Description

Associate Attorney

Pay: $80,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person

About Combs Waterkotte
Combs Waterkotte is one of Missouri’s leading criminal defense firms, representing clients across Missouri and Illinois in matters ranging from traffic offenses and misdemeanors to serious felony and federal cases. Our attorneys handle cases at every stage of the criminal justice process, backed by an experienced team of investigators, paralegals, and legal professionals.

We have built our reputation through thorough preparation, fearless advocacy, and personal attention to the people we represent. Every case affects a real person’s freedom, family, reputation, and future. We are not a plea-only firm, and we do not treat clients like case numbers. We work as a team to investigate every angle, develop the strongest available defense, and pursue the best possible result.

We believe great criminal defense attorneys are built through experience,mentorship, preparation, and trust. We invest heavily in our attorneys because exceptional representation begins with exceptional people.

Why Work for Combs Waterkotte? 

This position offers a strong opportunity for an attorney seeking meaningful courtroom experience, direct responsibility, and the chance to develop alongside experienced criminal defense and trial attorneys. Associates are involved in all stages of a case, including client meetings, investigations, bond hearings, motion practice, negotiations, contested sentencings, trial preparation, and courtroom proceedings. 

Our attorneys gain practical experience while working within an established team that provides the resources, collaboration, and support needed to move cases forward and advocate effectively for clients. 

• Handle bond hearings, motion hearings, contested sentencings, negotiations, investigations, trial preparation, and other critical stages of criminal cases.
• Work on a wide range of matters, from misdemeanors and traffic offenses to serious felony and federal cases.
• Work closely with experienced criminal defense attorneys, assist as second-chair counsel in trial proceedings, and take on greater responsibility as your skills and experience grow. 
• Benefit from an established firm, collaborative attorneys, investigative resources, administrative support, and a strong reputation throughout Missouri and Illinois.
• Build a long-term career with opportunities for professional development, leadership, and advancement within the firm.
• Gain opportunities to provide legal insight and potentially be featured in major publications and media outlets, including MSN, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and the Chicago Tribune. 
• Represent real people facing life-changing consequences at a firm that prioritizes communication, preparation, and vigorous advocacy.
• Receive support for bar dues, CLE credits, malpractice insurance, paid parking, professional development, and other tools needed to practice effectively.

 Associates are supported by an established team of investigators, paralegals, legal professionals, and administrative staff. This allows attorneys to focus more of their time on case strategy, client representation, courtroom preparation, and developing their skills as criminal defense lawyers.

The firm’s active caseload also gives associates regular exposure to different courts, charges, case strategies, and stages of the criminal justice process. For attorneys who want to build practical experience quickly, the position offers opportunities to learn by working directly on real cases alongside experienced trial counsel.

Requirements

Position Overview

We are seeking a full-time Associate Attorney to join our growing team, primarily located in Clayton, Missouri. This role is ideal for a motivated individual with a passion for criminal defense who will deliver high-quality legal services and representation to clients.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing legal counsel and representing clients at various stages of criminal cases
• Attending court hearings, arguing motions, and managing contested sentencings
• Developing comprehensive case strategies and preparing for trials
• Assisting as second-chair counsel in trial proceedings
• Conducting legal research and drafting necessary documents

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in Missouri and/or Illinois
• If you only have an Illinois license, you are still encouraged to apply
• 1-5 years of attorney experience in criminal defense or related fields
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within a team
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively