Senior Associate Attorney (Criminal Defense)

What You'll Do

As a Senior Associate Attorney, you'll independently manage criminal defense cases from initial assignment through resolution, combining thoughtful case strategy with clear, compassionate client communication.

Your work will include:

• Leading cases in court: Represent clients in Virginia's General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District, and Circuit Courts. Prepare and litigate motions, evidentiary hearings, bench trials, and jury trials.
• Building strong defenses: Evaluate evidence, research legal issues, develop case strategies, negotiate with prosecutors, and identify, retain, prepare, and examine expert witnesses.
• Guiding clients through difficult moments: Explain options clearly, set realistic expectations, and keep clients informed about developments and next steps.
• Handling related proceedings: Take on expungements and related civil matters, including proceedings arising from animal cruelty allegations, with a willingness to learn unfamiliar areas.
• Helping your colleagues grow: Mentor less experienced attorneys, collaborate with support staff, and
• contribute to weekly case rounds, with the opportunity to eventually lead those discussions.
• Shaping the practice: Help improve workflows and client service, and share legal insights that support the firm's marketing and business development efforts.

What You Bring

• A J.D. from an accredited law school and an active Virginia law license in good standing.
• Five years of experience in criminal defense, with substantial Virginia courtroom experience and the ability to independently manage a caseload.
• Experience preparing for and conducting jury trials.
• Experience working with expert witnesses, including identifying and retaining experts, evaluating their reports and opinions, preparing testimony, and examining or cross-examining experts.
• Experience in Virginia General District and Circuit Courts, as well as juvenile and domestic relations
• matters.
• Strong knowledge of Virginia criminal law, procedure, and evidence, supported by excellent research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Clear, empathetic client communication and sound judgment when navigating challenging conversations.
• Strong organization, reliable follow-through, and a collaborative approach to working with attorneys and support staff.
• A willingness to mentor others, learn new areas of practice, and contribute ideas as the firm grows.
• Experience with expungements and related civil proceedings is helpful but not required if you're willing to develop those skills. Federal criminal defense experience or admission to Virginia's federal district courts is also a plus as we consider possible future expansion into federal practice. Neither is required for this role.

How Flexibility Works Here:

• Courtroom time is an expected part of the role. Outside of court and other required commitments, you have the flexibility to manage where and how you work. There is no mandatory daily office attendance. Work from home or use the firm's office space at GATHER in Short Pump - whichever helps you do your best work.
• You'll regularly appear in courts throughout Central Virginia, generally within approximately a 90-minute drive of Richmond, and should be comfortable traveling to different jurisdictions and learning local court practices.
• Weekly virtual case rounds require attendance and active participation. In-person attendance is also required for client conferences, team meetings, and professional or business development meetings when necessary.
• Beyond these commitments, we trust you to manage your work while meeting deadlines, staying responsive, and providing excellent client service.
• The practice focuses on privately retained criminal defense matters. Attorneys in this role may not accept court-appointed cases as part of their work with the firm.