Job Description
Job ID: 407116
Practice area:- Criminal Law - Defense
Keywords:- criminal defense, indictment, plea bargain, sentencing, white collar crime, federal court, public defender, felony, misdemeanor, habeas corpus, grand jury, FBI investigation, DOJ, arraignment,Criminal Defense Associate Attorney, Criminal Defense Attorney, Entry-Level Criminal Defense Attorney, Trial Support Attorney, California legal jobs, Attorney jobs California, CA Bar required, Criminal defense law firm attorney, Motion practice attorney, Partner-track position, Lawyer
Junior level Criminal Defense Associate Attorney (0–3 Years) | California | Hybrid/Remote Options | Courtroom + Trial Growth
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This opportunity for a Criminal Defense Associate Attorney (0–3 years) in California. Build real courtroom experience, support trials as first/second chair, and sharpen motion practice and brief writing—with hybrid/remote options and structured professional development.
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A law firm is seeking an Associate Attorney specializing in Criminal Defense in California. This role is ideal for a newly barred attorney through a junior associate (0–3 years) who wants hands-on experience in court, meaningful client interaction, and the opportunity to grow into trial responsibility.
This position is actively interviewing and is a strong fit for candidates who want early courtroom exposure, mentorship, and a path toward increasing autonomy in criminal law defense matters.
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Job Overview
In this role, you will assist with and manage criminal defense matters from intake through resolution, including court appearances, motion practice, trial preparation, and plea negotiations. You’ll work closely with clients to build defense strategy, develop case plans, and navigate fast-moving deadlines.
For attorneys seeking California legal jobs that provide substantive courtroom work (not just behind-the-scenes research), this opportunity offers a practical training ground with real responsibility and exposure to litigation workflows in criminal defense.
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Key Responsibilities
• Attend court appearances and hearings, including calendars and contested matters
• Prepare for trials and provide hands-on trial support
• Participate in first- or second-chair trial experience as opportunities arise
• Communicate directly with clients and develop case strategies
• Conduct plea negotiations and pursue resolutions aligned with client goals
• Manage cases from intake through resolution, including scheduling and deadlines
• Support motion practice and brief writing (writing sample required)
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Qualifications
• 0–3 years of experience (newly barred candidates encouraged to apply)
• Admitted to the California Bar (CA Bar required)
• Strong analytical ability and comfort working with fast-evolving facts
• Experience negotiating resolutions (or strong interest and aptitude)
• Confidence in courtroom settings and professional presence with stakeholders
• Excellent client-facing communication skills; empathetic and patient approach
• Ability to manage deadlines and multiple matters; self-motivated and organized
• Team-oriented, detail-oriented, and proactive in case management
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Skills & Substantive Focus
• Courtroom appearances and hearing preparation
• Trial prep support, witness organization, and exhibit planning
• Plea negotiation strategy and resolution-focused advocacy
• Motion practice experience and persuasive legal writing
• Brief-writing experience (sample required)
• Client counseling, expectation-setting, and strategy communication
• File management, calendaring, and deadline-driven execution
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Culture & Firm Appeal
This opportunity is structured for attorneys who want to learn by doing—getting into court, building relationships with clients, and developing strong litigation habits early. The environment values independence while still providing collaboration and support so junior attorneys can grow confidently.
The role also offers Hybrid/Remote work options, which can be an important advantage for attorneys balancing demanding court schedules with focused drafting time.
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Why This Role Is Unique
• Early courtroom exposure and meaningful case responsibility
• First/second-chair trial experience opportunities as you grow
• Strong foundation in motion practice and brief writing—skills that compound quickly
• Client-facing development for attorneys who want to become trusted advocates
• Scarcity: roles combining courtroom reps with flexibility rarely open at the junior level
• Future pacing: build courtroom confidence and negotiation ability to take the lead on contested hearings and case strategy within your first year
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Benefits
• Hybrid/Remote work options
• Professional development and training
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Call to Action
Apply now for a confidential discussion with a BCG Attorney Search recruiter.
Explore this criminal defense associate opportunity today.
Submit your resume (and brief-writing sample) to learn more about this California criminal defense role.
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