Entry-Level Criminal Defense Attorney

A law firm seeks an ambitious and motivated Entry-Level Criminal Defense Attorney to join a growing legal team in San Jose. This is an excellent opportunity for a newly admitted attorney to gain hands-on experience in criminal defense work, with exposure to both complex and high-profile cases. As an integral part of the criminal defense team, you will report to the Managing Criminal Defense Attorney and have the opportunity to work closely with seasoned attorneys, legal assistants, and other professionals. This position is ideal for someone eager to build their career and further develop their legal skills in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Duties:

• Provide clients with legal counsel regarding their rights and draw up necessary legal documents.
• Attend pretrial hearings on behalf of clients and assist in advising on post-hearing strategies.
• Represent clients in court by managing appearances, preparing motions, conducting witness interviews, and performing legal research.
• Analyze case outcomes by reviewing legal precedents and applying them to current cases.
• Manage a caseload effectively, ensuring timely progress and client communication.
• Assess possible case benefits and advise clients on the best course of action.
• Gather and present evidence to support the defense, including seeking information from witnesses and experts.
• Prepare clients for depositions and assist in determining case strategies and key objectives.

Requirements:

• Genuine interest in criminal defense law, with a desire to gain experience in handling complex criminal cases.
• Strong ability to manage cases at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative attitude, willing to learn from and support colleagues.
• Preferred fluency in both English and Spanish, but not required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Self-motivated and able to handle a caseload independently while working as part of a team.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Active bar admission in California (or pending admission for recent graduates).

Skills:

• Solid foundation in criminal law and legal procedures.
• Ability to draft legal documents such as motions, briefs, and other related paperwork.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in client communication and case management.
• Comfortable in court settings, with the ability to represent clients effectively.
• Familiarity with case management software and legal technology is a plus.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid parking and paid time off (PTO).
• Career advancement opportunities in a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Exposure to a variety of criminal defense cases, providing valuable experience in the legal field.

This medium-sized firm specializes in immigration, criminal, employment law, and personal injury. Committed to excellent customer service, the firm provides focused personalized attention to every client's needs. The firm consists of highly experienced and aggressive attorneys and associate attorneys who strive to make a difference in the fields of immigration law and criminal defense law. The firm has a collaborative teamwork environment where everybody shares ideas, motivates each other, and solves issues together. The firm is an equal employment opportunity employer and dedicated to providing an open and diverse work environment. The legal community has recognized the firm for professional achievements and customer service, including Super Lawyers, The National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Nationally Ranked Top 10 Attorney Award, 10 Best Law Firms Client Satisfaction, Avvo's Client Choice Award, and other accolades.