising Attorney, Criminal Department.

Duties AND Responsibilities: The principal duties of the Criminal Attorney will be to manage a Criminal law caseload and to provide direct supervision to a paralegal. Other responsibilities include:

Monitors open cases for activity

Reviews open and closed cases for proper recordkeeping and file maintenance.

Pre-trial Discovery.

Conducts hearings, trials before the court and jury trials.

Conducts regular reviews of open cases.

Provides co-counseling assistance to other attorneys of the Criminal Department.

Participates in departmental meetings.

Establishes and maintains positive relationships with clients, other attorneys, court employees and judicial officers.

Other duties which may from time-to-time be assigned by the Supervising Attorney, Criminal Department or the Chief Legal Officer.

Qualifications:

Licensed to practice law in Texas.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.

The ability to think and plan strategically.

Ability to have a flexible work schedule.

Capable of handling a busy, diverse docket with supervision.

Possess a strong work ethic and a sense of accountability.

Occasional travel may be required.

Excellent attendance record.

Salary: Based on applicant's years of relevant experience.

Job Type: Location: One location

Example 6

Portner & Shure is one of the leading Personal Injury/Criminal Defense law firms in Maryland and Virginia. We are seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney for our Maryland practice. Ideal candidate will be responsible for representing clients in a wide range of criminal matters. Must be able to work on multiple cases at different stages of the criminal process.

Responsibilities:

Represent clients in District/Circuit Court

Prepare and draft legal documents on behalf of clients

Qualifications:

Minimum 2-3 year's experience in criminal law

Advise clients about their legal rights and options

Conduct legal research and devise an effective strategy to defend the client(s) in court

Gather evidence in support of the case

Present evidence in court

Negotiate plea agreements

Represent client(s) at sentencing hearings

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Ability to build rapport with clients

Must be licensed in Maryland, Virginia a plus

Speak Spanish (a plus)

Experience with family law issues including divorce, child custody, annulments, child support, separation, asset division, and all other family law matters a plus.

Benefits:

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Personal Time Off

401k with employer matching

Bonuses

CLE Paid

Bar Dues paid

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off
Schedule:

8 hour shift
Supplemental Pay:

Bonus pay

Experience:

Criminal defense law: 2 years (Preferred)

Language:

Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

Maryland Bar Location: One location

Example 7

Our firm is one of the fastest growing law firms in Houston, and we are seeking a full-time Criminal defense Attorney to join our great team of lawyers. Candidate should have a team mentality with an emphasis on assisting each and every client as best as they can. He or She must also be able to thrive in a fast paced environment and be able to multitask to meet deadlines in a timely manner. Salary is great plus he or she will receive a nice sized bonus at the end of the one year mark with the firm.

Job Responsibilities :

Review case files

Appear in court for arraignments, pretrial conferences, and law and motion hearings.

Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, judicial officers and team members;

Issue spot and develop strategies leading to efficient resolution of cases;

Negotiate and settle cases or prepare matters for jury trial;

Perform legal research and analyze and apply legal principles and precedents, facts, and evidence to legal problems;

Draft law and motion pleadings and present those statements of law, facts, and arguments clearly, logically, and effectively both written and orally; and

Effectively manage a nice sized caseload.

speak with clients during and after court to update them about their case

Requirements :

Licensed to practice in Texas and is in good standing

Must have reliable transportation

Serious candidates should submit a cover letter, their resume, email address as well as their cellular phone number.

Benefits

> The potential candidate will get two weeks of paid vacation.

> Potential candidate will receive a nice sized bonus at the end of the one year mark with the firm

> The potential candidate can also bring in a fair amount of their own cases

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: depends on experience.

No experience needed for this position.

Salary may vary Depending on experience

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Supplemental Pay:

Commission pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

Houston, TX 77074: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:

Bar Location: One location

What does a Criminal Defense Attorney do?

Criminal Defense Attorneys work as sole practitioners or in conjunction with legal teams at law practices. The responsibilities of a Criminal Defense Attorney are vast and include retaining and advising clients, drafting various legal documents, conducting research and investigations to create strong defense arguments, and representing clients in both criminal proceedings and appeal hearings.

The cases a criminal defense attorney handles can range from misdemeanors, such as minor drug possession, petty theft and vandalism, to severe felonies such as kidnapping, homicide, financial fraud and vehicular manslaughter. While one objective of a Criminal Defense Attorney is to prove their clients are innocent, in cases where parties plead guilty or charges can’t be dismissed, they advocate for fair and reasonable sentencing.

