Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Attorney: Fairfield & New Haven Counties Territory

Are you a new attorney who thinks they chose the wrong practice area? Are you looking for a chance to practice criminal law because you have always considered it, but civil or family practice appealed to you out of law school, but now you realize that you are not getting joy from that practice? Are you a senior lawyer who can’t imagine 10, 20, or 30 more years of this daily grind and want to get into court, daily, helping people navigate real-world legal problems instead of shuffling motions for a faceless corporate entity that doesn’t bake you cookies when you help them win a case (yes, that happens to us sometimes!)

The firm’s legal department is seeking an additional full-time Criminal Lawyer to join its team at its Shelton, CT headquarters. This position is primarily in-office, with limited hybrid flexibility based on professional sensibility and the needs of the clients. The role covers a criminal defense caseload throughout Fairfield and New Haven Counties. You must reside in either Fairfield or New Haven County and be willing to commute to courthouses across both judicial districts.

We are committed to hiring attorneys who are passionate about helping people, have a ‘no job too big or too small’ mentality, and understand that a person’s experience with the firm does not begin and end in the courtroom. Ruane Attorneys invests in the success and growth of the firm by hiring teammates who not only understand the law but also understand the real-world impact people face when going through a legal matter. This is a perfect opportunity to join a firm with an established team of passionate individuals committed to high standards of representation and client service.

$100,000 - $125,000 yearly

• Serve under the direction of a Pod Leader (a senior paralegal) who manages client assignments within the Pod
• Maintain consistent and proactive communication with clients using firm-approved systems (email, SMS, written correspondence)
• Keep timely and accurate file notes in accordance with firm protocols
• Appear in court on behalf of clients for arraignments, pretrials, motions, and other proceedings
• Conduct legal research and draft and file motions as necessary
• Collaborate with internal teams across administration, marketing, and intake to ensure a seamless client experience

What We Expect

• Must be an active Bar member in good standing with no pending or prior disciplinary history
• Must reside in Connecticut
• Demonstrated adaptability and calm in high-pressure situations
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Comfortable working independently while supported by a larger team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Reliable transportation (mileage reimbursement provided)
• Comfortable using Macs and legal research tools (Westlaw, Lexis)
• 1–20 years of experience preferred, but new attorneys will be trained

Compensation Benefits

• $100,000 - $125,000 yearly
• Mileage reimbursement
• Medical, dental, and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Up to 50% share of referral revenue for cases you generate on your own initiative

Career Growth

This role can lead to a variety of long-term opportunities within the firm. Previous coverage attorneys have moved into Pod-based primary attorney positions, litigation-focused roles, and leadership tracks. Whether you’re seeking to grow into a permanent courtroom role or prefer flexibility long-term, we have a path that fits.

We are a mid-sized law firm headquartered in Shelton, CT, with offices and attorneys throughout Connecticut. The firm handles all areas of criminal, motor vehicle, and DUI defense. We fight for underdogs daily.

Our firm was built on the understanding that comprehensive representation does not begin and end in the courtroom. We want clients to be satisfied with their choice of firm, not just with their choice of attorney. Client service and support staff are dedicated to making the experience of retaining an attorney as smooth as possible and ensuring that no client ever has a question or concern that goes unanswered. It doesn’t matter how good an attorney is if they don’t pay close attention to the wants and needs of the client. We want to make sure that each client is as happy with the experience they have with our firm as they are with the ultimate result of their case.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and encourage Veterans to apply.