Description

Associate Attorney – Criminal Defense & Immigration

Iron Chris Criminal Defense & Immigration | Connecticut (Statewide)

 
About Iron Chris

Iron Chris Criminal Defense & Immigration is a Connecticut law firm built on a simple premise: everyone deserves a fearless advocate. We represent clients in state and federal criminal courts, DMV administrative hearings, and immigration removal proceedings — with a particular focus on the intersection of criminal and immigration law. We fight hard, communicate honestly, and treat every client like a neighbor.

We are growing, and we're looking for the right attorney to grow with us.

 
The Role

We are seeking a full-time Associate Attorney with a courtroom-first mindset. This is not a research-and-writing position — this is a litigation role built for someone who lives in the courthouse. You will handle a dynamic caseload of criminal defense matters across Connecticut's Superior Courts, with opportunities to develop in federal practice and immigration removal defense.

If you are a public defender or state's attorney ready to bring your courtroom instincts to the private sector — and ready to do it for your clients, on your terms — this position was written for you.

 
What You'll Do

• Appear daily in Connecticut Superior Courts on criminal matters spanning misdemeanors, felonies, DUI/OUI, and family violence cases
• Manage a full active caseload from arraignment through disposition or trial
• Counsel clients with clarity, empathy, and directness — consistent with our commitment to transparent communication
• Collaborate with the principal attorney on complex matters, including federal sentencing, crimmigration analysis, and removal defense strategy
• Conduct legal research and draft motions, briefs, and memoranda as needed
• Represent clients at DMV administrative hearings, including per se suspension hearings
• Participate in client intake and develop relationships that reflect our community-centered value

Who We're Looking for

You are the right fit if you:

• Are admitted to practice law in Connecticut (required); federal bar admission a plus
• Have 2–6 years of litigation experience, ideally as a public defender, special public defender, or state's attorney — you know how the system works from the inside
• Are comfortable appearing in court every day and thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments
• Possess strong instincts for client communication and can translate complex legal realities into plain language
• Approach your work with humility, hustle, and a genuine commitment to justice
• Are eager to develop expertise at the intersection of criminal and immigration law
• Hold or are willing to pursue admission to the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut and before the Executive Office of Immigration Review (Immigration Courts and BIA)

Bonus points for:

• Experience with DUI/OUI defense or DMV hearings
• Experience with immigration matters before EOIR and USCIS
• Familiarity with immigration consequences of criminal convictions
• Fluency in Spanish or Portuguese

 
Why Iron Chris

• Real courtroom work, immediately. No document review. No years of supporting roles. You will be in front of judges from day one.
• Meaningful cases. Our clients face life-altering consequences — deportation, incarceration, loss of license. Your work here matters.
• Mission alignment. Our values aren't a wall display — they drive how we practice. We are warriors for justice, and we want teammates who are too.
• Mentorship in a growing specialty. Crimmigration is one of the most consequential and underserved areas of law. You will develop rare, high-demand expertise under direct mentorship.

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience, with a clear path toward advancement as the firm grows.
 

How to Apply

Send the following to jcl@ironchris.com

1. A cover letter explaining your litigation background and why Iron Chris is where you want to take the next step
2. Your resume
3. A writing sample (motion, brief, or memo — yours, not a form document)

Iron Chris Criminal Defense & Immigration is committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from attorneys of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience in the criminal or immigration systems.

Requirements

See Job Description