Associate Attorney – Harwell Legal Counsel LLC
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense Crimmigration Appeals Post‑Conviction Relief
About Us
Harwell Criminal Defense is a rapidly growing, high‑performance criminal defense and crimmigration firm serving communities across Indiana. Our attorneys— including former prosecutors — deliver strategic, aggressive, and client‑centered representation for individuals facing criminal charges, post‑conviction matters, and crimmiration issues.
We pride ourselves on relentless preparation, multilingual accessibility, and a modern, tech‑driven legal strategy that ensures every client receives elite representation.
Our Work Environment
- Relaxed, supportive atmosphere
- Lively and collaborative culture
- Hands‑on training and professional development
- Client‑centered, mission‑driven team
Position Summary
The Associate Attorney will represent clients in all phases of criminal and family law proceedings, including trials, appeals, and post‑conviction litigation. This role requires exceptional research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills, as well as the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with clients from diverse backgrounds.
This attorney will work closely with partners and legal staff to manage cases strategically, uphold firm values, and contribute to the firm’s continued expansion.
Key ResponsibilitiesClient Representation & Litigation
- Represent clients in criminal, family law, appellate, and post‑conviction proceedings.
- Conduct hearings, trials, depositions, and oral arguments before courts and administrative agencies.
- Develop case strategy, prepare clients and witnesses, and present evidence effectively.
Legal Research & Writing
- Draft high‑quality legal documents, including motions, briefs, pleadings, and appellate filings.
- Conduct legal research using advanced tools and AI‑supported platforms.
- File briefs and coordinate with court clerks across state and federal courts.
Case Investigation & Preparation
- Gather, review, and analyze evidence in criminal, civil, and family law matters.
- Interview clients, witnesses, and experts to build strong defense theories.
- Collaborate with investigators to conduct scene investigations and obtain supporting evidence.
Client Advising & Communication
- Advise clients on legal rights, options, and potential outcomes.
- Maintain clear, culturally aware, and empathetic communication throughout the case.
- Build trust and rapport with clients, including multilingual families and underserved communities.
Team Collaboration
- Work with colleagues specializing in relevant practice areas to validate legal strategy.
- Participate in firm training, team meetings, and case‑review sessions.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of internal workflows and legal processes.
Note: The firm reserves the right to modify duties as needed.
QualificationsRequired
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the Indiana Bar
- Experience in criminal defense, appellate advocacy, or related legal fields.
- Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication—written, verbal, and client‑facing.
- Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
Preferred
- Experience with post‑conviction relief or appellate litigation.
- Trial experience or participation in moot court/clinics (e.g., wrongful conviction, appellate clinic)
- Familiarity with AI‑enhanced legal research tools.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Professional development, CLE opportunities, and mentorship
- A chance to work on high‑stakes, meaningful criminal and family law cases
- A mission‑driven environment committed to justice, compassion, and excellence
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other
characteristic protected by law.
Harwell Criminal Defense is a fast‑growing, high‑performance Indiana law firm delivering elite representation in
criminal defense, crimmigration, and post‑conviction relief. Founded by
Jonathan D. Harwell, the firm has built a reputation as a
game‑changer in Indiana’s legal landscape—combining former‑prosecutor insight, multilingual advocacy, and cutting‑edge legal innovation to secure life‑changing results for our clients.
Who We Are
Harwell Criminal Defense is recognized as a premier defense and advocacy firm, known for relentless representation, advanced litigation strategy, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Our team includes former prosecutors, seasoned litigators, bilingual professionals, and legal innovators who leverage technology—such as AI‑powered legal research—to prepare every case with unmatched precision.
We proudly serve diverse communities across Indiana, offering legal support in
English, Spanish, Russian, and Portugese to ensure every client has meaningful access to justice.
What We Do
Our attorneys handle the full spectrum of high‑stakes matters, including:
- Major felonies, violent crimes, drug offenses, and white‑collar charges
- DUI/OVWI cases and repeat offenses
- Appeals, expungements, clemency, and complex post‑conviction litigation
- Crimmigration cases involving immigration consequences of criminal charges
We combine rigorous investigation, strategic analysis, and clear, compassionate communication to guide clients through the most difficult moments of their lives.
Our Mission
We provide uncompromising defense through
integrity, diligence, and strategic excellence, fighting tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights and future at every stage—from investigation to trial, appeal, and beyond.
Our Culture
At Harwell Criminal Defense, our culture reflects our brand personality:
- Confident & Determined — We bring courtroom authority and relentless drive.
- Thorough & Strategic — We investigate every angle, leaving nothing unexplored.
- Empathetic & Client‑Centered — We understand the fear and pressure clients face.
- Trustworthy & Accessible — We offer direct attorney access and clear communication.
Team members thrive in an environment that values professional excellence, integrity, continuous learning, and community impact. We invest in training, mentorship, and growth opportunities while encouraging innovation and leadership at all levels.
Why Join Harwell Criminal Defense
We are scaling rapidly—transforming from a traditional defense practice into a
multi‑million‑dollar legal powerhouse positioned for statewide expansion. Our attorneys are on the front lines of groundbreaking litigation, complex appellate work, and high‑value private defense cases.
Working at Harwell Criminal Defense means:
- Being part of a mission‑driven firm reshaping access to justice
- Engaging in high‑stakes litigation and sophisticated legal strategy
- Collaborating with bilingual, multicultural, and equity‑focused professionals
- Access to mentorship from nationally recognized litigators and legal educators
- Contributing to a firm that values humanity as much as results
Our Vision
We envision a justice system where every client—regardless of language, background, or circumstance—has access to exceptional defense. Through innovation, empathy, and fearless advocacy, we are setting a new standard for legal representation in Indiana.
