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Attorney - Criminal Defense - Open to recent bar passers

The Nieves Law Firm: Oakland Criminal Defense Attorneys
Oakland, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/2/2025 CLOSED ON 1/3/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Attorney - Criminal Defense - Open to recent bar passers position at The Nieves Law Firm: Oakland Criminal Defense Attorneys?

If you have recently passed the bar exam or are a junior attorney with less than 2 years of experience, this is an excellent opportunity for learning and professional growth. The Nieves Law Firm offers a comprehensive training program for new attorneys, providing opportunities to shadow and observe experienced lawyers. The firm actively supports its newer attorneys through regular case conferences, one-on-one meetings with managing attorneys, and various collaborative initiatives with seasoned professionals. The firm pairs this with robust benefits and a competitive compensation package, all designed to help newer attorneys build a firm foundation.


About Us

The Nieves Law Firm, an established criminal defense law firm with deep roots in the Bay Area, seeks a criminal defense attorney for its misdemeanor and post-conviction relief practice. Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible advocacy in criminal cases, no matter where our clients are in the Bay Area. Our founding partner has a reputation for excellence and has been recognized by SuperLawyers® multiple times for her advocacy. Our lawyers are seasoned trial attorneys, former prosecutors and public defenders, frequent lecturers, leaders in local bar associations, and have been recognized as Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars®, and even as a “Distinguished Lawyer of the Year.” We are passionate about what we do and looking for someone with criminal law experience (internships count!) who will thrive with our team of dedicated, high energy, attorneys dedicated to providing aggressive advocacy.


To learn more about our accomplished attorneys and their work - please visit our website or our YouTube page. See the impact of our work in our client’s words, here. If you’d like to see the list of awards we’ve received that demonstrate our commitment to providing high-quality, distinguished services to the community and our numerous clients, please look here.


Job Description:

  • Research and draft pre-trial and trial motions, subpoenas, records requests, etc.
  • Perform case and trial preparation tasks including legal research, motion writing, discovery and evidence review, developing defense investigation plans, identifying and working with experts, and consulting and advising clients, etc.
  • Work with partners, associates, paralegals, experts, and investigators to ensure quality representation for clients.
  • After completing in house training, carry a misdemeanor and post-conviction relief caseload.
  • Represent clients during arraignment, settlement conferences, and hearings.
  • Make routine appearances in Alameda County, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Solano, Sacramento and other greater Bay Area counties as needed.


Qualifications:

  • Must be a California-licensed lawyer
  • Preferably have experience in the area of criminal defense (internship experience included)
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Capable of working independently after an adequate ramp-up period


Benefits (dependent on eligibility and completion of applicable probationary periods):

  • Kaiser health insurance plan
  • Dental insurance
  • 401K Retirement Plan Options and Matching
  • $50,000 life insurance policy
  • Unlimited paid vacation
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid sick time
  • CARES ACT Student Loan repayment for eligible employees up to $5,250 through December 31, 2025
  • Payment of annual CA Bar dues
  • Admission to Federal Jurisdictions (as needed)
  • Payment of Alameda County Bar Association Dues
  • Malpractice Insurance
  • CLE and other external training fees, associated lodging and travel costs


Pay: $80,000 - $100,000 bonuses based on new business you bring into the firm. Up to $5,250 payment (per calendar year) toward student loans for eligible employees pursuant to section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code.


Where you fall within this salary range is dependent on experience, seniority, and demonstrated role ability during the interview process.


Location: In order to successfully collaborate, we are asking that applicants be prepared to work full time, onsite in our Oakland office as this is where our attorneys and support staff currently work onsite. We are absolutely flexible about this requirement when it comes to making court appearances in other Bay Area counties.


Please submit a cover letter and a resume for consideration - apply on LinkedIn. We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible, but can be flexible!

Salary : $80,000 - $100,000

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