Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description
Description: Grand Canyon Law Group is seeking an Associate Attorney, ideally with one to two years of criminal defense or prosecution experience, to join our Phoenix team. This is an opportunity to build your courtroom skills, manage meaningful cases, and develop as a criminal defense attorney with experienced attorneys and legal leadership behind you. You will primarily handle misdemeanor matters and take on lower-level felony cases appropriate to your experience, preparation, and demonstrated ability. As you grow, you will have opportunities to participate in more complex case strategy, serve as second chair, and take on greater responsibility. We are looking for someone who prepares thoroughly, follows through, communicates clearly, and cares deeply about the people we represent. You should be comfortable taking initiative, receptive to feedback, and willing to ask questions early when you need guidance. You will have experienced paralegal support, weekly case staffing, access to the GCLG legal team, ongoing training, centralized intake and client-relations support, and modern legal technology. If you want meaningful courtroom experience, clear expectations, and a long-term path in criminal defense, we would like to meet you. About Grand Canyon Law Group Grand Canyon Law Group is an Arizona criminal defense firm with one clear mission: We help good people accused of a crime take control of their case and save their future. Our core values are Compassion, Honesty, and Results. We believe excellent criminal defense requires preparation, sound judgment, clear communication, personal accountability, and a team that cares about the person behind the case. Our attorneys work within established systems that support consistent client service and strong case preparation. You will be expected to learn and practice the GCLG way, with training, resources, and feedback to help you succeed. The Work You Will Handle Your caseload will primarily include misdemeanor matters and, as appropriate to your experience and development, lower-level felony cases involving:
- DUI and traffic-related criminal offenses
- Domestic violence
- Assault and disorderly conduct
- Criminal damage
- Shoplifting and theft
- Drug possession
- Weapons allegations
- Probation violations
- Other Arizona criminal matters appropriate to your experience Case assignments and the level of attorney support will reflect your readiness and the needs of each matter.

Requirements:
What You Will Do
- Manage an assigned criminal caseload with guidance and oversight appropriate to your experience.
- Represent clients at initial appearances, pretrial conferences, hearings, settlement conferences, trials, and sentencing proceedings as assigned.
- Review discovery, evaluate evidence, and identify legal and factual issues.
- Develop case strategies in collaboration with supervising attorneys and legal leadership.
- Conduct legal research and draft motions, memoranda, and other pleadings.
- Prepare thoroughly for court appearances, negotiations, and client meetings.
- Negotiate professionally with prosecutors and advocate for favorable outcomes.
- Communicate clearly, honestly, and compassionately with clients and their families.
- Explain legal options, potential consequences, and next steps in language clients can understand.
- Maintain accurate and timely case notes, tasks, deadlines, and substantive communications in Clio.
- Work closely with your assigned paralegal and provide clear case-specific direction.
- Participate actively in weekly case staffing and seek input on unfamiliar or complex issues.
- Assist with courtroom coverage and collaborate with other attorneys as appropriate.
- Participate in ongoing training, continuing legal education, and professional development.
- Represent GCLG professionally in court and throughout the legal community. Ownership, Preparation, and Accountability You do not need to have encountered every issue before joining us. You do need to take responsibility for your work and recognize when to seek guidance. We expect you to:
- Review your calendar and priorities without waiting for reminders.
- Prepare for court well in advance.
- Keep cases moving and follow assignments through to completion.
- Communicate promptly when an issue arises.
- Accept feedback and apply it to your work.
- Work respectfully and effectively with paralegals and support professionals.
- Maintain accurate records and follow firm systems.
- Ask questions early when a matter exceeds your experience or presents an unfamiliar issue. Your responsibility and independence will grow as you demonstrate sound judgment, consistent preparation, and strong performance. The Support Behind You Experienced paralegal support: Assistance with discovery, case organization, client communication, calendaring, document preparation, and case progression. Weekly case staffing: Regular opportunities to discuss st