Criminal Defense Associate3 to 5 Years Experience Northern VirginiaThe Constitution does not enforce itself.We need an attorney who shows up for clients when the system would rather they disappear. Someone who knows the difference between a plea and a fight, and who can be trusted with another person's freedom.Right Path Law Group is a criminal defense and personal injury firm with offices in Chantilly and Manassas. We serve a predominantly Spanish-speaking community across the DMV, and we are hiring our next Criminal Defense Associate. This is a real trial role, with a real caseload and a real path to Senior. It is not a stop on the way to somewhere else.This role reports to our Senior Criminal Defense Attorney and works directly with firm leadership on case strategy, client outcomes, and where this practice goes next.Why this role is built for the 3-to-5-year attorneyYou are past the stage of learning which courtroom is which. You have real trials behind you, you have stood up in General District Court, and you are ready for heavier files, more first-chair work, and matters that actually carry weight. You are not looking to coast, and you are not ready to slow down.That is the attorney we built this seat for.We are not looking for someone who we have to teach how to try a case. We are looking for someone we can hand a docket to, mentor through the hardest felony matters, and grow into a leader of this practice. Three to five years is the sweet spot: enough trials to contribute on day one, early enough in your career to grow with us.Total Compensation: $135,000 to $155,000+Base Salary: $115,000 to $125,000, based on experience and trial record$115,000 - 3 to 4 years of criminal defense or prosecution experience, with felony and misdemeanor trial work in the General District Court.$125,000 - closer to 5 years, with first-chair trial experience in Circuit Court, jury or bench.Quarterly Performance Bonus: 10% of base salary (roughly $11,500 to $12,500 per year), paid quarterly when you meet KPI thresholds tied to cases closed and fees collected.Referral Bonus: 15% of fees on criminal cases you personally originate and resolve.Realistic Year 1 total compensation: $135,000 to $155,000+Benefits100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental insurance (employee coverage)401(k) with 4% employer match after one year of continuous employment3 weeks paid time off plus firm holidaysPre-Approved CLE expense reimbursementA defined, earned path to Senior Criminal Defense AttorneyYour Support StructureYou will not be flying solo. The firm gives you:A dedicated paralegal for criminal mattersA fully bilingual administrative team for intake and client communicationA case management system built for criminal practiceSpanish-speaking client coordinators who handle front-end communicationDirect mentorship from our Senior Criminal Defense Attorney on serious felony mattersYou focus on the courtroom. The team handles the rest.What You Will DoCarry an active criminal defense caseload across General District, Circuit, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts in Northern VirginiaBuild case strategy, draft and argue motions, negotiate dispositions, and try cases when the facts call for itWork with the criminal defense team on strategy and workloadThis Is Probably Not the Role for You If You see every plea bargain as a winYou have not been in trial in the last 12 monthsYou think serving a Spanish-speaking community is a barrier rather than an opportunityYour first question is about remote flexibility before it is about the workYou define "trial experience" as having watched oneYou misrepresent your trial record. We verify everything.About UsRight Path Law Group fights for our community across the DMV. Our criminal defense practice stands with clients during some of the hardest moments of their lives, and we are building a team that takes that responsibility seriously.Our Mission: Transform 25,000 lives.Our Values: Resilience. Integrity. Service. Excellence. (R.I.S.E.)Compensation:$115,000 - $125,000+ yearlyResponsibilities:Manage criminal defense caseload across General District Court, Circuit Court, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in Northern Virginia jurisdictionsRepresent clients charged with felonies and misdemeanors from arraignment through trial or resolutionDevelop case strategy, draft and argue motions, negotiate dispositions, and try cases to verdict when necessaryAppear at bond hearings, preliminary hearings, status hearings, motions, and trials across Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, Arlington, Alexandria, and surrounding jurisdictionsCommunicate proactively with clients throughout the life of their case, in English and Spanish where applicableCollaborate with the criminal defense team on case strategy, workload distribution, and client outcomesDocument case activity accurately in the firm's case management system and submit quarterly case data for performance reviewQualifications:Required:Active Virginia bar license in good standingMinimum 3 years of criminal defense or prosecution experienceTrial experience in the General District Court (felony and misdemeanor)Ability to manage a deadline-driven caseload independentlyPublic defenders and former prosecutors are strongly encouraged to applyStrongly preferred (qualifies for $125,000+ base):5+ years of criminal litigation experienceFirst-chair trial experience in Circuit CourtBilingual Spanish/English fluencyFamiliarity with Fairfax County, Prince William County, Loudoun, Arlington, and Alexandria courtsExperience with serious felony matters (violent offenses, drug charges, sex offenses)About CompanyRight Path Law Group, PLLC, fights for our community across the DMV, and we have built the infrastructure to do it right. A dedicated team behind every attorney. A growing caseload and a firm that rewards performance.Our Mission: Transform 25,000 lives.Our Values: Resilience. Integrity. Service. Excellence. (R.I.S.E) Compensation details: 00 Yearly SalaryPIccd-5738