Criminal Defense Attorney: San Bernardino & Riverside County
Are you looking for a chance to practice criminal defense law because you always considered it, but you went into civil defense or family law right out of law school and now you realize that you are not getting joy from that practice area?
Are you a seasoned lawyer who can’t imagine 10, 20, or 30 more years of “that” daily office grind and want to get into court, daily, helping people navigate real-world legal problems instead of shuffling motions for a faceless corporate entity that doesn’t bake you cookies when you help them win a case (yes, that happens to us sometimes!)
The firm’s legal department is seeking an additional full-time Criminal Defense Lawyer to join our team. This position is primarily courtroom work. The role covers a criminal defense caseload primarily throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, with a few Los Angeles County appearances. You must be willing to commute to all courthouses within both counties.
We are committed to hiring attorneys who are passionate about helping people, have a ‘no job too big or too small’ mentality, and understand that a person’s experience with the firm does not begin and end in the courtroom.
We invest in the success and growth of the firm by hiring teammates that not only understand the law but also understand the real-world impact people face when going through a legal matter. This is a perfect opportunity to join a firm with an established team of passionate individuals committed to high standards of representation and client service.
Responsibilities
Serve under the direction of a Pod Leader (a senior paralegal) who manages client assignments within the Pod consistent and proactive communication with clients using firm-approved systems (email, SMS, written correspondence)
Keep timely and accurate file notes in accordance with firm protocols. Appear in court on behalf of clients for arraignments, pretrials, motions, second chair at trial, and other proceedings. Conduct legal research and draft and file motions as necessary. Collaborate with internal teams across administration, marketing, and intake to ensure a seamless client experience. Plus any and all duties assigned to the attorney. Weekly phone conferences with current clients that have scheduled a phone conference.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Performance in this role is measured by: Being dependable and not calling off work. Showing up to court on time. Consistent and quality client communication. (Call clients at least once a month with updates) Generation of positive client reviews. Timeliness and preparedness for all court appearances. Efficient and timely resolution of case files. 100% job attendance with zero call offs is your goal.
Flexibility Requirement
This position WILL require non-negotiable after-hours or weekend short consultations (15–30 minutes max) with potential new clients. As such, schedule flexibility is required. Some weekends we get zero calls and some weekends we get 5-6 new calls.
Qualifications
Must be an active Bar member,’ experience working in a law firm environment, preferably in criminal defense. Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated passion for criminal defense and client advocacy. Strong written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills. Excellent analytical and organizational abilities. Able to manage a full caseload independently while working within a team-based structure
Complete Compensation Package
$90,000 - $115,000 yearly DOE.
5 paid holidays. New Year Day, Christmas Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day, Labor Day
For the remainder of 2025, the right to immediately accrue paid sick time with the option to use the accrued sick time after 90 days of employment. Starting in 2026, you will be front loaded 5 days of sick time.
1 week paid vacation the first year - after 6 months of employment.
2 weeks paid vacation the subsequent years.
$500.00 monthly gas reimbursement. No health care, no dental, no vision plans.
15% of any clients that you bring into the office based on your own referral network of family and friends.
Conclusion
Our firm was built on the understanding that comprehensive representation does not begin and end in the courtroom. We want our clients to be satisfied with their choice of firm, not just with their choice of attorney. Our client service and support staff are dedicated to making the experience of retaining an attorney as smooth as possible and ensuring that no client ever has a question or concern that goes unanswered. It doesn’t matter how good an attorney is if they don’t pay close attention to the wants and needs of the client. We want to make sure that each of our clients is as happy with the experience they have with our firm as they are with the ultimate result of their case.