Associate Attorney - Criminal Defense - Rio Grande City
Location: Rio Grande City Office
Type: Associate
Posted: February 20, 2026
About the role
The Law Office of J.M. Chema Garza is hiring a full-time associate attorney with a focus on criminal defense to support the growing criminal docket in Starr, Hidalgo, and Cameron Counties, as well as federal matters out of the Southern District of Texas, McAllen Division.
You will be second chair on serious cases from day one, with rapid advancement to first chair on appropriate misdemeanor and felony files. The role includes substantive client contact, suppression-motion practice, plea negotiation, ALR hearings, and trial preparation.
Compensation is competitive for the South Texas market, includes performance bonuses tied to case outcomes, and includes paid bar dues, CLE, and the State Bar of Texas Criminal Defense Section.
Requirements
Active license in good standing with the State Bar of Texas; admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas required within 12 months of hire.
One to four years of criminal-defense, prosecution, or comparable trial-track experience preferred; recent graduates with strong trial-advocacy records will be considered.
Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
Willingness to live in or relocate to the Rio Grande Valley.
Direct consultation
Ready to talk about your case?
Call the firm or schedule a consultation. We speak Spanish and English. Initial consultations are confidential.