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Job description
Description
Grand Canyon Law Group is expanding into Northern Arizona, and we are seeking an experienced criminal defense attorney to become a trusted local advocate for clients throughout the region.
This is not a traditional associate position where every decision is handed down from someone in another office. You will manage your own felony and misdemeanor caseload, work alongside a dedicated paralegal, and have the autonomy expected of an experienced attorney.
However, autonomy does not mean operating alone.
GCLG provides the marketing, intake, technology, case-management systems, administrative infrastructure, client-relations support, and experienced legal team. You will be able to focus on practicing law, serving clients, and building meaningful relationships without carrying every operational burden of running a solo practice.
Northern Arizona is not simply a smaller version of the Phoenix legal market. Its courts, communities, geography, professional relationships, and jurisdictional considerations require an attorney who understands the region and knows how to earn local trust.
We recognize that an outside firm can be viewed differently from an established local practitioner. We need an attorney who respects the Northern Arizona legal community and can build credibility through excellent work, authentic relationships, and a consistent local presence.
Your immediate responsibility will be practicing law at a high level. As the Northern Arizona practice grows, this position may develop into a regional leadership opportunity for an attorney who demonstrates the interest and ability to take on that role. Leadership is an opportunity for growth, not a day‑one requirement.
About Grand Canyon Law Group
Grand Canyon Law Group is an Arizona criminal defense firm dedicated to helping good people accused of a crime take control of their case and save their future.
Our Work Is Grounded In Three Core Values
Compassion
Honesty
Results
We combine high-level legal representation with clear communication, strong systems, and a client experience built around trust. Our attorneys are supported by experienced paralegals, a centralized intake and client-relations team, established technology, sophisticated marketing, and firm leadership committed to building the best criminal defense firm in Arizona.
We are not looking to open an office that merely carries our name. We want to establish a Northern Arizona practice that reflects the GCLG way in every case strategy, courtroom appearance, client interaction, and community relationship.
What You Will Do
Represent clients in felony and misdemeanor criminal matters from initial appearance through trial, sentencing, or final resolution
Handle cases that may include DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, aggravated assault, weapons offenses, sex offenses, probation violations, homicide, and other serious criminal matters
Serve as lead counsel on assigned cases based on your experience and the complexity of the matter
Independently evaluate cases, identify legal and factual issues, and develop effective defense strategies
Conduct legal research and draft substantive motions, memoranda, and other pleadings
Prepare for and conduct evidentiary hearings, settlement conferences, bench trials, jury trials, and sentencing proceedings
Negotiate effectively with prosecutors while maintaining strong professional relationships
Communicate clearly, consistently, and compassionately with clients and their families
Establish realistic expectations while helping clients understand their options and regain a sense of control
Maintain timely and complete case notes, tasks, deadlines, and client communications in Clio
Work collaboratively with a dedicated Northern Arizona paralegal
Provide clear case‑specific direction and priorities to your paralegal
Collaborate with GCLG attorneys and legal leadership on strategy, coverage, and complex matters
Use GCLG’s case‑management systems and client‑service standards consistently
Provide insight that helps GCLG operate effectively within Northern Arizona’s courts and communities
Develop authentic relationships with attorneys, professionals, and community partners
Participate in local legal, professional, and community organizations as appropriate
Help GCLG earn a strong, trusted reputation throughout Northern Arizona
Regional Court Focus
This Position Will Primarily Support Matters In
Coconino County
Mohave County
Navajo County
Apache County
Other Northern Arizona jurisdictions as the practice grows
Experience in Yavapai County is a strong plus because the Northern Arizona office may also support matters in that region.
Candidates with experience in Coconino County Superior Court, Flagstaff Municipal Court, Northern Arizona Justice Courts, or other municipal, justice, and superior courts throughout Northern Arizona are strongly preferred.
Candidates must be comfortable traveling significant distances to courts throughout the region when required by their cases.
Who Will Thrive in This Role
You May Be An Excellent Fit If You
Are already respected in, familiar with, or meaningfully connected to the Northern Arizona legal community
Understand that Northern Arizona’s courts and communities require genuine local relationships
Want greater autonomy without taking on every burden of running your own firm
Can independently manage felony and misdemeanor cases
Take ownership instead of waiting to be told what to do next
Understand that excellent criminal defense requires both persuasive advocacy and exceptional client communication
Can work effectively with a dedicated paralegal and centralized support team
Have the discipline to follow proven systems while offering thoughtful ideas for improvement
Build genuine professional relationships instead of treating networking as a transaction
Remain calm, organized, and decisive under pressure
Welcome accountability and direct feedback
Want to help establish a long‑term regional practice while continuing to grow as an attorney
Performance Expectations
Maintain a minimum of 30 productive hours per week
Achieve at least 1,440 productive hours annually, based on a 48-week year
Maintain 100% adherence to court deadlines, Clio deadlines, and case-note requirements
Complete at least 95% of assigned case‑management tasks on time
Communicate consistently with clients and document substantive communications
Maintain ownership of assigned matters from intake through resolution
Secure at least 10 positive client reviews with a five-star rating annually
Generate at least four retained cases annually through personal marketing or referral relationships
Participate in or lead at least one legal or community education session annually
Contribute to the development of law clerks or less-experienced attorneys when appropriate
Attorneys receive a 20% referral bonus on fees collected from qualifying cases generated independently through their personal marketing or referral efforts.
Required Qualifications
Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
Active member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona
Minimum of five years of criminal defense and/or criminal prosecution experience
Substantial experience handling Arizona felony and misdemeanor matters
Demonstrated courtroom experience, including contested hearings, substantive motion practice, plea negotiations, and trials
Ability to independently evaluate cases and develop defense strategies
Strong written and oral advocacy skills
Excellent legal judgment
Strong time‑management, calendaring, and organizational skills
Ability to manage a full caseload across multiple jurisdictions
Exceptional client communication skills
Ability to work effectively with a dedicated paralegal and centralized support teams
Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and legal research platforms
Experience using Clio or another legal case‑management system
Ability and willingness to travel throughout Northern Arizona
Preferred Qualifications
Established experience in Coconino County courts
Experience in Mohave, Navajo, or Apache County
Experience in Yavapai County is a strong plus
Existing professional relationships within the Northern Arizona legal community
Experience with jurisdictional considerations affecting Northern Arizona matters
Significant felony trial experience
Experience working collaboratively with or providing direction to paralegals and law clerks
Experience developing professional referral relationships
Certified Criminal Law Specialist designation or interest in pursuing certification
Spanish fluency
Growth
This position begins as a senior practicing attorney role, not an immediate management position. The attorney will have time to learn GCLG’s systems, establish a strong partnership with their paralegal, and determine whether future regional leadership aligns with their strengths and goals.
Additional Earning And Professional‑development Opportunities Include
A 20% referral bonus on collected fees from qualifying independently generated cases
Performance‑based advancement
Firm‑sponsored professional development
Support toward becoming a Certified Criminal Law Specialist for attorneys pursuing the firm’s partnership track
The opportunity to grow into a Northern Arizona Regional Lead, Partner, or other leadership position as the practice develops
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Worksite address
flagstaff, AZ, 86004, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.