Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Attorney – San Luis Obispo / Santa Maria, California

Who We Are

Founded in 2017, Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C. is a respected criminal defense practice serving San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria, California. We represent individuals accused of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

At the Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C., we believe criminal defense representation can be a pathway to growth and transformation. Our well-established San Luis Obispo practice has expanded into Santa Maria, and we are looking for the right attorney to join us. We are the central coast’s premier criminal defense law firm with over 250+ five-star Google reviews. When our firm represents someone facing criminal charges, they receive more than just a lawyer who shows up in court; they have a team of dedicated advocates standing beside them. We measure success both by the outcomes we have in court and by the lasting impact we have on our clients’ lives.

Who You Are

• You are an attorney licensed and in good standing with the California Bar.
• You have at least 3 years of experience as a public defender, prosecutor, or in a private criminal defense practice.
• You have completed at least 3 jury trials to verdict.
• You are experienced in handling written and oral motion work.
• You are grounded, compassionate, and growth-oriented; you want to get better every day.
• You demonstrate emotional intelligence. You are self-aware, empathetic, and able to navigate challenging situations with decency.
• Spanish fluency is strongly preferred.
• We are open to considering a newer rising star attorney who meets the minimum experience requirements outlined above and we are also open to considering an attorney with substantially more experience than the requirements outlined above.

What You’ll Do

• Provide outstanding criminal defense representation.
• Meet with clients, analyze case details, and develop strategy.
• Collaborate with investigators, experts, and treatment providers.
• Conduct research, draft motions, and argue them in court.
• Appear regularly in Santa Maria’s criminal court and provide backup court coverage for the firm in San Luis Obispo’s criminal court.
• Represent clients at court hearings, DMV proceedings, and at court and jury trials.
• Contribute to our supportive team culture, where collaboration and client-centered service are non-negotiable.

What We Offer

• Total Annual Compensation: up to $225,000 ($150,000 base salary and up to $75,000 in performance-based bonuses available annually).
• 401(k) Profit-Sharing Plan: Our firm 401(k) helps you invest in your future.
• Paid Time Off: Includes vacation days, sick leave, and recognized holidays to support work-life balance.
• Healthcare Reimbursement: Up to $500 per month reimbursement for medical expenses.
• Collaborative, Client-Centered Culture: Join a team that values compassion, teamwork, and excellence in advocacy.

Why Join Us

We are a team that believes in:

• Excellence: Every client deserves our very best, in and out of court.
• Compassion: We treat our fellow team members and clients with humanity and dignity.
• Growth: We support each other in developing our skills, careers, and life balance.
• Impact: We are fueled by the knowledge that the work we do profoundly changes lives.

Location Preference

While our preferred location for this attorney role is to work in an office in Santa Maria, we are open to considering candidates who would rather have their office in San Luis Obispo, who are willing to commute to Santa Maria to represent the firm's clients in court.

How to Apply

Please include your most updated resume and a cover letter. Your cover letter should include answers to the following:

• Share a story or experience that exemplifies your emotional intelligence.
• Share a story or experience that demonstrates your commitment to client advocacy.
• Share a story or experience that demonstrates your skill and presence in the courtroom.
• Tell us how you give to the community.

Attention to details matters.

For consideration for this position, send an email to careers@steinconawaylaw.com with your resume and cover letter. Please use “Application for Criminal Defense Attorney Position - [YOUR NAME]” as your email subject line. Applications that do not follow these instructions will not be reviewed.

Please do not call our office regarding this position. All communication related to this opportunity will be handled exclusively via email to careers@steinconawaylaw.com. If your application is selected, we will contact you with next steps.

Equal Opportunity

Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

This is more than a job. It is a chance to practice law with heart, courage, and impact. If that sounds like you, we look forward to hearing from you.

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: From $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person