*Now Hiring Associa
Lawyer – Orlando/Tampa Criminal Defen
*
*Who W
- re: *
- rling Law is a
- t-growing, client
- cused criminal d
- nse law firm w
- locations in
- lando and Tampa
We have
- reat team
- place. We commu
- ate wit
clients regularly and ensure that we are zealously ad
ting for them. The fir
- s looking for an Associate La
er to join us.
At
- ling Law, pulling all-nighte
is a sign of disorganization, not a badge of hono
We don’t use text messages to assign tasks or blow-up peoples’ nights and weekends. Instead, we use structured meeting times to assign tasks, ask clarifying questions, and update teammates on progress. This type of structured organization takes hard work versus the standard ad hoc hyperactive communication practice common in law firms, which is low effort but exhausts everyone. At Darling Law, we believe that if everything is an urgent fire drill, then nothing meaningful gets done. We do meaningful work here. We’re here to change how those accused of crimes are represented, and we can’t do that if we’re burnt out.
*Who You Are: *
You did not go to college and then law school to be an email inbox manager with a side gig as a lawyer. Your time is best spent learning about our clients and their cases and being more prepared than anybody on each one of your cases. We pride ourselves on being more prepared than the State attorney's office.
We are not a criminal defense case mill, churning through our trust in the community by failing to keep up with our caseload. We are not the “bargain basement” law firm either. We charge more because we provide “Powerful Defense, Exception Service” to our clients.
You have at least 1-2 years of experience in a criminal lawyer role (Assistant Public Defender, Assistant State Attorney, Federal Public Defender, Assistant United States Attorney, or Public Interest. Fighting for our clients against the State and Federal Government is what we do! You must be eager and ready to take depositions, represent clients in court, and communicate directly with clients and opposing counsel.
Unlike traditional criminal defense firms, working at Darling Law allows you to work on cases and causes you to feel great about, coupled with uncapped earning potential. On top of the salary range ($84,000 to $120,000), the successful candidate will become eligible for health insurance, 401K matching, life insurance, and bonuses after 60 days. Bonuses are for the cases you work on and are higher for cases you bring into the firm. We do not bill by the hour.
We welcome and encourage applications from lawyers who belong to one or more underrepresented groups in the legal profession. If you happen to speak an additional language, that would be great, but it is not required.
*Location: *
It's hybrid, but it must be based in Central Florida! The expectation is that in-office time will be required sometimes for trial prep, some depositions, and client meetings. During the first 90 days, most of the time, you will be in the office while you learn how we create our client-focused magic.
*Responsibilities: *
· *Client Communication: *Maintain open and transparent communication with clients, keeping them informed about the progress of their cases;
· *Trial Work: *Darling Law takes cases to trial. You should be excited to be the second chair and, in short order, first chair of jury and bench trials.
· *Writing: *The most important skills-based responsibility for this position is the ability to write. You will be tasked with drafting motions to suppress, motions to dismiss, motions to set or modify bonds, legal memos, and communicating with opposing counsel, and more;
· *Case Management: *Effectively manage a reasonable caseload of criminal defense matters, from intake through discovery to trial.
*Qualifications: *
· Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school;
· Good standing membership with the FL Bar (GA Bar a plus);
· Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in criminal legal work:
· Client-focused with a commitment to ethical and professional conduct.
· Prior experience as an Assistant Public Defender, Assistant State Attorney, Federal Public Defender, or Assistant US Attorney are a huge plus.
*What We’ll Send You: *
Darling Law believes that the scrappiest lawyer usually wins, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come equipped with the best tools. To that end, the successful candidate will receive the following hardware:
● An Apple MacBook Air or Microsoft Surface Pro
● A 4k external monitor
● A Logitech ergonomic mouse
● An Apple keyboard or a KeyChron Q1 mechanical keyboard
● A Logitech 1080p webcam
*To Apply: *
If you’ve made it this far, please send the following to this email!:
• Your resume;
• *Two *legal writing samples (motion to set bond, motion to suppress, motion to dismiss, stand your ground motion); and
• Instead of a cover letter, please send a no more than 250-word response to the following prompt written by you without help from AI:
Describe a part of a criminal trial that fascinates you but is not jury selection.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $84,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* 401(k)
* 401(k) matching
* Flexible schedule
* Health insurance
* Life insurance
* Paid time off
* Retirement plan
Schedule:
* Day shift
* Monday to Friday
* On call
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
License/Certification:
* Florida Bar Number (Required)
Ability to Commute:
* Orlando, FL 32803 (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Orlando, FL 32803