Associate Attorney

Company Description

Barnes & Fersten, PLLC is an exclusively DUI & criminal defense law firm committed to the belief that a person's worst day should not define their entire life. As a rapidly growing DUI & Criminal Defense law firm in East Tennessee, we take pride in our 300+ 5-star Google reviews showcasing our commitment to surpassing client expectations. We expect associate attorneys to provide the highest level of legal representation to each client by providing an extraordinary client experience in accordance with Firm policies and procedures.

We are seeking a candidate interested in becoming part of a criminal defense team focused on accomplishing the best result based on the facts and circumstances of their case. This includes preparing every case thoroughly, and effectively communicating legal defenses to prosecutors, judges and juries across East Tennessee. Job duties will include appearing in courts across East Tennessee including Knox, Blount, Loudon, Anderson, Sevier, Roane, Monroe, Cumberland, Jefferson, Campbell, Claiborne, Union, among others.

Salary and Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: Based on experience with annual reviews for raise opportunities.
• Bonus Opportunities: Quarterly bonuses, and discretionary annually.
• Full Benefits: Health insurance, 401k matching, paid vacation and holidays, child care, CLE and organization memberships to KBA, NCDD, and TACDL, among others.
• Training: Firm will pay for Attorney's travel to TACDL Trial College and a NCDD DUI Conference. Firm will provide training through our training program, including mock negotiations and hearings.
• Team Approach: All attorneys collaborate on cases, including bodycam and document review, and conducting mock negotiations and hearings.

Work Experience:

• 1-10 years of previous criminal law experience.

Responsibilities: Represent clients from new client meetings to conclusion of the case in various felony and misdemeanor DUI, criminal and juvenile delinquency cases.

• Court Appearances: Appear in General Sessions, Criminal Courts and Juvenile Courts across East Tennessee prepared in accordance with the policies and procedures of our office.
• Potential New Client Consultations: Handle in-person and phone potential new client consultations by discussing the potential client's case and quoting fees in accordance with firm training and polices.
• Case Review: Develop a personalized legal strategy for each case based on review of the body camera or video evidence, 911 calls, reviewing caselaw, and interviewing witnesses and/or experts to develop all potential defenses that puts our client in the best position possible for negotiations and/or hearings. Meet with clients in-person for case review meetings prior to first court date to review the defense strategy with the client.
• Negotiations: Negotiate with prosecutors to secure plea agreements of dismissals or reduced charges when it is in the client's best interest.
• Hearings/Trials: Conduct preliminary hearings, motion hearings and jury trials when it is in our client’s best interest.
• Client Experience: Create a one-of-a-kind attorney-client relationship by creating a lasting impression on the client through diligence, dedication to the client, and showing empathy and compassion for the client’s situation. It is always imperative to determine the client’s primary concerns and goals in hiring our firm so that you take it into account when negotiating a resolution in their case. Provide guidance to clients by understanding the law, explaining all legal options in their case, and keeping the client informed about the defenses in their case and how we plan to proceed at the upcoming court dates.
• Continued Training: Attend training sessions, legal seminars, and other CLE programs to continually craft your proficiency and skills in DUI and criminal defense.
• Treat Approach: Case preparation with supervising attorneys to ensure the highest level of work product for the clients’ upcoming court date, including but not limited to mock preliminary hearings and motion hearings.

Job Type: Full-time

Projected Total Compensation: $80,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Criminal law: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Knoxville, TN 37919 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Knoxville, TN 37919: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person