Criminal Defense Attorney

About the job Criminal Defense Attorney
Pay: $120,000.00 - $155,000.00 per year
Compensation Structure
Base salary and total compensation vary by experience and trial record.

• Base salary: $120,000 to $135,000
• Total compensation: $130,000 to $155,000+
• Compensation includes base salary plus quarterly performance bonus based on case value and closings.
• Additional benefits include 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental insurance for employee coverage, 3 weeks PTO plus firm holidays, 401(k) with 4% employer match after 1 year, and a path to senior associate and leadership roles.

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Step into a true courtroom role with immediate ownership of serious criminal defense cases.
• Join a fast-growing Northern Virginia law firm with strong infrastructure, support, and leadership opportunities.
• Handle meaningful felony and misdemeanor matters from arraignment through trial or resolution.
• Work with a team that values trial skill, strong advocacy, client service, and real results.
• Public defenders and former prosecutors are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Build a long-term career path with room to grow into senior associate or leadership roles as the firm scales.

Location: This role is based in Chantilly, Virginia and is an on-site position serving clients throughout Northern Virginia courts.
Note: Candidates must have an active Virginia bar license in good standing and 3+ years of criminal litigation experience, including felony matters.
About Us
We are a fast-growing criminal defense and personal injury law firm serving clients across Northern Virginia and the DMV. Our team is built around strong advocacy, meaningful client service, and a mission-driven approach to helping people through some of the most important moments of their lives. Confidential Employer.
Job Description

• Manage a criminal defense caseload across General District Court, Circuit Court, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
• Represent clients charged with felonies and misdemeanors from arraignment through trial or resolution.
• Handle bond hearings, preliminary hearings, motions hearings, status hearings, and trials.
• Develop case strategy, draft and argue motions, negotiate dispositions, and try cases to verdict when necessary.
• Work on serious criminal matters, including violent offenses, sex offenses, drug charges, and other felony cases.
• Communicate proactively with clients throughout the life of their case.
• Collaborate with the criminal defense team on strategy, workload management, and client outcomes.
• Maintain accurate case activity in the firm's case management system.
• Submit quarterly case data for performance review and bonus consideration.

Qualifications

• Active Virginia bar license in good standing required.
• 3+ years of criminal litigation experience required.
• Felony criminal defense or prosecution experience required.
• Trial experience in General District Court and Circuit Court required.
• Public defender or former prosecutor experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Northern Virginia courts preferred, including Fairfax County, Prince William County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Loudoun.
• Experience with serious felony matters preferred.
• Spanish fluency preferred but not required.
• Strong courtroom presence, judgment, writing, communication, and client management skills.

Why You Will Love Working Here
This is a strong fit for a criminal litigation attorney who wants to be in court, own serious cases, and grow with a firm that rewards performance. You will not be stuck in a passive case-review role. You will be trusted to advocate, strategize, negotiate, try cases, and make a real impact for clients.
JPC-1081
Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance