Criminal Defense Associate Attorney
Christopher R. Martens Law Corporation is seeking a motivated, confident, and hardworking Associate Attorney to join our growing criminal defense team in Bakersfield, California.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney who wants to develop into a skilled trial lawyer while working alongside an experienced criminal defense attorney with more than 20 years of courtroom experience and over 100 jury trials. We are looking for someone who is passionate about protecting the constitutional rights of our clients and committed to delivering exceptional legal representation.
The ideal candidate is organized, self-motivated, and comfortable handling a demanding caseload. Strong courtroom presence, excellent legal writing skills, and the ability to build trust with clients are essential. Whether negotiating favorable resolutions or preparing cases for trial, every attorney at our firm is expected to advocate aggressively and professionally.
Responsibilities
- Represent clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies throughout all stages of criminal proceedings.
- Conduct client consultations and provide clear legal advice regarding charges, potential defenses, and case strategy.
- Appear in court for arraignments, pretrial hearings, preliminary hearings, motions, settlement conferences, probation matters, and jury trials.
- Draft and argue motions, including suppression motions, evidentiary motions, discovery motions, and motions in limine.
- Conduct thorough legal research and prepare persuasive pleadings, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents.
- Review discovery, analyze police reports, interview witnesses, and develop effective defense strategies.
- Negotiate with prosecutors to obtain dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements when appropriate.
- Prepare cases for trial by organizing evidence, subpoenaing witnesses, preparing exhibits, and assisting with jury selection.
- Maintain regular communication with clients, keeping them informed throughout every stage of their case.
- Work collaboratively with attorneys, investigators, and support staff to provide exceptional client service.
- Manage multiple active cases while meeting court deadlines and maintaining accurate case files.
- Identify opportunities to improve office procedures, client communication, and workflow efficiency.
Qualifications
- Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California.
- Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Excellent oral advocacy and courtroom presentation abilities.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
- Professional, dependable, and client-focused.
- Criminal defense or litigation experience is preferred but not required for the right candidate with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
Why Join Our Firm?
At Christopher R. Martens Law Corporation, we believe every client deserves a dedicated advocate who is prepared to fight for the best possible outcome. We are committed to mentoring talented attorneys, providing meaningful courtroom experience, and creating an environment where hard work, integrity, and professional growth are valued.
If you are looking to build a career as a respected criminal defense attorney and want hands-on experience handling real cases in court, we encourage you to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $105,674.00 - $117,219.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
Work Location: In person
