Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney – Northern Arizona

GRAND CANYON LAW GROUP LLC • Flagstaff, AZ

just now • $145,000 - $170,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Grand Canyon Law Group is expanding into Northern 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 burden of running a solo practice. The firm provides marketing, intake, technology, case management, and administrative support. The position requires an understanding of Northern Arizona's unique legal market, courts, and communities, emphasizing the need for an attorney who can build local trust and credibility. Initially focused on high-level legal practice, the role may evolve into a regional leadership opportunity for qualified individuals.

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 Northern Arizona

Nice To Haves

• Already respected in, familiar with, or meaningfully connected to the Northern Arizona legal community
• Understand that Northern Arizona’s courts and communities require genuine local relationships
• Want greater autonomy without taking on every burden of running your own firm
• Can independently manage felony and misdemeanor cases
• Take ownership instead of waiting to be told what to do next
• Understand that excellent criminal defense requires both persuasive advocacy and exceptional client communication
• Can work effectively with a dedicated paralegal and centralized support team
• Have the discipline to follow proven systems while offering thoughtful ideas for improvement
• Build genuine professional relationships instead of treating networking as a transaction
• Remain calm, organized, and decisive under pressure
• Welcome accountability and direct feedback
• Want to help establish a long-term regional practice while continuing to grow as an attorney
• Experience in Yavapai County is a strong plus
• Candidates with experience in Coconino County Superior Court, Flagstaff Municipal Court, Northern Arizona Justice Courts, or other municipal, justice, and superior courts throughout Northern Arizona are strongly preferred.
• Established experience in Coconino County courts
• Experience in Mohave, Navajo, or Apache County
• Experience in Yavapai County is a strong plus
• Existing professional relationships within the Northern Arizona legal community
• Experience with jurisdictional considerations affecting Northern Arizona matters
• 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 your experience and the complexity of the matter
• 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 Northern Arizona paralegal
• Provide clear case-specific direction and priorities to your 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 Northern 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 Northern Arizona

Benefits

• 20% referral bonus on fees collected from qualifying cases generated independently through their personal marketing or referral efforts
• Firm-sponsored professional development
• Support toward becoming a Certified Criminal Law Specialist for attorneys pursuing the firm’s partnership track

What This Job Offers

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