Sr. Criminal Defense Attorney - Fort Lauderdale - MLG

Description

Mayersohn Law Group, P.A. is seeking a highly skilled Criminal Defense Attorney to join our team and provide exceptional legal services to our diverse client base. The ideal candidate is a former prosecutor with substantial (50+) jury trials, federal experience, and 7+ years of overall legal experience, who thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates sound judgment, and is committed to long-term growth within our firm.

You will work closely with senior partners, staff, and clients to develop case strategies, advocate in court, and ensure the highest standard of representation. If you are a strong legal writer, confident in the courtroom, and capable of managing a demanding caseload with minimal supervision, we want to hear from you

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Representation & Case Ownership

• Serve as lead counsel on assigned criminal cases, taking full ownership of strategy, communication, deadlines, and courtroom execution.
• Represent clients in all criminal proceedings — arraignments, hearings, motions, negotiations, and trials — ensuring constitutional rights are protected, and advocacy is consistently high‑caliber.
• Maintain an appropriate caseload, meeting all deadlines without extensions or last‑minute crises.
• Consistently achieve a 95% collection rate.

Strategic Defense Development

• Develop and execute comprehensive defense strategies tailored to each client's circumstances, demonstrating prosecutorial insight and anticipating opposing counsel's tactics.
• Identify key evidentiary issues early, create action plans, and proactively communicate strategy shifts to partners and clients.
• Deliver written strategy summaries for major cases that reflect deep analysis, risk assessment, and recommended next steps.

Legal Research, Analysis & Preparation

• Conduct rigorous legal research and apply findings to strengthen motions, negotiations, and trial arguments.
• Prepare case files that are consistently complete, organized, and trial‑ready, with no missing documents or overlooked evidence.
• Produce written work (motions, briefs, memos) that meets firm standards for clarity, accuracy, and persuasive impact.

Collaboration & Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Work closely with senior partners to refine case strategies, incorporating feedback and demonstrating continuous improvement.
• Partner with paralegals, investigators, and support staff to ensure all case components - discovery, filings, witness prep - are completed accurately and on time.
• Participate in weekly case review meetings, prepared, organized, and ready to discuss progress, obstacles, and next steps.

Client Communication & Relationship Management

• Maintain consistent, proactive communication with clients, ensuring they understand their case status, options, and risks.
• Respond to client inquiries within firm‑established timeframes and document all substantive communications.
• Build trust through empathy, professionalism, and clear explanations of complex legal issues.

Courtroom Advocacy & Negotiation

• Advocate effectively in court, demonstrating confidence, preparation, and mastery of the facts and law.
• Negotiate with prosecutors strategically, using prosecutorial experience to anticipate leverage points and achieve favorable outcomes.
• Deliver trial performance that reflects a strong command of evidence, witness examination, and persuasive argumentation.

Professional Standards & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain meticulous compliance with ethical rules, filing deadlines, and procedural requirements.
• Participate in ongoing training, legal education, and firm development initiatives.
• Demonstrate professional behaviors of reliability, accountability, initiative, coachability, and a commitment to excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must show a consistent pattern of increasing responsibility, case complexity, and performance over 7+ years of criminal practice.
• Demonstrated history of high‑quality trial performance, including 50+ criminal jury trials and federal cases with documented outcomes, supervisor evaluations, or performance metrics that reflect strong advocacy and courtroom command.
• Former prosecutorial experience for that prosecutor's mindset and courtroom confidence.
• Consistent pattern of taking full ownership of cases, deadlines, and client communication in prior roles.
• Evidence of long‑term tenure or progressive responsibility in past positions.
• Documented history of working effectively within legal teams — investigators, paralegals, co‑counsel — while independently managing a caseload.
• Proven ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly, supported by sample briefs, motion work, or supervisor feedback.
• Must be in good standing with the Florida Bar, with no history of disciplinary issues (verified during reference and background checks).
• Communicates clearly and persuasively with clients, colleagues, and the court.
• Thrives in a collaborative environment but can operate independently when needed.
• Passionate about justice, client advocacy, and continuous professional growth.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Proficient in Westlaw, Lexis, and other legal research tools, as well as Microsoft Office and legal case management software.
• Able to manage a high-volume caseload with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience overseeing or mentoring support staff.
• Prior work on federal criminal cases.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) benefits
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Professional development and training opportunities
• A supportive, collaborative, and inclusive firm culture

LEARN MORE ABOUT MLG

For additional insight into our firm, please review the resources below:

• https://www.facebook.com/mayersohnlawgroup
• https://www.mayersohnlaw.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/mayersohn-law-group-p-a/posts/?feedView=all
• https://www.instagram.com/mayersohnlaw/?hl=en

DISCLOSURES:

This job description is not intended to cover every duty or responsibility required for this role. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Mayersohn Law Group, P.A. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We make employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

Employment with Mayersohn Law Group, P.A. is at‑will. Only a written agreement signed by the Managing Partner can modify the at‑will employment status.

ABOUT MAYERSOHN LAW GROUP, P.A.:

Mayersohn Law Group, P.A. is a dynamic, NAMWOLF, AV‑rated law firm recognized for excellence across South Florida's legal community. Led by founder Leah Mayersohn, a former prosecutor with decades of high‑stakes litigation experience. Our firm specializes in Criminal Law, Family Law, Real Estate, Commercial Litigation, and Litigation, and is well known for sharp strategy, fast communication, and a client‑focused approach that gets results.

We're expanding our team as we invest in new systems, marketing initiatives, and operational growth. This is an exciting time to join us: you'll work closely with experienced attorneys, contribute to meaningful cases, and be part of a supportive environment that values initiative, integrity, and continuous improvement. If you thrive in a fast‑moving environment, bring fresh ideas, and take pride in delivering excellent work, you'll feel right at home here.