Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

About Our FirmAt Patituce & Associates, we believe no criminal case is hopeless. Our team is built on courtroom strength, strategic advocacy, and relentless client defense. We are a trial-focused criminal defense firm that refuses to back down when clients’ freedom, reputation, and future are on the line.Our attorneys have:Handled 20,000+ criminal casesTaken 400+ jury trialsAchieved a 95% trial success rateBrought 70+ years of combined experienceServed as a former prosecutorEarned national media recognitionPosition OverviewWe are hiring an Associate Criminal Defense Attorney to join our growing Ohio defense team. This position offers immediate, hands-on courtroom experience across a wide range of misdemeanor and felony matters, including high-stakes litigation. Associates work directly with senior staff, handling cases from arraignment through trial, while developing advanced litigation, trial, and negotiation skills. We are seeking driven associate attorneys ready to step into serious cases and develop into elite trial lawyers.Our busy law firm continues to grow, and we are looking for talent that works hard to represent clients well. The best candidate will work seamlessly with partners, other associates, and administrative staff in an effort to effectively serve clients. If you have excellent research and writing skills, can easily use today’s technology, and communicate effectively across all levels, we would love to connect!Compensation:$85,000 - $130,000 yearly commensurate with experienceResponsibilities:Determine case strategies and solutions to serve clients’ needs after analysis Take responsibility for administrative staff relating to client invoicing/billing records, setting up meetings with clients and completing tasks Advise clients by weighing available options toward a successful outcome and plan a course of action Complete legal research and prepare motions, pleadings, and briefs Appear in court on behalf of clients and argue motions during legal proceedings Get the appropriate legal documents ready for clients, such as brief, motions, and pleadings, as well as correspondence Core ResponsibilitiesRepresent clients in misdemeanor and felony criminal cases at the state and federal levelsConduct arraignments, bond hearings, pretrials, and motion hearingsDraft and argue motions (suppression, dismissal, evidentiary)Prepare cases for trial, including:Witness preparationExhibit organizationTrial strategy developmentFirst-chair or second-chair jury trials (experience dependent)Negotiate with prosecutors and courtsManage client communication and case strategyHandle emergency and after-hours client needs when assignedCommunicate effectively with clients to ensure they have a thorough understanding of the proceedings and are included in their defense planningCooperate with colleagues as necessary to coordinate defense strategiesAdvise clients by weighing available options toward a successful outcome and plan a course of actionQualifications:Successful completion of accredited law school with Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree with 2 years of related experience Prior experience working in a law firm for a minimum of 1-2 years required Work independently while handling a heavy caseload Decision-making, public speaking, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and communication skills are a must Must be a member of your local bar association - active member preferred Well-versed in legal research software (Westlaw/Lexis) Must be able to maintain client communications via phone, email, and in-person meetings Must be able to attend hearings in courts throughout the northern half of Ohio Must be able to review evidence, conduct research, and draft motions Must be able to work with senior attorneys to coordinate strategy Must be willing to zealously represent the accused, regardless of allegations Decision-making, public speaking, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and communication skills are a must Strong knowledge of legal research programs such as Westlaw and Lexis products is requiredAbout CompanyPatituce & Associates, LLC is a criminal defense firm providing representation throughout Ohio at all local, state, and federal levels. This includes representation beginning in the investigatory phase through trial, as well as through appellate and post-conviction remedies.We offer paid time off, family leave, health insurance, CLEs, and biannual licensing fees. We also provide a stipend to cover attorney travel expenses. #WHLAW2Compensation details: 85000-130000 Yearly SalaryPI640cd8f10085-37483-39788021