Criminal Defense Attorney

The Garza Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Attorney is a position supporting the Criminal Division of the Firm. The Criminal Defense Attorney exists to provide our clients with legal advice and representation on charges related to criminal acts of varying levels, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. This position collaborates with clients, peer attorneys, and fellow team support members to be a driving force to ensure our clients’ representation needs are met with fair and unbiased advocacy in criminal matters. This position requires a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree, admission to the Tennessee State Bar, and good standing with the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility.  

Responsibilities 

• Criminal Legal Practice: Personally handle assigned criminal cases from initial new client meetings through local and federal court appearances. Handle extensive client interaction, including intake review and ongoing client contact. Prepare clients for hearings, appear in court for arraignments, appear for pretrial conferences, prepare for status dates, appear for law and/or motion hearings, negotiate or settle cases, manage case development, and prepare matters for jury trial as required.
• New Potential Client Appointments: Review intake details provided by New Potential Clients to understand and determine the viability of the case, quote pricing for representation, create a contract, and work with the Criminal Support Team (Paralegals and Legal Assistants) to provide ongoing updates to Clients on cased developments.
• Selling & Contractual Agreements: Consistently practices being available to take New Potential appointments, is knowledgeable about how to sell Garza Law capabilities, appropriately quotes clients based on knowledge of casework required and their financial situation, obtains down payments, and works with clients to clearly communicate payment plans.
• Legal Documentation: With the assistance of the Criminal Support Team, draft legal and motion pleadings and present those statements of law, facts, and arguments clearly, logically, and effectively both written and orally.
• Legal Research and Strategy: Perform legal research, review analysis, and apply legal principles and precedents to create the best legal strategy when positioning facts and evidence on behalf of Clients.
• Case Documentation: Document and monitor case updates via Lead Docket and Filevine Tasks to ensure case files are properly maintained and tasks are completed on time. 

Work Experience

Required:

• Proficient with Microsoft 365 Suite applications.
• Familiarity with various software and systems used for case and client management (e.g. Filevine, Vine Sign, Law Pay, Lead Docket, DocGen, etc.).
• 1-3 years of previous criminal law experience.

Preferred:  

• 1-3 years of experience working in a small to medium law firm.
• 1-3 years of previous criminal hearings and/or trial experience.  

Education / Certifications / Qualifications / Success Traits

Required:

• Must possess a Juris Doctoral degree and be licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee in good standing. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills used in a professional setting.
• Has experience quoting and selling clients on the value they will receive, obtaining financial deposits, and handling contractual agreements.
• Professionally represents Garza Law Firm during all interactions with the public.
• Can handle large case volumes of work in a high-paced work environment.
• Periodic travel to various counties for legal hearings.
• Ensure Accountability: Takes responsibility for their work and the firm's performance. Owns commitments and shows a willingness to answer for their actions without being defensive or shifting blame.
• Client Focus: Intentionally seeks to understand Client needs. Proactively identifies opportunities to serve or create a benefit to the Client. Looks to exceed Client expectations by creating delight. Establishes and maintains effective Client relationships.
• Situational Adaptability: Rebounds from setbacks vs. emotionally responding with drama. Is confident under pressure. Handles and manages change or crises effectively. Maintains a positive attitude despite adversity. Grows from hardships and negative experiences. Understands how to be effective with various audiences.
• Action Oriented: Readily takes action on challenges, without unnecessary delay. Identifies and seizes new opportunities. Displays a can-do attitude in good and bad times. Steps up to handle tough issues without avoidance or creating isolation for any party involved.

Preferred:  

• Conversational Spanish fluency as a second language.

Success Measures / KPIs

• Sign at least 20 (+/-) new criminal clients per month.
• Obtaining 50% of quoted fees at the point of signing New Potential Clients.
• Ensure that 90% of Clients are met within 10 minutes of appointment arrival time.
• Ensure that 80% of all Clients have been communicated with within 90 days and that their files are accurately updated on an ongoing basis.