Criminal Defense Associate Attorney (Virginia Licensed, New Bar Admittees Welcome) $85,000 to $95,000 Base + Quarterly Bonuses, Fairfax/Chantilly, Hybrid Possible
Getting sworn in on October 30? You could be standing in a Fairfax courtroom with your own client before Thanksgiving.
What we offer
- $85,000 to $95,000 base salary, with a defined step-up at your six-month review
- Quarterly performance bonuses tied to your results, plus referral bonuses on cases you bring in
- 100% employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance (for employee only)
- 401(k) with a 4% employer match after one year
- Three weeks PTO plus firm holidays, Virginia State Bar dues and CLE paid, mileage reimbursed
- Hybrid flexibility once you are up and running: the courthouse is the office, not the desk
- A senior criminal defense attorney who will second-chair you on your first contested hearings and sit across from you to prep every felony
Your first year, in plain terms
- Weeks 1 to 2: shadow court, meet your paralegal and client coordinator, learn our case system
- By day 30: first-chair your own General District Court docket, traffic, DUI and misdemeanor matters, with a mentor on call
- By day 60: carrying a full caseload across General District, Circuit and J&DR courts in Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, Arlington and Alexandria, with preliminary hearings and motions under your belt
- By year end: felony work with senior counsel beside you, and a bonus check you earned
What you will do
- Represent clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies from arraignment through disposition
- Investigate, draft and argue motions, negotiate with prosecutors, and try cases
- Work with a bilingual intake, paralegal and client-coordinator team so your time goes to lawyering, not paperwork
What you bring
- Active Virginia law license, or a July 2026 bar passer being sworn in on October 30 (apply now; we will time your start to your admission)
- Evidence that litigation is the point for you: trial advocacy or moot court, a criminal or clinical program, a public defender or Commonwealth's Attorney internship, or time in a courtroom in any role
- Composure under pressure, a client-first mindset, and the work ethic to earn a docket fast
- Spanish is a real plus and not a requirement
Interviews are happening now and the role starts in November. Send your resume and a short note about the case, argument or moment that made you want to do this work. Take the right path and apply today.
Responsibilities
• Lead and manage a diverse caseload, ensuring each client receives personalized and effective legal representation.
• Develop and implement strategic defense plans tailored to the unique circumstances of each case.
• Represent clients in court, demonstrating strong advocacy skills and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes.
• Collaborate with a team of legal professionals to share insights and refine case strategies.
• Conduct thorough legal research to support case preparation and stay informed on relevant legal precedents.
• Draft, review, and file legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with court requirements.
• Communicate regularly with clients, providing updates and guidance to build trust and confidence in our services.
Qualifications
• Active Virginia law license, or a July 2026 bar passer being sworn in on October 30 (apply now; we will time your start to your admission)
