Associate Criminal Defense Attorney
$140,000 - $160,000 yearly
- Matthew Lopez Law, PLLC
- Tempe, AZ, United States
- Jul 23, 2026
Job Description
*Company Description*
Matthew Lopez Law is a top-rated criminal defense law firm in Arizona, representing clients in misdemeanor and felony cases throughout the state. We are currently accepting applications for a full-time, experienced Associate Attorney to join our dedicated team. This position offers an outstanding opportunity for attorneys who are passionate about building a long-term career in criminal defense and becoming part of one of Arizona’s premier criminal defense firms.
*Key Responsibilities*
The Associate Attorney will be responsible for a variety of legal tasks, including:
* Requesting discovery and conducting case investigations
* Interviewing police officers and witnesses
* Filing and arguing pretrial motions
* Handling misdemeanor and felony trials
* Working closely with investigators
* Attending court appearances in superior, justice, and city courts
* Communicating with clients to guide them through criminal procedures and provide case updates
* Conducting in-office and telephonic consultations
* Collaborating with administrative staff to maintain an efficient and professional workflow
*Preferred Qualifications*
* Previous experience in a public defender’s office, county/city attorney’s office, or criminal defense law firm in Arizona
* Experience handling misdemeanor and felony cases
* Candidates without criminal law experience are encouraged to apply; compensation will be commensurate with experience
*Our Firm Culture*
At Matthew Lopez Law, we provide a supportive, team-oriented environment focused on career development, hands-on training, and employee satisfaction. Our attorneys are supported by experienced paralegals and legal assistants, allowing them to focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for clients. We pride ourselves on maintaining low employee turnover and fostering a positive workplace culture that values both professional growth and work-life balance.
*Benefits*
* $140,000 – $160,000 annual salary
* 401(k) with company matching
* Medical, dental, and vision insurance
* Company gas card
* Paid time off
* Coverage for bar dues and CLEs
If you meet the qualifications and are interested in joining our team, we welcome your application and look forward to discussing how you can contribute to our firm.
*Role Description*
This is a full-time on-site role for an Associate Criminal Defense Attorney based in Phoenix, AZ. The role involves representing clients in criminal defense cases, preparing and presenting legal arguments, conducting case research, drafting legal documents, and advocating effectively in court. The attorney will collaborate with the legal team to develop tailored defense strategies and uphold the firm’s commitment to excellence in legal representation.
*Qualifications*
* Strong expertise in Criminal Defense Law, Criminal Defense, and Criminal Law
* Proficiency in legal Research to support case development and argumentation
* Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active license to practice law in the state of Arizona
* Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
* Ability to handle a high caseload and work effectively under pressure
* Prior experience in criminal litigation is highly advantageous
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $140,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* 401(k)
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Health insurance
* Paid time off
* Professional development assistance
* Vision insurance
License/Certification:
* State Bar of Arizona (Required)
Work Location: In person
Matthew Lopez Law is a top-rated criminal defense law firm in Arizona, representing clients in misdemeanor and felony cases throughout the state. We are currently accepting applications for a full-time, experienced Associate Attorney to join our dedicated team. This position offers an outstanding opportunity for attorneys who are passionate about building a long-term career in criminal defense and becoming part of one of Arizona’s premier criminal defense firms.
*Key Responsibilities*
The Associate Attorney will be responsible for a variety of legal tasks, including:
* Requesting discovery and conducting case investigations
* Interviewing police officers and witnesses
* Filing and arguing pretrial motions
* Handling misdemeanor and felony trials
* Working closely with investigators
* Attending court appearances in superior, justice, and city courts
* Communicating with clients to guide them through criminal procedures and provide case updates
* Conducting in-office and telephonic consultations
* Collaborating with administrative staff to maintain an efficient and professional workflow
*Preferred Qualifications*
* Previous experience in a public defender’s office, county/city attorney’s office, or criminal defense law firm in Arizona
* Experience handling misdemeanor and felony cases
* Candidates without criminal law experience are encouraged to apply; compensation will be commensurate with experience
*Our Firm Culture*
At Matthew Lopez Law, we provide a supportive, team-oriented environment focused on career development, hands-on training, and employee satisfaction. Our attorneys are supported by experienced paralegals and legal assistants, allowing them to focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for clients. We pride ourselves on maintaining low employee turnover and fostering a positive workplace culture that values both professional growth and work-life balance.
*Benefits*
* $140,000 – $160,000 annual salary
* 401(k) with company matching
* Medical, dental, and vision insurance
* Company gas card
* Paid time off
* Coverage for bar dues and CLEs
If you meet the qualifications and are interested in joining our team, we welcome your application and look forward to discussing how you can contribute to our firm.
*Role Description*
This is a full-time on-site role for an Associate Criminal Defense Attorney based in Phoenix, AZ. The role involves representing clients in criminal defense cases, preparing and presenting legal arguments, conducting case research, drafting legal documents, and advocating effectively in court. The attorney will collaborate with the legal team to develop tailored defense strategies and uphold the firm’s commitment to excellence in legal representation.
*Qualifications*
* Strong expertise in Criminal Defense Law, Criminal Defense, and Criminal Law
* Proficiency in legal Research to support case development and argumentation
* Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active license to practice law in the state of Arizona
* Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
* Ability to handle a high caseload and work effectively under pressure
* Prior experience in criminal litigation is highly advantageous
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $140,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* 401(k)
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Health insurance
* Paid time off
* Professional development assistance
* Vision insurance
License/Certification:
* State Bar of Arizona (Required)
Work Location: In person