About the Role:
Harwell Criminal Defense is looking for a passionate and driven Criminal Defense Associate Attorney to join our team in Indianapolis, IN. This is your opportunity to make a real difference in clients' lives by providing aggressive, skilled legal representation in criminal matters. If you thrive in a fast-paced courtroom environment and are committed to justice, we want to hear from you.
Responsibilities:
- Manage a caseload of criminal defense matters from intake through resolution, including misdemeanors and felonies
- Conduct client consultations, interviews, and maintain ongoing attorney-client communication
- Draft and file motions, briefs, pleadings, and other legal documents
- Appear in court for hearings, arraignments, pre-trial conferences, and trials all over Indiana
- Negotiate plea agreements and case resolutions with prosecutors
- Conduct legal research and develop defense strategies
- Collaborate with investigators, expert witnesses, and support staff to build strong defenses
- Help drive clients to the firm
- *And any other responsibilities necessary
Requirements:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
- Active Indiana State Bar license in good standing
- Prior experience in criminal law, criminal defense, or litigation preferred
- Strong courtroom presence and oral advocacy skills
- Excellent legal writing, research, and analytical abilities
- Ability to manage a high-volume caseload with strong organizational skills
- Client-focused mindset with a commitment to zealous advocacy
About Us:
Harwell Criminal Defense is a dedicated criminal defense firm serving clients throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding Indiana communities. Our clients trust us to fight tirelessly for their rights, and our reputation is built on aggressive representation and personalized attention. We foster a collaborative, supportive work environment where attorneys are empowered to grow their skills and make a meaningful impact every day.
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.
