Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney – Criminal Defense
Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC — Lexington, South Carolina

Pay: $85,000 – $105,000+ per year (DOE), with room for advancement

The Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC is seeking a full-time Associate Attorney to join our growing criminal defense practice serving Lexington, Columbia, and courts throughout South Carolina. Our office is located in downtown Lexington and handles a wide range of cases in magistrate, municipal, and General Sessions court. For a new lawyer who wants hands-on courtroom experience and a long-term career in criminal defense, this is a highly valuable training environment.

Office hours are 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. There are no billable hours, no timesheets, and no regular requirement to respond to emails after hours. We maintain a structured, professional environment with predictable hours and an experienced support team.

What You Will Do
You will work closely with senior attorneys, beginning with a period of shadowing and training. As your experience grows, you will take on additional responsibilities with supervision and support. Duties include:

• Regular court appearances—often five days a week—in Lexington, Richland, and surrounding counties
• Managing a diverse docket including DUI, domestic violence, and General Sessions cases
• Reviewing discovery, evidence, and video
• Meeting and communicating proactively with clients
• Negotiating with prosecutors and law enforcement
• Assisting with legal research, motions, and filings
• Working with investigators and expert witnesses as needed

What We Provide

• A steady caseload with extensive courtroom work
• Training, mentoring, and structured development for newer attorneys
• A team of experienced paralegals to support your cases
• Established procedures to help you succeed
• A professional work environment focused on high-quality representation rather than billable hours

Qualifications

• Must be licensed to practice in South Carolina with all Rule 403 requirements completed
• Recent graduates and newer attorneys are encouraged to apply
• Strong interest in criminal defense and courtroom advocacy
• Ability to communicate clearly with clients and maintain professionalism in a high-volume practice

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $85,000–$105,000+ depending on experience
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Paid time off
• Professional development and CLE support
• Full-time, in-person position

To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter through Indeed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person