Criminal Defense Attorney skills and qualifications

A successful Criminal Defense Attorney will have various skills and qualifications that fulfill the prerequisites for a job opening, including:

Fulfillment of all pre-law and law degree educational requirements
Passing of the state bar exam
Strong communication skills to successfully advise clients and speak on their behalf
Necessary skills to negotiate plea deals on behalf of clients
A sense of commitment to see all cases through to the end
Clear demonstration of competence in their work
Confident and upfront personality due to the nature of the job

Criminal Defense Attorney experience requirements

All Criminal Defense Attorneys must be licensed in their state to practice law, which requires that they first pass the state bar exam and be admitted to the state bar association. Wisconsin is the only state that doesn’t require lawyers to take the bar exam before admittance to the association. Some firms require that attorneys they hire have significant experience, such as trying first-chair cases or multiple successful verdicts, while others may consider taking on a recent graduate with internship or law clerk experience with the city’s public defender’s office.

Criminal Defense Attorney education and training requirements

In most states, Criminal Defense Attorneys must earn a bachelor’s degree and complete three years of law school with specialized studies in criminal defense to obtain a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. In Virginia, California, Washington and Vermont, individuals pursuing law careers can participate in apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs as an alternative to attending three years of law school.

In all states excluding Wisconsin, Criminal Defense Attorneys must take and pass the state bar exam. Following graduation from law school and completion of the bar exam, a new attorney may choose to work in a public defender’s office or volunteer their time with a legal aid office to gain experience.

Criminal Defense Attorney salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Criminal Defense Attorney is $90,347. This is an average, and it’s important to note that salaries can range higher or lower depending on a Criminal Defense Attorney’s overall experience, geographic location and the specific fees charged by the attorney and/or their law firm.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Criminal Defense Attorney isn’t the exact position you’re looking for or this specific job description doesn’t meet the needs of your legal firm, see our job descriptions for similar positions:

Criminal Defense Attorney job description FAQs

What is the difference between an attorney and a lawyer?

While attorneys and lawyers are qualified to provide legal advice, there are slight differences between the titles. Practicing attorneys are individuals who have graduated from law school (or completed equivalent training) and taken and passed the bar exam, while lawyers have graduated from law school (or completed equivalent training) but may or may not have taken the exam. Lawyers can’t represent clients in a court of law until they complete and pass the bar exam.

Who does a Criminal Defense Attorney report to?

Many Criminal Defense Attorneys own their own law practices and work as sole practitioners, so they only report to themselves. In situations where a Criminal Defense Attorney is part of a legal team or they’re an associate in a firm, they may report to the lead attorney or firm founder.

What makes a good Criminal Defense Attorney?

Criminal Defense Attorneys must work hard to advocate for clients who may be facing serious penalties. A good Criminal Defense Attorney should be empathetic to their clients to understand their points of view whether they’re guilty or innocent. They should also strive to create personal relationships with their clients to help build a level of trust.

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Criminal Defense Attorney Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Criminal Defense Attorney duties and responsibilities

Criminal Defense Attorney Job Description Examples

Example 1

Example 2

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Example 4

Example 5

Example 6

Example 7

Build your Criminal Defense Attorney job description in minutes.

What does a Criminal Defense Attorney do?

Criminal Defense Attorney skills and qualifications

Criminal Defense Attorney experience requirements

Criminal Defense Attorney education and training requirements

Criminal Defense Attorney salary expectations

Job description samples for similar positions

Criminal Defense Attorney job description FAQs

What is the difference between an attorney and a lawyer?

Who does a Criminal Defense Attorney report to?

What makes a good Criminal Defense Attorney?

Hire your next Criminal Defense Attorney today.

Job Description Examples

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Criminal Defense Attorney Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Criminal Defense Attorney duties and responsibilities

Criminal Defense Attorney Job Description Examples

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Example 5

Example 6

Example 7

Build your Criminal Defense Attorney job description in minutes.

What does a Criminal Defense Attorney do?

Criminal Defense Attorney skills and qualifications

Criminal Defense Attorney experience requirements

Criminal Defense Attorney education and training requirements

Criminal Defense Attorney salary expectations

Job description samples for similar positions

Criminal Defense Attorney job description FAQs

What is the difference between an attorney and a lawyer?

Who does a Criminal Defense Attorney report to?

What makes a good Criminal Defense Attorney?

Hire your next Criminal Defense Attorney today.

Job Description Examples

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