Associate

Associate Litigation Attorney – Insurance Defense Location: Houston, Texas Job Type: Full-Time | In-Office Experience Required: 2–3 Years Practice Areas: Insurance Defense | Civil Litigation | Insurance Coverage About Our Firm Thomas M. Fountain & Associates, PLLC is a growing Houston-based litigation firm specializing in insurance defense, insurance coverage disputes, and complex civil litigation. We represent insurance carriers, businesses, and individuals in a broad range of litigation matters throughout Texas. We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Associate Litigation Attorney with 2–3 years of experience to join our team. The ideal candidate is a confident legal professional with strong research, writing, and litigation skills who can independently manage assigned cases while working collaboratively with our attorneys and support staff. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney seeking meaningful litigation experience, direct client interaction, increased responsibility, and long-term professional growth within a growing law firm. Key Responsibilities Manage an assigned caseload of insurance defense and civil litigation matters from initial evaluation through resolution. Draft and prepare pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, legal memoranda, and other litigation documents. Conduct legal research and develop effective litigation strategies. Analyze insurance policies, coverage issues, claim files, and applicable Texas law. Prepare initial case assessments, litigation budgets, and status reports for insurance carriers. Conduct and defend depositions, participate in hearings, mediations, and settlement negotiations. Communicate directly with insurance adjusters, clients, opposing counsel, and other parties involved in litigation. Evaluate liability, damages, potential exposure, and settlement opportunities. Ensure compliance with court orders, procedural rules, discovery obligations, and litigation deadlines. Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely billing records in accordance with insurance carrier billing guidelines. Work collaboratively with partners, paralegals, and legal assistants to ensure efficient case management. Qualifications Required Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Active license to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. 2–3 years of civil litigation experience, preferably in insurance defense. Strong knowledge of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and litigation practices. Excellent legal research, analytical, and persuasive writing skills. Experience drafting substantive motions, pleadings, and discovery. Ability to manage multiple cases, prioritize deadlines, and work efficiently with minimal supervision. Strong organizational skills, professional judgment, and attention to detail. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Experience representing insurance carriers in first-party property claims, third-party liability claims, or coverage disputes. Experience taking depositions, attending hearings, and participating in mediations. Familiarity with federal court procedures and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Experience with insurance carrier reporting requirements and billing guidelines. Experience using legal case management and electronic billing software. Performance Expectations: We are looking for an attorney who takes ownership of assigned cases, demonstrates initiative, and consistently produces high-quality legal work. The successful candidate will be expected to: Independently manage litigation assignments and meet deadlines without constant supervision. Maintain a targeted billable hours per month. Provide timely and accurate reporting to clients and insurance carriers. Demonstrate efficiency, accountability, and sound legal judgment. Contribute positively to the firm's collaborative and results-driven environment. Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance-based salary growth opportunities. Salary and performance review following the initial 90-day period. Health insurance benefits. Paid time off and firm-observed holidays. Opportunities for professional development, courtroom experience, and advancement within the firm. Thomas M. Fountain & Associates, PLLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr