Join Our Team

Description

Do you have proven experience as a criminal defense attorney and are looking to join a firm that delivers excellence to its clients and creates a positive and lasting impact on the San Diego community beyond criminal defense? Perhaps you are a solo practitioner who loves what you do, but has grown tired of the responsibilities of running a law firm? Or you are a current Public Defender or Prosecutor who knows it is time to make a change but does not want to leave a career in criminal law?

If that’s you, you’ll step in immediately — carrying your own caseload, appearing in court, and owning your matters end-to-end with the precision, composure, and integrity this Firm demands. You’ll be trusted as a true peer by the attorneys and staff you work alongside.

We’re a San Diego-based boutique criminal defense firm that takes pride in being unconventional, thorough, and unapologetically committed to excellence. Excellence, for us, is not a goal — it’s a habit. If you embody integrity, respect, clear communication, a positive outlook, and genuine adaptability, and if you thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments, this may be your role. This position is in-person, full-time, and we’re hiring now.

What We’re Looking For + What You’ll Do

• 4+ years of criminal law experience. Active private-practice criminal defense, public defender, or prosecutorial experience — what matters is that you’ve managed your own caseload and know your way around a courtroom.
• Active California Bar membership in good standing. No pending disciplinary matters.
• Significant courtroom exposure. Appearing in court with confidence and command. Comfortable and effective at arraignments, readiness conferences, motions, preliminary hearings, and trial proceedings. You don’t freeze. Ever.
• Demonstrated ownership of a caseload. You manage deadlines, clients, discovery, negotiations, and strategy without hand-holding — but you know when to ask for help when it is needed.
• Exceptional client communication. You know how to listen, empathize, explain, and be straight with people during the worst moments of their lives. And your exceptional client communication is not only when you feel like providing it. You will build genuine rapport, set expectations, and uphold the firm’s standards in every interaction.
• Genuine commitment to our core principles of integrity, respect, communication, positivity, and adaptability. These aren’t buzzwords here — they define how we work every day and are the standard.
• Sharp judgment and a strong work ethic. How you do anything is how you do everything. No days off mindset.
• Spanish Speaking? Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is preferred but not required.
• Eagerness to learn. Ability and willingness to learn and leverage Agentic AI a plus.
• Full-Time & On-Site. This is not a remote/hybrid position. If that’s what you’re looking for, this isn’t the right fit.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary at or above market, commensurate with skill and experience, plus case origination bonus opportunities.
• Generous PTO and sick time policy
• Up to $5,250/year in tax-free student loan and tuition repayment
• 401(k) with automatic employer contribution and cash balance retirement plan
• Firm-sponsored medical, disability, and life insurance for full-time employees
• Real support to grow and thrive — Meaningful caseload autonomy with real mentorship from the Firm’s Partners plus a staff that shows up for each other

How to Apply

Serious and qualified applicants should email their resume and cover letter to Careers@DPShapiro.com. The cover letter must include: (1) a brief description of your current and recent caseload, including courts where you regularly appear; (2) specific examples of how you embody the Firm’s core values outlined above; and (3) why you applied for this position at this criminal defense law firm. BuciBoy#2026#LOODPS should be in the subject line of the email, and the cover letter should be entirely in bold. Rest assured your application will be confidential.

Description

We’re looking for a sharp, decisive legal assistant who can operate independently and speak confidently with court staff, other law firms, and clients. You’ll be a critical link between our attorneys and the people we defend — often in high-stakes situations where precision, composure, and integrity matter enormously.

We’re a San Diego-based boutique criminal defense firm that takes pride in being unconventional, thorough, and unapologetically committed to excellence. Excellence, for us, is not a goal — it’s a habit. If you embody integrity, respect, clear communication, a positive outlook, and genuine adaptability, and if you thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments, this may be your role. This position is in-person, full-time, and needs to be filled by May 1.

• Exceptional customer service background. You know how to listen, empathize, and make people feel heard — especially people in difficult situations.
• Law firm experience required. But what matters more is demonstrated reliability, ownership of your work, and the ability to thrive without hand-holding.
• Genuine commitment to our core principles: integrity, respect, communication, positivity, and adaptability. These aren’t buzzwords here — they define how we work every day and are the standard.
• Self-directed multitasker who thinks on their feet, makes smart decisions, and manages competing demands without constant supervision.
• Strong work ethic and an eye for excellence. How you do anything is how you do everything.
• Eagerness to learn. Ability and willingness to learn Agentic Ai a plus.
• Consistency. Treating a client or task at 5:15 P.M. on a Friday with the same care and compassion as one Monday at 9:15 A.M.
• Experience. This is not an entry-level or remote/hybrid position. If that’s what you’re looking for, this isn’t the right fit

What You’ll Do

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, courts, and prosecutorial agencies. Communicate with confidence and professionalism in person and on the phone, build genuine rapport, and represent the firm’s integrity in every interaction.
• Maintain and improve firm policies and procedures, ensuring systems reflect our commitment to high standards.
• Handle all document workflows: copying, scanning, and filing — both physical and digital — with meticulous attention to detail.
  Execute data entry using web-based systems and MS Office Suite accurately.
• Errors in legal case management have real consequences.
• Support the business side of the practice. Client relationships and communication keep a firm running.
• Drafting motions, completing forms and basic legal research.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary at or above market ($30-$40), commensurate with skill and experience
• Generous PTO and sick time policy
• Up to $5,250/year in tax-free student loan and tuition repayment
• 401(k) with automatic employer contribution and cash balance retirement plan
• Firm-sponsored medical, disability, and life insurance for full-time employees

How to Apply

Serious and qualified applicants should email their resume and cover letter to Careers@DPShapiro.com. The cover letter must include examples of your prior customer service experience, alignment with the Firm’s core values outlined above, and should address specifically why you applied for this position at this criminal defense law firm. BuciBoy2026LOODPS# should be in the subject line of the email and the cover letter should be entirely in italics. Rest assured your application will be confidential.