Criminal Defense Attorney

Colorado Legal Defense Group PLLC (CLDG) is seeking a motivated attorney to join our Denver office and handle criminal cases throughout Colorado.

This is an opportunity for an attorney who wants meaningful courtroom experience, real responsibility, and the support of an established criminal defense team.

About CLDG

Colorado Legal Defense Group is a statewide criminal defense firm with our main office in Denver and additional offices in Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Aspen.

We represent clients facing everything from municipal and misdemeanor charges to serious felony allegations. We are a trial firm, and we believe strong criminal defense requires preparation, creativity, aggressive advocacy, and a willingness to take cases to trial when that is in the client’s best interest.

CLDG has represented thousands of clients throughout Colorado and is committed to providing high-quality legal representation at a reasonable fee.

What You’ll Do

As a CLDG attorney, you will manage your own caseload while working closely with experienced attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.

Responsibilities Include

• Representing clients in felony, misdemeanor, and municipal criminal matters
• Appearing regularly in Colorado courts
• Advising clients and developing case strategy
• Negotiating with prosecutors
• Drafting and litigating motions
• Conducting evidentiary hearings
• Preparing cases for trial
• Trying cases when appropriate
• Maintaining regular and professional communication with clients
• Collaborating with other CLDG attorneys on strategy and complex cases
• Traveling to courts outside the Denver metropolitan area when necessary
• Assisting with potential new client consultations and intake of cases

Who We’re Looking For

You may be a strong fit if you:

• Are licensed and in good standing to practice law in Colorado
• Are passionate about criminal defense and protecting individual rights
• Believe the government should be held to its burden of proof
• Are comfortable appearing in court and advocating for clients
• Can effectively manage a changing and sometimes demanding caseload
• Communicate well with clients, attorneys, court personnel, and staff
• Work well in a collaborative environment
• Are organized, dependable, and capable of exercising independent judgment
• Understand that criminal defense is not always a traditional 9-to-5 practice and that client needs occasionally arise outside normal business hours
• Have compassion for clients and their family and friends who reach out at a vulnerable time seeking legal representation

Experienced criminal defense attorneys are encouraged to apply, but we also welcome strong entry-level candidates who are eager to become excellent trial lawyers.

Experience We Particularly Value

Experience in any of the following is a plus:

• Public Defender or District Attorney experience
• Criminal jury trials
• Felony litigation
• Sex offense cases
• Juvenile defense
• Personal injury
• Immigration law
• Family law
• Spanish-language proficiency

None of these are required for an otherwise outstanding candidate.

Why Join CLDG?

Criminal defense can be demanding, unpredictable, and enormously rewarding. We believe attorneys perform their best work when they have strong support behind them.

At CLDG, you will have access to experienced lawyers and professional staff who regularly collaborate on motions, negotiations, trial preparation, and case strategy.

We Offer

• Substantial courtroom experience
• Opportunities to handle serious and interesting criminal cases
• Meaningful responsibility over your own cases
• Mentorship from experienced criminal defense attorneys
• A collaborative office environment
• Opportunities to develop your litigation and trial skills
• The resources of an established statewide criminal defense practice

If you are early in your career, you will have the opportunity to develop quickly through hands-on courtroom experience. If you are already an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you will have significant autonomy while benefiting from the resources and support of a larger team.

Compensation & Benefits

$80,000–$125,000 per year, commensurate with experience

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Mileage reimbursement

Annual bonus consideration

Schedule and Location

This position is based primarily in our Denver office.

Regular in-person court appearances are required, and attorneys must be willing to travel to courts, clients and custody facilities throughout Colorado when necessary.

Interested?

If you enjoy courtroom advocacy, care about client outcomes, and want to build or advance your career as a criminal defense attorney, we would like to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and a brief description of your criminal law, litigation, or courtroom experience.

Employment Disclosures

Scope of Duties. This posting describes the general nature and level of work performed in this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or requirements. As a midsize law firm, CLDG’s needs may evolve, and employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as business needs require. Duties and responsibilities may be added, removed, or modified at the discretion of the firm.

At-Will Employment. Employment with CLDG is at will. Either the employee or CLDG may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this posting creates an employment contract or guarantees employment for any specific duration.

Equal Employment Opportunity. CLDG is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act.