Criminal Defense Attorney

About the role

At The Jeffcoat Firm, every case starts and ends with the client. We are a highly respected South Carolina criminal defense firm built on a simple belief: people facing criminal charges deserve a fierce, knowledgeable advocate in their corner — not just a case number. Under the leadership of Michael Jeffcoat, our mission is to deliver exceptional legal representation to those who need it most, and to make sure every client feels heard, respected, and fought for from the very first interaction. What sets us apart is how we get there: with humility, grit, and relentless advocacy for real people. Whether we’re in the courtroom or the conference room, we treat every client like they matter. Because they do. We reject ego. We embrace growth. We make no excuses.

Responsibilities

• Defend clients facing DUIs, drug offenses, violent crimes, white-collar charges, and more, with the same intensity whether it’s their first encounter with the system or their toughest fight yet.
• Build winning defense strategies — conduct thorough legal research, gather evidence, and craft strong, individualized defense plans for every client you represent.
• Stand with clients in court — attend first appearances, bond hearings, pre-trial hearings, plea hearings, trials, and sentencing hearings, giving clients a steady, prepared advocate at every stage.
• Negotiate for the best possible outcome — work directly with prosecutors to pursue favorable plea agreements and case dismissals whenever possible.
• Guide clients through one of the hardest moments of their lives — conduct initial consultations, clearly explain legal rights, and provide the advice clients need to make informed decisions about their future.
• Strengthen every case as part of a team — collaborate with fellow attorneys, investigators, and expert witnesses so each client benefits from the full strength of the firm.

Qualifications

• Client‑centric; enjoys consistent and committed interaction with clients.
• Willing to travel; recognizes the most impactful work is done in courtrooms.
• Active South Carolina Bar license in good standing.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in criminal law.
• Strong courtroom and negotiation skills — able to litigate cases, challenge evidence, and negotiate plea bargains with confidence.
• Growth‑oriented and driven, with a forward‑thinking mindset and commitment to continuous learning.
• Detail‑oriented, with a genuine sense of responsibility to the clients you represent.
• Tech‑savvy — proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research tools.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Located in the Rock Hill, South Carolina area (or willing to work there).

Benefits

• Flexible, work‑from‑home options paired with a collaborative in‑office culture with offices across South Carolina, and the Defense flagship location in downtown Columbia.
• Unlimited time off under our Attorney Leave policy.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Parental leave.
• Investment in your retirement with a 401(k) with employer contribution.
• Paid volunteer time for Jeffcoat Gives Back and community initiatives like the Veteran’s Expo.

Pay

• Competitive base salary combined with a straightforward attorney‑friendly incentive plan.
• No administrative fees — 100% of your earned incentive is yours; nothing is reduced by hidden administrative costs.
• Earn on every assigned case you successfully conclude — incentive pay applies to all assigned cases you conclude.
• Your earning potential grows with you — incentive pay increases with tenure, rewarding the experience, judgment, and client relationships you build over time at the firm.