Careers at The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart

The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart is a respected criminal defense firm serving Pierce County and the greater Tacoma area. Led by seasoned trial attorney Michael Stewart, the firm is known for serious felony defense, complex litigation, and a strong daily courtroom presence.

We are currently seeking an Associate Attorney – Criminal Defense (Full-Time, Tacoma, WA) to join our growing practice.

This is a rare opportunity to work directly alongside a veteran trial lawyer with decades of high-stakes experience, including murder trials and appellate advocacy before the Washington Supreme Court.

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY – CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Full-Time | Tacoma, WA | In-Court & Office

About the Firm

The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart is a respected criminal defense practice based in Pierce County, Washington. Attorney Michael Stewart brings decades of high-stakes trial experience to the firm, including complex felony defense, murder cases, and appellate work up to the Washington State Supreme Court. Recognized for his tenacious advocacy and deep courtroom knowledge, Mike has built a reputation as one of the most experienced criminal defense attorneys in Western Washington and serves as a mentor to many attorneys throughout the region. This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from a seasoned trial lawyer who is deeply invested in the professional growth of those around him.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an ambitious, compassionate, and competitive Associate Attorney to join our growing practice. This role is ideal for a lawyer who thrives in the courtroom, operates with urgency and initiative, and is eager to develop their career under the mentorship of a veteran criminal defense attorney. You will handle a diverse caseload of criminal matters, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, with meaningful autonomy and direct access to Mike’s strategic guidance on case positioning, judge-specific strategies, and courtroom advocacy.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Your work will be dynamic, fast-paced, and high-impact. Responsibilities include:

• Manage and advance an active caseload of criminal defense matters across multiple courtrooms in Pierce County and surrounding jurisdictions
• Appear in court daily for hearings, arraignments, motions, status conferences, and trials – always moving cases forward with clear objectives
• Conduct legal research using modern tools including Westlaw, Lexis, and AI-assisted legal research platforms (ChatGPT, Lexis AI, and similar technologies)
• Draft and argue motions, negotiate with prosecutors, and identify creative resolution opportunities at every stage of a case
• Meet with clients to provide counsel, manage expectations, and build trust – demonstrating both compassion and candor
• Collaborate closely with Mike Stewart on case strategy, leveraging his decades of courtroom experience and relationships within the local legal community
• Respond with flexibility to the unpredictable nature of criminal defense – adjusting priorities, picking up urgent matters, and maintaining composure under pressure
• Contribute to the firm’s growth by delivering exceptional client service and upholding the firm’s reputation for aggressive, well-prepared advocacy

Qualifications

 

Required

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active Washington State Bar membership (or ability to obtain promptly)
• Approximately 3+ years of criminal law experience – criminal defense or prosecution experience both welcome
• Demonstrated courtroom presence: ability to handle hearings independently, advocate persuasively, and manage a fast-moving docket
• Proficiency with legal research platforms and comfort integrating AI-assisted legal technology into daily workflow
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills
• A self-starter mentality – reliable, accountable, and driven to meet obligations without close supervision

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Background in public defense, private criminal defense, or prosecution
• Assertive yet personable – able to hustle through a busy courthouse while maintaining strong professional relationships
• Quick learner with strong situational awareness who can pick up the facts and posture of a case on the fly
• Compassionate and competitive in equal measure – genuinely caring about clients’ outcomes while fighting hard on their behalf
• A passion for criminal law and a desire to grow into a highly skilled trial attorney

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, benchmarked above local market rates
• Performance-based bonus structure – earn a percentage of revenue you generate above your base caseload
• SEP IRA retirement contribution
• Health insurance premium reimbursement
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Unparalleled mentorship from one of Western Washington’s most experienced criminal defense trial lawyers
• Potential to bring a legal assistant or support staff member with you

Why Join the Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart?

This is not a position where you will be filing paperwork in a back office. You will be in the courtroom every day, sharpening your skills and building your reputation alongside a lawyer who has tried murder cases, argued before the Washington Supreme Court, and earned the trust of judges, prosecutors, and clients across the region. Mike believes that the best associates are developed through experience, autonomy, and direct mentorship – not by being micromanaged. If you are looking for a firm where you can grow quickly, take on meaningful work from day one, and learn from someone who has seen it all, this is the opportunity.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter describing your interest in criminal defense and what you bring to the role
• Writing sample (motion, brief, or memorandum preferred)
• References

Apply via email to [email protected].