Litigation Attorney

Description

Cesar Ornelas Law is seeking an experienced Litigation Attorney to manage personal injury matters from filing through settlement or trial. This role is suited to a self-directed advocate who exercises sound legal judgment, develops effective case strategies, communicates clearly with clients, and takes ownership of outcomes.

Since 2021, Cesar Ornelas Law has expanded across Texas and New Mexico while remaining focused on exceptional representation, responsive client service, and the pursuit of justice. Our offices are located in San Antonio, El Paso, Dallas, Houston, Midland, Hobbs, Santa Fe, and Española.

Our most important focus is the Person in Personal Injury.

We believe clients deserve both outstanding legal representation and an exceptional experience throughout their case. Our attorneys serve as strong advocates, strategic thinkers, and trusted advisors.

We value integrity, accountability, teamwork, ownership, and a relentless pursuit of justice. We welcome professionals who take pride in their work, value collaboration, and want to make a meaningful difference in a growing organization.

Key Responsibilities

The Litigation Attorney will lead an active caseload through resolution while meeting all ethical, procedural, and firm requirements.

• Own a caseload of personal injury matters from filing through settlement, resolution, or trial.
• Assess liability, damages, exposure, settlement value, and trial potential; develop and execute a strategy aligned with each client’s objectives.
• Draft, review, and file pleadings, motions, discovery, briefs, notices, and other litigation documents.
• Lead written discovery and take or defend depositions of parties, witnesses, medical providers, and experts.
• Prepare for and represent clients at hearings, mediations, conferences, depositions, and other proceedings.
• Negotiate effectively with insurance carriers, defense attorneys, and opposing counsel.
• Prepare matters for trial, including witnesses, exhibits, motions in limine, jury selection, and courtroom presentation.
• Communicate proactively with clients about strategy, developments, expectations, and case status.
• Coordinate with pre-litigation attorneys, paralegals, case managers, legal assistants, and other team members to ensure effective case transitions and execution.
• Maintain accurate case records, satisfy deadlines, identify risks and opportunities, and keep matters progressing efficiently.
• Contribute to case reviews and provide guidance to junior attorneys and support staff, as appropriate.
• Comply with all ethical obligations, court rules, continuing legal education requirements, and firm policies.

Requirements

Core Competencies

• Deep knowledge of personal injury litigation and applicable procedural rules.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analysis, and case-evaluation skills.
• Persuasive oral advocacy, confident courtroom presence, and strong negotiation skills.
• Sound legal judgment and the ability to make timely, strategic decisions.
• Strong organization and attention to detail when managing multiple cases, priorities, and deadlines.
• Clear, empathetic client communication and a commitment to an exceptional client experience.
• Professionalism, accountability, initiative, and effective collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

Required

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Texas and good standing with all applicable continuing legal education requirements.
• Demonstrated personal injury litigation experience, including discovery, depositions, hearings, and settlement negotiations.
• Ability to independently manage a litigation caseload and meet court and procedural deadlines.
• Strong legal research, writing, advocacy, case-management, and technology skills.

Preferred

• Three or more years of personal injury litigation experience.
• Trial experience.
• Experience with legal case-management systems; Salesforce experience is a plus.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.