Attorney - Criminal Defense

Ben Hall Law

East Lansing, Michigan

Position: Criminal Defense Attorney

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Location: Primarily Remote—reliable commute to court required; occasional in-person firm attendance required

Primary Service Areas: Ingham, Genesee, Shiawassee, Clinton, Eaton, and Jackson Counties

Practice Group: Criminal Defense

Experience Required: Open to All Experience Levels

About Ben Hall Law

Ben Hall Law is reinventing what it means to practice criminal defense in Michigan. We are committed to delivering aggressive, principled representation for our clients—and we hold ourselves to that standard every single day.

We live by six core values that define how we work and who we are: Fun, Accountability, Service, Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence. These are not words on a wall. They are the lens through which we make decisions, evaluate performance, and build our culture. If those values resonate with you, keep reading.

The Practice Group

This position is part of a growing criminal defense practice group handling a broad range of matters across mid-Michigan—from misdemeanors to serious felonies. You will not be working in isolation. You will be part of a cohesive, purpose-driven team where collaboration is the norm and everyone is invested in each other's success and the success of our clients.

Position Overview

The Criminal Defense Attorney will serve as lead counsel for clients facing criminal charges across multiple Michigan counties. This role is built for an attorney who believes that the right to a vigorous defense is not a technicality—it is the foundation of a just system—and who brings that conviction into the courtroom every time.

This is not a 9-to-5. Criminal defense does not keep business hours, and neither does this role. Clients get arrested on weekends. Bonds need to be addressed on holidays. The position requires the ability to respond when it matters, not just when it is convenient. If that is a problem, this is not the right fit. If that is the kind of work that drives you, read on.

The position is primarily remote. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to court appearances as needed. In-person attendance at firm meetings, trainings, and events is required on an occasional basis.

This Job Is Not For You If…

We believe in being direct. This position is an exceptional opportunity—but only for the right person. Please do not apply if:

✕ You are looking for a strict 9-to-5. Clients need help when trouble finds them—not when it is convenient. This role requires availability outside of standard business hours.

✕ You prefer to work alone. This is a team environment. Collaboration is not optional—it is how we operate. Lone wolves will not thrive here.

✕ You are uncomfortable with accountability. We hold ourselves and each other to a high standard. Mistakes are learning opportunities, but deflection and avoidance have no place on our team.

✕ You are satisfied with the status quo. The criminal justice system is imperfect. We are here to make it better through the quality of our advocacy, one client at a time. If you have made peace with "good enough," this is not the right place for you.

✕ You have a "not my job" mentality. We aim to provide unreasonable hospitality—not just to our clients, but to everyone we interact with. That means we help each other, we get the job done, and we do not look the other way when something needs doing. If you are keeping score on what is and is not your responsibility, this is not the right environment for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients in criminal defense matters across multiple Michigan counties, including felonies, misdemeanors, and related proceedings at the district and circuit court levels.
• Handle a broad range of criminal defense matters, including but not limited to OWI/DUI, drug offenses, assault, weapons charges, property crimes, and serious felonies.
• Evaluate facts and applicable law to provide sound, candid legal advice to clients while guiding them through the realities of the criminal justice process.
• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and other legal documents with precision and attention to detail.
• Conduct legal research and stay current on developments in Michigan criminal law, relevant case law, constitutional doctrine, and statutory changes.
• Develop litigation strategy and prepare cases thoroughly for hearings, bench trials, and jury trials.
• Engage constructively with prosecutors, judges, and other professionals in a manner that reflects the integrity of the firm and the seriousness of the work.
• Manage a multi-county caseload efficiently, including calendaring, deadlines, and court scheduling across jurisdictions.
• Participate actively as a member of the practice group and the broader firm—sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and contributing to firm-wide goals and culture.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Active Michigan law license in good standing.
• Demonstrated courtroom experience in Michigan criminal proceedings.
• Working knowledge of Michigan criminal statutes, court rules, and constitutional criminal procedure.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex fact patterns, synthesize applicable law, and deliver clear, actionable advice to clients under pressure.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills.
• Proven ability to manage a multi-county caseload with competing deadlines.
• Ability to reliably commute to court appearances across assigned Michigan counties as required.
• People-oriented professional with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clients, colleagues, and members of the public—often in high-stress circumstances.
• Self-directed work habits and professional reliability suitable for a primarily remote position.
• Genuine alignment with the firm's core values: Fun, Accountability, Service, Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in Michigan criminal defense in a law firm setting.
• Familiarity with district and circuit court practice across mid-Michigan counties.
• Experience with jury trial preparation and trial.
• Experience practicing across multiple counties or circuits.
• Background in a specialized area of criminal defense—such as veterans defense, OWI/DUI, drug offenses, or serious felony work.

What We're Looking For

The right candidate brings more than legal skill—they bring conviction. We are looking for someone who:

• Genuinely believes in the importance of criminal defense and approaches this work as a calling, not just a career.
• Is driven by the opportunity to make a real difference in clients' lives through the quality of their daily practice—one case, one hearing, one client at a time.
• Puts client satisfaction at the top of their priority list and treats the attorney-client relationship as foundational, not transactional.
• Is people-oriented: someone who builds trust with clients in difficult moments, collaborates naturally with colleagues, and brings genuine professionalism to every interaction.
• Holds themselves accountable, welcomes feedback, and is always looking for ways to improve.
• Exercises mature, independent judgment while remaining fully aligned with the firm's approach to client-centered representation.
• Embraces the full scope of the role—including the moments that remind us why this work matters.

Compensation & Benefits

Ben Hall Law offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:

• Salary: Dependent upon experience
• Paid Time Off: 4 weeks of paid vacation annually
• Sick Leave: 1 week of paid sick time annually
• Retirement: 401(k) plan
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Life Insurance: Firm-provided life insurance
• Professional Development: Eligibility and encouragement to attend state and national conferences

How to Apply

To be considered, submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

In your cover letter, please describe why this position appeals to you and how you see yourself fitting into our culture. Include your salary requirements. Cover letters or candidates that do not follow these instructions will not be considered.

Ben Hall Law is reinventing what it means to practice child abuse and neglect law in Michigan. We are committed to representing DHHS in a professional manner while providing excellent legal representation and service to our client—and we hold ourselves to that standard every single day. We live by six core values that define how we work and who we are: Fun, Accountability, Service, Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence. These are not words on a wall. They are the lens through which we make decisions, evaluate performance, and build our culture. If those values resonate with you, keep reading.