Managing Partner - Criminal Defense Focus

Job description

Managing Partner - Criminal Defense Focus

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Watson EP Legal Services is an emerging legal services and case-enablement practice focused on high-impact civil rights, complex litigation, and access-to-justice matters. We develop, structure, and support cases for deserving clients who have been systemically failed by existing legal pathways.

Our portfolio includes individual matters, multi-plaintiff actions, and national class actions across civil rights, employment, disability, IP/royalties, and access‑to‑justice domains. These matters may involve overlapping civil and criminal exposure, where failures in criminal representation have materially harmed clients’ rights and outcomes.

We are building deliberately, with a strong ethical foundation and an emphasis on speed, competence, accountability, and results.

The Role

We are seeking a Managing Partner to lead and stabilize urgent criminal matters within our portfolio, beginning with a high‑risk case involving severe procedural failures by prior counsel.

This is a hands‑on managing partner role , not a staff or advisory position. The ideal candidate is someone who can immediately step into an active and complex criminal matter, assess damage, protect the client, and drive corrective strategy — while also taking responsibility for shaping and leading the Criminal Defense function within the broader Legal Services practice.

This role represents a foundational leadership opportunity to build and manage the Criminal Defense Division within Watson EP Legal Services as the practice grows. The role will also engage with other practice areas as they are prioritized in the current portfolio.

Core Responsibilities

Assume lead or co‑lead responsibility on active criminal defense matters within the Watson EP portfolio

Conduct immediate case triage, including review of prior counsel conduct, procedural posture, and exposure

Develop and execute corrective criminal defense strategy

Serve as senior decision‑maker for criminal matters within the practice

Coordinate closely with civil counsel where criminal and civil matters intersect

Advise on malpractice, ineffective assistance, and civil rights implications arising from criminal proceedings

Participate in portfolio‑level case selection and strategic planning

Lead the development of criminal defense standards, processes, and future staffing needs

Contribute to overall practice leadership in an early‑stage environment

Mandatory Qualifications

Licensed attorney in good standing (Oregon preferred; other jurisdictions considered)

Significant criminal defense experience , including felony matters

Demonstrated ability to step into cases mid‑stream and correct procedural or strategic failures

Strong courtroom, motion practice, and negotiation skills

Comfort working with vulnerable clients and high‑stress, high‑stakes situations

High ethical standards and clear client‑centered judgment

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

Experience with police misconduct, constitutional violations, §1983 or civil rights crossover matters

Prior partner‑level, supervising, or leadership experience

Experience with litigation funding contracts and negotiations processes

Interest in building and leading a criminal case‑enablement and client‑support practice within a broader litigation platform

Willingness to engage across practice areas where appropriate (civil rights, malpractice, access to justice, IP/royalties, and employment law)

Leadership mindset, sound judgment, and comfort operating in a ground‑floor, early‑stage environment

Structure, Compensation & Upside

This is a Managing Partner role. Structure may include:

Base compensation and/or draw (to be discussed)

Performance‑based upside

Significant equity participation at the Legal Services Unit level for the right candidate

Final structure will reflect experience, commitment level, and role in building and leading the practice.

How to Apply

Please email with:

an resume or CV, and

a brief note outlining your criminal defense experience and interest in this role

Given the sensitivity of active matters, confidentiality will be required prior to substantive discussions .

Watson EP | Legal Services — Ground Floor Context

Watson EP | Legal Services is a ground‑floor venture under the umbrella of Watson EP, LLC. The department currently has one active client with 7–8 figure settlement potential and is in intake with two top national firms. We are also in early counsel outreach preparation for six employment matters, one legal malpractice case, and several class actions and multi‑plaintiff matters.

Applicants should understand the nature of an early‑stage build and expect compensation and upside to be tied to early successes. This role will be pivotal in structuring and leading the practice.

“Legal Services” Clarification

Watson EP / Watson EP | Legal Services is not a law firm and does not practice law. We provide liaison services, case development, and de‑risking services to clients, law firms, and litigation funders.

Equal Commitment

We are an inclusive organization and practice non‑discrimination in all aspects of our work.

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Worksite address

oregon, IL, 61061, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.