Associate Attorney Criminal Defense

The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates is a Southern California criminal defense firm serving clients throughout San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties. Led by founding attorney Kirk Tarman, who has over 25 years of criminal defense and trial experience, the firm is committed to high professional standards, strong client communication, and disciplined courtroom advocacy We are seeking a Junior Associate Attorney to join our team. This position is purpose-built for the following candidates: Newly licensed attorneys ready to launch a career in criminal defense, Associate Attorneys 1-2 years of Criminal Defense experience Attorneys practicing in other areas of law who are looking to transition into criminal defense. The Junior Associate will work directly under a Senior Attorney, assisting on active criminal matters while learning criminal procedure, courtroom practice, and firm protocols from the ground up. This is a hands-on mentorship role designed to build trial-ready attorneys. The Associate Attorney will handle a range of criminal defense matters, including: Managing an active caseload of misdemeanor and felony matters under the supervision of senior counsel. Appearing in court daily for arraignments, pretrial conferences, motion hearings, and other proceedings. ( SB, RIV, LA, OC) Conducting DMV hearings via Microsoft Team ( Dui's , Reckless driving, ect...) Drafting and arguing motions — including suppression motions, Pitchess motions, motions to dismiss, and sentencing memoranda. Conducting client intake, interviews, and ongoing case communication. Performing legal research using LexisNexis, Westlaw, and other tools to support case strategy. Preparing case summaries, organizing evidence, and assisting with trial preparation. Collaborating with senior attorneys on case strategy, plea negotiations, and trial readiness. Maintaining meticulous case files and ensuring compliance with all procedural rules and deadlines. Skills Strong courtroom presence and professional demeanor. Sharp legal writing, research, and analytical skills. Sound judgment and the ability to manage cases independently while knowing when to escalate. Strong work ethic, reliability, and respect for firm structure. A genuine commitment to building a career in criminal defense.

WHY JOIN US

This role is designed for an associate ready to grow. You'll get real responsibility on real cases — not just second-chair work — while continuing to develop under the mentorship of a senior trial attorney with 25+ years of criminal defense experience. We invest in our associates and offer a clear path toward becoming a lead trial attorney in one of Southern California's most active criminal defense markets. Qualified candidates are invited to submit: A current resume. A cover letter describing your criminal defense experience to date and your goals in the practice area. A writing sample (motion, brief, or memorandum) — preferably from a criminal matter.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$90,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid time off Referral program

Work Location:

In person