Careers
AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE & DEDICATED REPRESENTATION
Our Panama City Firm Has Much to Offer. Learn Why People Choose Shepard Law.
Careers at Shepard Law
Shepard Law is a growing criminal defense firm where every role contributes to the client experience. Our team works closely together in a busy, client-focused environment, and we value people who take initiative, communicate openly, and support one another.
As the firm has grown, team members have taken on new responsibilities and advanced into new roles. We want people who are interested in building their skills, contributing ideas, and growing with us.
Current Openings
If you have been arrested in Bay County, your rights are under immediate pressure. The State Attorney’s Office is building its case. Law enforcement ha
Experienced Trial Attorney
Full time · In person · Panama City, Florida
We are hiring an experienced trial attorney to join our criminal defense practice. You would carry your own serious felony caseload, with no requirement to bring in your own clients.
What you would be doing
- Representing clients in serious felony matters, including sexual battery, lewd and lascivious molestation, murder and other high-level offenses
- Conducting legal research, writing motions and preparing cases for court
- Handling trials, pre-trial hearings and negotiations with prosecutors
- Working alongside our attorneys, our investigator and our support staff
- Keeping clients informed throughout their case
What we are looking for
Required
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
- Active Florida Bar license, or eligibility to sit for the Florida Bar
- At least three years of criminal defense experience
Preferred
- Courtroom presence and trial experience
- Strong legal research and writing
- A team player with a positive attitude and a sense of humor
- A clear commitment to ethical practice and client confidentiality
What we offer
- Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses
- No requirement to bring in your own cases
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) after one year
- Continuing legal education and professional development
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- A close-knit team on Florida’s Emerald Coast
Apply through the form below, naming this position.
s already documented its observations. The decisions you make in the next 24 to 72 hours — whether to speak, whether to consent to searches, what you say on the jail phone — will be used in court.
Rusty Shepard is a former Assistant State Attorney from Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit, a NADD Nationally Ranked Superior DUI Attorney, FACDL 14th Circuit Chapter President, and former President of the Bay County Criminal Defense Bar. He has handled more than 10,000 criminal cases in Bay County, on both sides of the courtroom. That experience is what he brings to defending yours.
Attorney Opportunities
Our practice is criminal defense, and that is what we hire for.
For experienced attorney positions we look for at least three years of criminal defense experience, with trial experience preferred. We also welcome applications from recent law school graduates, depending on our staffing needs and our capacity to provide training and mentorship at the time. Bar admission requirements are specified on each individual posting.
We value strong communication, thorough preparation, sound judgment and teamwork. The attorneys who do well here keep their clients informed, follow through on what they commit to, and work well with our attorneys and our support staff alike.
Staff Opportunities
Our staff roles include legal assistants, paralegals, intake specialists, and front desk and client services positions.
We look for people who are organized, dependable and compassionate, and who are comfortable helping clients through what is often the most stressful period of their lives. Attention to detail, discretion, clear communication and a willingness to learn matter to us as much as any particular background.
Law Student Internships
We encourage law students to apply for internships over the summer, winter and other school breaks.
Availability depends on the firm’s needs and on our attorneys’ capacity to supervise and mentor properly. We would rather take on fewer students and give them real work and real supervision than take on more and give them neither.
Benefits
We offer health, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) after one year, continuing legal education and professional development, and generous paid time off and holidays. Eligibility and details vary by position, and each posting specifies its location and working arrangements.
About Our Team
Shepard Law is a team of experienced attorneys, a contracted investigator and our support staff, working together to provide aggressive, ethical and compassionate criminal defense. We live by our values of customer service, teamwork and results.
How to Apply
Send your résumé, a cover letter and any letters of reference through the form below, naming the position or opportunity you are interested in. Applications come to Cheri Collins, our Hiring Coordinator.
Law student applicants should also include their school, their current year of study, and the dates they are available.
If nothing suitable is open at the moment, we are glad to keep your résumé on file and will be in touch when a position comes up.
Equal Opportunity
Shepard Law is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Rusty Shepard
Shepard Law
- Former ASA — 14th Judicial Circuit
- FACDL 14th Circuit Chapter President
- President, Bay County Criminal Defense Bar 2011–2015
- 10,000+ Cases