Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney – Southern Arizona

Grand Canyon Law Group • Tucson, AZ

45d • Hybrid

About The Position

Grand Canyon Law Group is expanding into Southern Arizona and seeking an experienced criminal defense attorney to serve as a local advocate for clients. This role offers autonomy in managing a caseload of felony and misdemeanor cases, working with a dedicated paralegal, and focusing on practicing law without the full operational burden of a solo practice. The firm provides marketing, intake, technology, administrative support, and legal team collaboration. The ideal candidate will be familiar with the Southern Arizona legal community, courts, and possess the ability to earn trust through excellent work and a local presence. This position may evolve into a regional leadership opportunity.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
• Active member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona
• Minimum of five years of criminal defense and/or criminal prosecution experience
• Substantial experience handling Arizona felony and misdemeanor matters
• Demonstrated courtroom experience, including contested hearings, substantive motion practice, plea negotiations, and trials
• Ability to independently evaluate cases and develop defense strategies
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills
• Excellent legal judgment
• Strong time-management, calendaring, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage a full caseload across multiple jurisdictions
• Exceptional client communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with a dedicated paralegal and centralized support teams
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and legal research platforms
• Experience using Clio or another legal case-management system
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Southern Arizona

Nice To Haves

• Established experience in Pima County courts
• Experience in Cochise, Graham, Yuma, or La Paz County
• Existing professional relationships within the Southern Arizona legal community
• Significant felony trial experience
• Experience working collaboratively with or providing direction to paralegals and law clerks
• Experience developing professional referral relationships
• Certified Criminal Law Specialist designation or interest in pursuing certification
• Spanish fluency

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in felony and misdemeanor criminal matters from initial appearance through trial, sentencing, or final resolution
• Handle cases that may include DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, aggravated assault, weapons offenses, sex offenses, probation violations, homicide, and other serious criminal matters
• Serve as lead counsel on assigned cases based on experience and complexity
• Independently evaluate cases, identify legal and factual issues, and develop effective defense strategies
• Conduct legal research and draft substantive motions, memoranda, and other pleadings
• Prepare for and conduct evidentiary hearings, settlement conferences, bench trials, jury trials, and sentencing proceedings
• Negotiate effectively with prosecutors while maintaining strong professional relationships
• Communicate clearly, consistently, and compassionately with clients and their families
• Establish realistic expectations while helping clients understand their options and regain a sense of control
• Maintain timely and complete case notes, tasks, deadlines, and client communications in Clio
• Work collaboratively with a dedicated Southern Arizona paralegal
• Provide clear case-specific direction and priorities to paralegal
• Collaborate with GCLG attorneys and legal leadership on strategy, coverage, and complex matters
• Use GCLG’s case-management systems and client-service standards consistently
• Provide insight that helps GCLG operate effectively within Southern Arizona’s courts and communities
• Develop authentic relationships with attorneys, professionals, and community partners
• Participate in local legal, professional, and community organizations as appropriate
• Help GCLG earn a strong, trusted reputation throughout Southern Arizona

Benefits

• 20% referral bonus on fees collected from qualifying cases generated independently through personal marketing or referral efforts
• Performance-based advancement
• Firm-sponsored professional development
• Support toward becoming a Certified Criminal Law Specialist for attorneys pursuing the firm’s partnership track
• Opportunity to grow into a Southern Arizona Regional Lead, Partner, or other leadership position

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree