Junior to Mid-Level Associate – Commercial and Tort Defense 🏛️

• § Practice Area: Complex Business Disputes and Mass Tort Litigation
• § Location: Houston, TX
• § Salary: $235,000 to $330,000 Base Salary (Plus performance-based bonus and comprehensive benefits)
• § Schedule: Full-time, Direct-Hire, Minimum 1,850 hours annual billed target.

§ The Firm:

Our client is a highly selective, nationally recognized litigation boutique, distinguished for its aggressive and successful representation of corporations, financial institutions, and high-net-worth individuals in high-stakes legal battles. They operate with a lean, trial-focused model, affording associates significant substantive responsibility and courtroom exposure early in their careers. While the firm's identity is highly confidential, they consistently achieve Tier 1 and Tier 2 rankings in key litigation areas by prestigious legal publications, including recognition for their prowess in commercial and white-collar defense matters. They are particularly known for their principled and relentless advocacy, taking on some of the most challenging and public-facing disputes across the United States. This environment cultivates attorneys who are not just legal scholars but seasoned trial tacticians. The firm champions an in-office culture, fostering deep collaboration and unparalleled mentorship from partners who are leaders in their fields.

§ Duties:

The incoming Litigation Associate will be an integral member of the trial team, focusing on the rigorous defense of clients involved in intricate commercial disputes and significant tort claims. The role demands immediate and consistent high-quality contributions across all phases of litigation, from initial case assessment through trial and appeal. This position is significantly skewed towards intensive pre-trial litigation, including discovery, motion practice, and depositions, with a clear runway to trial experience.

Core responsibilities include:

⨖ Developing sophisticated, evidence-based case theories and comprehensive litigation strategies from the outset of an engagement.

⨖ Drafting, editing, and perfecting critical written submissions to the court, including pleadings, discovery motions, dispositive motions (e.g., summary judgment), and pre-trial memoranda.

⨖ Conducting comprehensive legal research utilizing advanced tools to inform strategic decisions and support complex legal arguments across diverse statutory and common law causes of action.

⨖ Managing all facets of the discovery process, including preparing for and defending key depositions, drafting targeted discovery requests, and overseeing E-discovery protocols.

⨖ Directing and coordinating the preparation of fact and expert witnesses for deposition and trial testimony.

§ Qualifications:

Candidates must possess the academic and professional pedigree to excel in a demanding, high-stakes litigation environment.

⨖ Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school with a strong academic record (top-tier school and/or exceptional class standing is highly valued).

⨖ Active and in good standing Bar Membership in the State of Texas is an absolute requirement.

⨖ Two (2) to Four (4) Years of demonstrable, hands-on experience in complex commercial litigation and/or civil tort defense, preferably at an AmLaw-recognized or elite litigation boutique.

⨖ Proven expertise in the procedural rules and substantive law governing complex litigation in Texas state and federal courts.

⨖ An inherent ambition and capacity to handle multiple demanding matters simultaneously with exceptional attention to detail.

§ Skills:

The following attributes are strongly preferred and indicate a candidate's readiness for significant responsibility and accelerated growth within the firm:

⨖ Experience in specific areas such as breach of contract, shareholder disputes, energy litigation, or insurance coverage defense.

⨖ A strong background in appellate practice or experience drafting significant motions at the trial court level that form the basis for appellate review.

⨖ Demonstrated capacity for independent thought and the ability to rapidly assimilate new information and legal concepts.

⨖ Excellent oral advocacy skills, indicating potential for effective courtroom argument and client presentation.

⨖ A pronounced desire to thrive in a collaborative, in-office work structure that prioritizes direct mentorship and team cohesion.

This a job advertisement on behalf of our client and does not reflect the full job description for the role. Any qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. You will need to provide law school transcripts, a writing sample or deal sheets, and a cover letter in order to be considered for this role. This posting does not constitute an offer of employment and the listed compensation details may vary by state or experience and will be discussed thoroughly during interview phase.