Criminal Defense Attorney (Hybrid | Relocation Available)

Community Talent Partners is recruiting on behalf of a confidential law firm. To be considered for this position, candidates must meet all required criteria listed below:

• Hold an active license to practice law in Iowa or be eligible to obtain one prior to hire.
• Possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in criminal defense practice.
• Demonstrate documented jury trial experience from arraignment through verdict.
• Show experience with state-level criminal defense in Iowa or similar jurisdictions.
• Be proficient in trial preparation, litigation, legal research, evidence handling, writing, negotiation, and court procedures.
• Be skilled in legal technology systems , including case management, research, e-filing, and calendaring tools.

Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be considered for this role.

Location: Dubuque, Iowa area (Relocation assistance available)

Experience Level: Mid-Senior

Experience Required: Minimum 5 years

Education Required: Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job Function: Legal – Criminal Defense

Industry: Law Practice

Employment Type: Full-time | Hybrid option

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility: No

Relocation Assistance: Yes

Compensation: Competitive; commensurate with experience

Position Summary

Community Talent Partners is recruiting on behalf of a confidential law firm for a Criminal Defense Attorney position based in the Dubuque, Iowa area. The selected attorney will handle state-level criminal defense cases, including felony and misdemeanor matters, and must have documented courtroom and jury trial experience.

Industry and Domain Knowledge

• Experience practicing criminal defense law within the U.S. legal system.
• Knowledge of state-level criminal defense practice in Iowa or similar jurisdictions.
• Familiarity with Iowa criminal statutes, case law, and local court procedures.
• Experience representing clients in felony and misdemeanor criminal proceedings.

Company Size Background

• Prior experience working in small to mid-sized law firms.
• Ability to manage diverse criminal defense cases independently.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients in felony and misdemeanor jury trials.
• Prepare and file motions, pleadings, and other legal documents.
• Conduct negotiations, hearings, and sentencing advocacy.
• Develop and execute defense strategies from arraignment through verdict.
• Perform case investigation, discovery review, and legal research.
• Manage multiple active case files.
• Mentor or supervise junior attorneys or legal staff (preferred).

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Iowa or ability to obtain promptly.
• Minimum of 5 years of criminal defense experience.
• Documented jury trial experience.
• Demonstrated tenure and stability in criminal defense roles.
• Skills required: trial preparation, litigation, research, case management, evidence handling, legal writing, negotiation, and court procedures.
• Managerial or mentoring experience preferred (3–5 years).

Required Software and Tools

• Legal case management systems (Clio, PracticePanther, CARET Legal, or equivalent).
• Legal research databases (Westlaw, LexisNexis).
• Document automation and e-filing tools (DocuSign, Everlaw).
• Legal calendaring or docketing software (CompuLaw or similar).

Certifications and Licenses

• Active Iowa law license.
• Completion of the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE).
• Compliance with Iowa Bar character and fitness standards.

Employment Details

• Full-time position.
• Hybrid work schedule available.
• Relocation assistance provided.
• Compensation and benefits discussed during the interview process.

Application

Community Talent Partners is recruiting on behalf of a confidential law firm.

Qualified applicants who meet the above criteria are encouraged to apply.

Keywords

Criminal Defense Attorney • Criminal Lawyer • Trial Attorney • Defense Counsel • Criminal Law • Jury Trial Lawyer • Litigation Attorney • Iowa Attorney Jobs • Midwest Law Firm • Felony Defense • Misdemeanor Defense • Trial Advocacy • Law Practice Jobs • Criminal Defense Trial Attorney • Defense Litigation

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance