Senior Commercial Trial Litigation Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Commercial Trial Litigation Paralegal

Location: Downtown Houston, TX
Compensation: Up to $130,000 + Overtime
Schedule: Hybrid

The Opportunity

A well-established downtown Houston commercial litigation law firm is seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Trial Litigation Paralegal to support a team of 6–7 attorneys in complex, high-stakes litigation matters. These positions are available due to both firm growth and a replacement need.

This opportunity is ideal for a seasoned litigation paralegal who has substantial trial experience, thrives in a fast-paced legal environment, and understands the level of preparation and commitment required to support attorneys through trial.

Extensive commercial litigation trial experience is essential. The successful candidate will play a hands-on role in trial preparation, courtroom support, and the coordination of complex litigation matters from initial case development through trial and appeal.

This is a demanding position that requires flexibility, professionalism, and a willingness to work evenings and weekends when deadlines and trial schedules require it. Candidates must also be comfortable traveling for trials, which can occasionally require being away for up to three weeks.

Key Responsibilities

Trial Preparation & Courtroom Support

• Coordinate all aspects of trial preparation, including exhibit lists, witness lists, deposition designations, and pretrial filings.
• Organize and manage trial exhibits, deposition materials, testimony tracking, and supporting documentation.
• Provide direct support to attorneys during trials, hearings, arbitrations, and other court proceedings.
• Coordinate trial logistics and travel arrangements and assist with other time-sensitive assignments throughout trial.
• Prepare for and support depositions, hearings, and witness examinations, including organizing exhibits and drafting witness outlines.

Commercial Litigation Support

• Manage complex case files, litigation calendars, court deadlines, and case-related documentation.
• Prepare, proofread, and coordinate the filing of briefs, pleadings, and other legal documents.
• Conduct substantive legal research, analyze documents, and prepare summaries for attorney review.
• Handle electronic court filings and ensure compliance with applicable state and federal court rules and procedures.
• Coordinate with attorneys, clients, expert witnesses, consultants, court personnel, opposing counsel, and other external parties.

Document Management & Litigation Technology

• Support the electronic discovery process in coordination with litigation support personnel.
• Manage and organize electronic case materials using litigation support and document management systems.
• Utilize legal research platforms, e-discovery tools, deposition transcript software, and applicable legal technology to support case preparation.
• Maintain accurate records, monitor deadlines, and ensure the quality and organization of litigation materials.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of paralegal experience, with substantial commercial litigation experience.
• Extensive hands-on trial preparation and trial support experience is required. Candidates whose experience is primarily general litigation support, with limited trial exposure, will not be a fit.
• Experience supporting attorneys through complex trials, hearings, and arbitrations.
• Ability and willingness to travel for trials, including occasional assignments lasting up to three weeks.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as necessary to meet trial deadlines and respond to attorney needs.
• Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate required.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal court filing procedures and litigation deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Professional demeanor and presentation, with the ability to work directly alongside attorneys in court.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a high-pressure environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal technology platforms. Experience with litigation support and e-discovery tools such as Relativity, Trial Director, OnCue, and legal research systems is valuable.

Work Environment

This is a fast-paced, trial-driven environment where responsiveness, preparation, and attention to detail are critical. Work hours can fluctuate significantly depending on case demands, and overtime may be necessary during periods of intensive trial preparation and active trials.

Candidates should be comfortable with the realities of commercial litigation practice, including occasional extended travel and the need to remain responsive to attorneys outside standard business hours.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary up to $130,000, commensurate with experience
• Overtime compensation
• Hybrid work schedule
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Paid time off and retirement benefits
• Additional employee benefits