Pay: $100,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Join a respected, growing criminal defense team handling serious and complex felony cases that make a real impact.
• Focus on high-quality legal work with no business development or client origination requirements.
• Work alongside experienced trial attorneys in a collaborative, team-first environment.
• Receive strong support from dedicated legal staff and investigators so you can focus on advocacy.
• Earn performance-based bonuses in addition to a competitive compensation package.
• Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.
• Build your trial experience while living in one of Florida's premier Gulf Coast communities.
• Enjoy excellent benefits, professional development opportunities, and long-term career growth.

Location

Panama City, Florida. This is a full-time, on-site position where our attorneys collaborate closely in the office and appear regularly in court to provide exceptional client representation. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates nationwide.

Note:

To be considered, candidates should be licensed to practice in Florida (or be able to obtain Florida licensure immediately if currently licensed elsewhere) and possess meaningful criminal defense litigation experience with courtroom exposure. Candidates with strong felony trial experience will receive top consideration.

About Us

We are a growing criminal defense practice committed to providing fearless, strategic, and compassionate representation for every client we serve. Our team believes in collaboration, integrity, outstanding client communication, and achieving exceptional results in challenging cases. We invest in our attorneys, encourage professional growth, and foster a supportive culture where great trial lawyers can thrive. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Represent clients charged with serious misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses from case strategy through trial.
• Handle courtroom appearances, evidentiary hearings, motion practice, negotiations, and jury trials.
• Develop creative defense strategies and prepare compelling legal arguments.
• Conduct legal research and draft motions, briefs, and other court filings.
• Maintain consistent communication with clients while providing compassionate guidance throughout the legal process.
• Collaborate with attorneys, investigators, and legal support staff to build the strongest possible defense.
• Manage an active caseload while maintaining exceptional client service and professional standards.

Qualifications

• Active Florida Bar license or ability to become licensed in Florida immediately.
• 1+ years of criminal defense trial experience
• Experience handling felony criminal cases.
• Strong courtroom advocacy, litigation, negotiation, and legal writing skills.
• Ability to independently manage criminal matters and trial preparation.
• Team-oriented with excellent communication and professionalism.
• Candidates with exceptional courtroom experience and slightly fewer years may be considered.

Why You Will Love Working Here

You'll join a close-knit team that genuinely enjoys working together while handling meaningful, high-level criminal defense work. We provide the support, resources, and autonomy needed to build an exceptional trial practice without the pressure of generating your own business. We reward performance, encourage professional growth, and offer the opportunity to build a long-term career in a respected practice located in one of Florida's most desirable coastal communities.

JPC-1480

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Requirements: Must-have: FL bar licence, 1+ yrs of trial experience, 1+ yrs of criminal law experience

• Required Years as Associate:
  • 3-10
• Additional context:
  • Relocation- Yes
  • Packages - Relocation assistance available
• Salary Bands (Only if attorney role):
  • $100,000-$120,000 (1-3 years)
  • $120,000-$145,000 (3-5 years)
  • $145,000-$170,000 (5-8 years)
  • $170,000-$200,000+ (8+ years/exceptional felony trial experience)

Submission Email: Cheri -

cheri@panamacityattorney.com

Quick Recruiter Reference
Growing criminal defense firm hiring a Florida-licensed trial attorney to handle serious felony cases. No book of business required. Relocation assistance available with strong bonus potential.

Recruiters Submission: To submit, cancel - Criminal Defense Trial Attorney - Shepard Law - JPC-1480- source 

New Job Order Alert

• Client job title: Criminal Defense Attorney
• Location: Panama City, FL
• On-site, hybrid, remote: On-site
• Experience: 1+
• Good fit job titles/keywords for candidates: Criminal Defense Attorney, Criminal Trial Attorney, Felony Defense Attorney, Trial Lawyer, Criminal Litigation Attorney, Assistant Public Defender, Criminal Defense Counsel
• # of hires needed: 1