Associate Attorney

Associate

Dallas, TX • Full-Time • In-Office

Durham, Pittard & Spalding, LLP (DP&S) is a nationally recognized civil appellate and strategic litigation support firm with offices in Dallas, TX, Santa Fe, NM, and Houston, TX. Ranked Tier 1 by Best Lawyers and home to multiple Texas and New Mexico Super Lawyers, DP&S has built its reputation on providing sophisticated appellate counsel and substantive trial support to law firms handling complex, high-stakes civil matters. We work across a wide range of civil practice areas including personal injury, commercial litigation, products liability, and more, serving primarily as strategic partners to trial attorneys throughout the litigation lifecycle.

The Opportunity

DP&S is growing and seeking experienced litigation attorneys to join its Dallas, Houston and Santa Fe offices. These are not traditional associate roles — we are looking for attorneys who think strategically, write with precision, and can serve as trusted counsel to trial lawyers and clients through every phase of a case. You will work at the intersection of trial support and appellate practice, contributing substantively from early case strategy through post-trial proceedings and appeal.

What You'll Do

• Provide strategic litigation support to trial teams across all stages of civil litigation, from pre-trial motions through trial and appeal
• Research and draft substantive motions, including dispositive motions, motions in limine, Daubert challenges, jury charge submissions, and appellate briefs
• Serve as the appellate counsel on the trial team during trial
• Analyze trial records and identify, preserve, and develop issues for appellate review
• Collaborate directly with trial counsel to shape litigation strategy and build a clean, defensible record
• Contribute to business development efforts, including building relationships with referral sources, participating in CLE presentations, and supporting firm marketing initiatives
• Engage with clients and co-counsel as a credible, substantive legal resource

What We're Looking For

• J.D. from an accredited law school; licensed and in good standing in Texas or New Mexico
• 3+ years of civil litigation or clerkship experience, with meaningful exposure to motion practice, trial support, or appellate work
• Exceptional legal research and writing skills
• Ability to manage complex legal issues across a range of civil matters independently and as part of a team
• Strong professional judgment and the ability to provide clear, strategic counsel under pressure
• Portable business or an existing referral network is a meaningful plus, but not required
• Genuine interest in and commitment to business development as an ongoing part of your practice

Why DP&S

• A firm that has spent 20+ years doing one thing extremely well — appellate and trial support — and is recognized nationally for it
• Work on high-stakes, complex civil matters alongside attorneys who are consistently recognized as the top trial lawyers in the country
• A collaborative, intellectually rigorous environment that values excellent legal work above all else
• Opportunities to develop your own practice and profile through business development, CLE speaking, and client relationships
• Offices in Dallas and Houston (TX) and Santa Fe (NM) — vibrant markets with strong legal communities