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Associate Criminal Defense Attorney

Murphy & Vander Salm LLP · Worcester, MA, US

Spotted 17h ago

Job details

Pay
$50,000 – $100,000 a year
Work mode
On-site
Level
Senior
Experience
17+ years
Posted
Nov 5, 2026
Last confirmed open
Nov 5, 2026
Job description

About this role

Rudolf, Griffis, Ruggieri & Murray, LLP (RGRM Law) is a litigation-focused firm at 446 Main Street in downtown Worcester. We practice criminal defense, civil litigation, and family law, and are seeking a full-time criminal defense associate to assist our senior criminal defense partner.

Our criminal defense practice handles the full spectrum of criminal matters, including OUIs, drug and firearm charges, violent crimes, and federal matters, in courts throughout Worcester County and Central Massachusetts.

The associate in this position will be working directly alongside a senior attorney with 17 years of experience and a full caseload. This associate should be comfortable independently managing cases through all aspects of the litigation process, including but not limited to court appearances, information gathering and discovery, and motion preparation.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Case management: Independently manage cases from arraignment through disposition, including discovery, various hearings and court appearances, motion and document preparation, and trials.
  • Written advocacy: Draft and argue various motions, memoranda, and other supporting legal documents.
  • Defense building: Review discovery, coordinate with investigators and experts, and work with the senior attorney to build a strong defense in each case.
  • Client contact: Serve as a responsive point of contact for clients, providing updates, next steps, and clear explanations throughout the duration of the case.
  • Court appearance: Appear in Courts across Worcester County and central Massachusetts.

Required Experience and Skills

  • A J.D. and a license to practice in Massachusetts, as a member in good standing of the Massachusetts bar.
  • 2+ years of criminal practice such as private defense, bar advocate, public defender, or former prosecutor.
  • Skilled in legal research and writing
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage and prioritize multiple cases and never miss a deadline.
  • Courtroom and oral advocacy experience, including arraignments, motion hearings, and ideally trial assistance.
  • Strong communication skills with clients, judges, and opposing counsel.

Preferred

  • Jury trial experience.
  • Spanish or other foreign language.
  • Existing relationships in the Worcester County courts.

What we offer

  • Mentorship, with daily access to a partner with 17 years of criminal defense experience.
  • Courtroom experience.
  • Career advancement opportunity.
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance, with a choice of medical plans.
  • 401(k) with employer match.
  • HSA and FSA options.
  • Life insurance.
  • Paid time off and paid parental leave.
  • Bar dues, memberships, and CLE costs covered.

How to apply

Submit a resume, short cover letter, and writing sample to [email protected]. Please have references available upon request.

Job Type

Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

Experience:

  • Criminal defense law: 2 years (Required)
  • Legal Drafting: 2 years (Preferred)
  • Legal Research: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

  • Bar (Required)

Work Location: In person

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