What are the responsibilities and job description for the Criminal Defense Attorney (Mid-Level Litigation) position at Schlack & Associates, PLC?
We are a fast-paced, growing criminal defense law firm in Kalamazoo, Michigan seeking a mid-level Criminal Defense Attorney with a strong criminal litigation background. This position is for an attorney who is comfortable in court, confident with clients, and ready to handle real responsibility in an active criminal practice.
This is not an entry-level role and not a back-office position. We are looking for attorneys who can step into court, manage cases, and litigate.
Position Overview
The ideal candidate will have 2–5 years of criminal law or litigation experience and be capable of handling cases from arraignment through trial. You will work closely with other attorneys and staff in a collaborative but demanding environment where performance matters.
Key Responsibilities
- Represent clients in criminal matters including misdemeanors and felonies
- Handle court appearances, hearings, motions, pretrial conferences, and trials
- Conduct criminal litigation from case intake through resolution
- Review discovery, investigate claims, assess need for experts
- Research, draft, and argue motions, briefs, and legal memoranda
- Communicate directly with clients, prosecutors, judges, and court staff
- Develop defense strategies and negotiate case resolutions
- Manage an active caseload efficiently and ethically
- Collaborate with legal assistants and support staff to ensure deadlines are met
Required Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan
- 2–5 years of litigation experience, criminal litigation strongly preferred
- Substantial courtroom experience (bench trials, evidentiary hearings, motion practice)
- Strong legal writing and oral advocacy skills
- Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Professional demeanor with clients facing serious charges
Who Thrives in This Role
- Attorneys who like being in court
- Litigators who take ownership of their cases
- Professionals who work efficiently without micromanagement
- Lawyers who understand urgency, preparation, and accountability
- Attorneys looking for long-term growth in a criminal defense practice
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Performance-based bonus & growth opportunities
- Extensive benefits package- including Health, Dental, Vision, 401(k), & more
- PTO, work-at-home, and flex-time available
- Paid training opportunities
- Paid parking
- Supportive staff and infrastructure to allow attorneys to focus on litigation
- Opportunity to grow with a small but expanding criminal defense firm
How to Apply
Submit a brief cover letter outlining your litigation experience, interest in criminal defense, and salary expectations along with resume, law school transcript(s), and references to Support@SchlackLaw.com.
Generic or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
License/Certification:
- Michigan Bar License (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $80,000 - $105,000