Benefits:

Competitive salary

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Virtuoso Criminal and DUI Lawyers — Northern California (San Francisco Bay Area)

We are a busy criminal defense firm seeking an experienced criminal psychologist to perform forensic mental status evaluations, mitigation and sentencing evaluations, competency and sanity assessments, and to provide expert opinions and courtroom testimony when needed. You will work directly with defense attorneys to assess clients, prepare written reports suitable for court filings, and—occasionally—testify as an expert witness. Spanish language ability is a strong plus.

What you’ll do

Conduct thorough forensic psychological evaluations (competency to stand trial, sanity at the time of offense, mitigation and sentencing evaluations, risk/violence assessments, mental-health history reviews).

Interview defendants in custodial and non-custodial settings, review medical and correctional records, police reports, and collateral information.

Produce clear, defensible written reports tailored for defense use and for submission to courts.

Provide expert testimony in criminal court proceedings when requested or required.

Consult with defense attorneys about case strategy, mitigation, and treatment options.

Maintain timely communication and documentation; meet deadlines for evaluations and court appearances.

Comply with legal and ethical rules, HIPAA requirements, and applicable California statutes and standards for forensic practice.

Minimum qualifications

Doctoral degree in clinical or forensic psychology (PhD or PsyD).

California licensure as a clinical psychologist (active and in good standing).

Experience performing forensic evaluations in criminal contexts.

Strong forensic report-writing skills; familiarity with forensic interview techniques and standardized assessment instruments.

Ability to work with clients who are detained, have complex medical/psychiatric histories, and/or limited English proficiency.

Professional malpractice insurance (or willingness to obtain it).

Willingness to pass background checks and comply with courthouse credentialing.

Preferred qualifications

Prior experience testifying in criminal court as an expert witness (recommended, but not required).

Board certification in forensic psychology or equivalent credentials.

Fluency in Spanish.

Experience assessing substance-related disorders, traumatic brain injury, and neurocognitive conditions.

Availability for evening or weekend court appearances when necessary.

Work arrangement and logistics

Part-time, salaried position. Annual salary range: US$75,000–US$85,000, prorated based on workload and availability.

Evaluations may occur at our office locations across the Bay Area, at county jails, or via telehealth when clinically appropriate and legally permitted. Travel reimbursements will be provided when evaluations require travel.

Expected turnaround time for standard evaluations: typically 7 to 14 days unless expedited by court order.

Compensation

Part-time salary in the range of US$75,000–US$85,000 per year, depending on experience, caseload, and availability.

Additional compensation or retainer-based arrangements for court appearances, travel, or expedited reports can be discussed.