Criminal Defense Attorney

Overview

North, West & East Connecticut Pods. Ruane Attorneys is seeking a full-time Attorney to support our expanding practice across the northern, western, and eastern parts of Connecticut, providing crucial courtroom coverage, pre-arrest consultations, and motor vehicle representation across the state. This role is ideal for both newly admitted and experienced attorneys looking for hands-on courtroom practice, independence, and an opportunity to make a real impact across Connecticut.

You will receive comprehensive training in Connecticut criminal procedure and firm systems and report directly to Chief Legal Officer Teresa DiNardi. While this position primarily excludes Fairfield and New Haven Counties, you may be called on to assist in those areas on rare occasions. Candidates must reside in Connecticut, with a strong preference for those living in the central part of the state due to the statewide nature of this role.

• Serve as on-duty arraignment counsel for all criminal courts statewide
• Assist with pre-arrest representation and motor vehicle violation cases
• Maintain consistent and professional communication with clients using firm systems (email, SMS, written correspondence)
• Follow firm protocols for documentation and maintain timely, accurate file notes
• Appear in court to represent clients at arraignments, pretrials, and other key proceedings as a second set of hands to our attorneys
• Draft and file motions as needed
• Collaborate with internal teams across administration, marketing, and intake to ensure a seamless client experience

• Consistent, responsive, and clear client communication
• Timely and prepared court appearances
• Positive feedback from clients and internal teams
• Complete and compliant file notes and case management

• Are a new attorney eager to build real courtroom experience quickly
• Are a seasoned lawyer seeking a flexible, mobile, client-centered practice and have a referral network to generate bonuses
• Don’t want to sit behind a desk all day—you want to be in court, on the move, and making a difference
• Are dependable, communicative, and comfortable with a changing daily landscape
• Are excited by the chance to be a first responder in the criminal justice system, helping clients during some of the most critical moments of their lives

• Must be an active Bar member in good standing with no pending or prior disciplinary history
• Must reside in Connecticut (strong preference for central CT residents)
• Willing and able to travel across Connecticut, including rare appearances in Fairfield or New Haven Counties
• Demonstrated adaptability and calm in high-pressure situations
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Comfortable working independently while supported by a larger team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Reliable transportation (mileage reimbursement provided)
• Comfortable using Macs and legal research tools (Westlaw, Lexis)
• 1–20 years of experience preferred, but new attorneys will be trained

This role involves a constantly changing location, with assignments shifting daily based on arraignment needs, overflow coverage, and emergent client matters. After-hours or weekend availability may occasionally be required to consult with our intake coordinator and to be required for brief prearraignment consults with clients or family. The role requires quick thinking, daily adaptability, and comfort in unfamiliar courtrooms. You’ll be supported—but also trusted—to work with independence, discretion, and judgment.

• Salary: $100,000 - $125,000 yearly
• Mileage reimbursement
• Medical, dental, and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Up to 50% share of referral revenue for cases you generate on your own initiative

This role can lead to a variety of long-term opportunities within the firm. Previous coverage attorneys have moved into Pod-based primary attorney positions, litigation-focused roles, and leadership tracks. Whether you’re seeking to grow into a permanent courtroom role or prefer flexibility long-term, we have a path that fits.