Criminal Defense Attorney

Overview

Driver Defense Team is the "law firm for drivers" who have been arrested, ticketed, or injured while driving in Chicago or the suburbs. Named one of the Fastest Growing Law Firms in America by Inc. Magazine for the past 3 years, we’re looking for a talented attorney to join our criminal defense team.

This position offers all the best parts of criminal defense practice. Here’s what your day-to-day will look like:

• We represent clients daily throughout courthouses in Cook, DuPage, Lake and Kane County.
• Negotiate with prosecutors, advise clients on case strategies and outcomes, and handle a variety of cases from petty traffic violations to DUIs to Class X felonies.
• Prepare cases for hearings or trial, manage evidence, and use your skills to achieve the best outcomes for your clients.

You’ll have your own caseload and autonomy, but you’ll never be on your own. Our attorneys truly work as a team - in fact, one of our Core Values is "Teamwork Makes The Dream Work." Attorneys meet daily to discuss cases, collaborate to share strategies, and provide coverage when schedules conflict. Training sessions happen multiple times a month, and senior attorneys are always available to guide and support.

To make your job even easier, you’ll have your own dedicated Case Manager to assist on all your cases. They help communicate with clients, handle filings, send subpoenas, and make your life easier, so you can focus on lawyering.

Additionally, you don’t need to be a rainmaker bringing in new clients or handling intake—your only job is to be the best advocate for your clients.

• Illinois Licensed Attorney with experience in criminal litigation (ASA/DA, PD, or private defense).
• Strong courtroom presence, negotiation skills, and ability to connect with judges, prosecutors, and clients.
• A collaborative mindset, a desire to become a top-tier trial lawyer, and a willingness to leave cases better than you found them.
• Great attitude, professionalism, and a commitment to client success.
• Bilingual is a plus but not required.

We are intentionally built to develop top-tier trial lawyers. You’ll receive constant mentoring from experienced litigators, regular skills-based training, and heavy, real-world courtroom exposure. This is a place to try cases, not watch from the sidelines.

Our high-volume criminal and traffic practice means you’ll touch hundreds of cases. You’ll also gain meaningful exposure to our growing civil practice, including personal injury, giving you a broader litigation foundation most firms simply can’t offer.

We value collaboration, feedback, and accountability. You’ll work alongside lawyers who care about getting better, not just getting by.

Our reputation is built on outcomes and service. With over 3,000 five-star reviews, you’ll be part of a firm that does real good for real people.

Named to the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Companies for three consecutive years.

• We respect life outside the office. When you’re not in court, you’ll have flexibility to work remotely while still being fully supported by strong systems and leadership.

Compensation is experience and performance-based.

• Base salary: $100,000 – $135,000 depending on experience, training needs, and demonstrated competency
• Performance bonuses: $25,000 annually, tied to clearly defined metrics (case outcomes, efficiency, and client experience)
• Total compensation: High-performing attorneys commonly earn $150,000+ annually
  , with some going far beyond that

In addition to base compensation and the performance bonus, attorneys may earn additional income through:

• Referral fee participation on qualifying referred matters
• Trial and exceptional-result incentives for cases that proceed to trial or achieve outstanding outcomes
• Other firm-wide incentive programs as they are earned and become available

Exceptional candidates with a strong track record may be placed above this range. Entry-level attorneys with high potential but greater training needs typically start toward the lower end, with a clear path to rapid compensation growth based on performance.

Benefits include: Firm-paid health insurance, 401(k) with employer match, and firm-paid life, disability, and malpractice insurance.

Driver Defense Team is headquartered in Villa Park with satellite offices in Chicago and Stone Park. Our team of 40 includes 11 attorneys plus additional staff members who share a commitment to helping our clients and making a difference in our community.