Criminal Defense Attorney (Hybrid | Relocation Available)

Community Talent Partners • Dubuque, IA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. Prior experience working in small to mid-sized law firms is preferred, along with the ability to manage diverse criminal defense cases independently.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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).
• 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).
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Mentor or supervise junior attorneys or legal staff
• Managerial or mentoring experience preferred (3–5 years)

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).

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level