Commercial Litigation Attorney

Civil and Commercial Litigation Attorney Mid-Size Texas Law Firm 1st Location: Houston 2nd location: you may sit in Austin for Houston 3rd Location: Arlington Compensation: $180k-$225k, depending on experience Schedule: 100% in office

Position Overview

A well-established, mid-size Texas law firm is seeking experienced attorneys to join its growing civil and commercial litigation practice. The firm currently has one opening in Arlington and two openings in Houston. Exceptional Austin-based candidates may also be considered if they are committed to serving clients throughout Texas. This opportunity is intended for an experienced litigator who can independently manage sophisticated matters, communicate directly with clients, exercise sound judgment, and contribute to the continued growth of the practice.

Practice Areas

• Commercial and business disputes
• Construction defects and other construction-related claims
• Breach-of-contract and contractual disputes
• Real-estate litigation
• Labor and employment litigation
• Insurance-related litigation
• Business torts
• Other complex civil disputes

Candidates do not need experience in every listed area. However, they must have meaningful civil litigation experience, preferably involving businesses, commercial clients, construction companies, property owners, developers, contractors, insurers, or employers. This is not an entry-level position. Candidates whose experience is limited primarily to plaintiff-side personal injury, family law, criminal law, or document-review work are unlikely to qualify unless they also possess substantial experience in the firm’s core litigation areas.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a civil litigation caseload from initial evaluation through trial, arbitration, settlement, or other resolution
• Develop case strategy based on the client’s legal and business objectives
• Draft and argue substantive and dispositive motions
• Prepare pleadings, discovery, briefs, legal memoranda, and other litigation documents
• Take and defend fact, corporate-representative, and expert depositions
• Represent clients at hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials
• Oversee fact discovery, expert discovery, and electronic discovery
• Evaluate liability, damages, exposure, and settlement options
• Communicate directly with clients regarding strategy, case developments, budgets, and potential outcomes
• Coordinate with attorneys across related practice areas
• Supervise or mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and litigation-support personnel when appropriate
• Assist with client development and the expansion of professional relationships

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
• Active Texas law license in good standing
• At least 7 years of civil litigation experience
• Experience practicing in Texas state or federal courts
• Ability to independently manage litigation from inception through resolution
• Substantial experience with discovery, depositions, motion practice, hearings, mediation, and trial preparation
• Strong legal research, writing, analysis, and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters and competing deadlines
• Sound professional judgment and a client-service-oriented approach
• Ability and willingness to work in the office full time
• Ability to meet a billing expectation of 150 hours per month

Preferred Background Preference

• Commercial or business litigation experience
• Construction-litigation experience
• Contract-dispute experience
• Real-estate, employment, or insurance-related litigation experience
• Experience representing businesses, builders, developers, contractors, subcontractors, insurers, employers, or property owners
• First-chair trial or substantial courtroom experience
• Experience supervising or mentoring other legal professionals
• An established professional network or demonstrated ability to develop and maintain client relationships

Houston Opportunity

The Houston office has substantial existing work and is positioned for continued growth. The firm is particularly interested in an ambitious attorney who wants greater visibility, leadership responsibility, and influence over the development of the office. This may be especially attractive to an attorney who feels stalled, underutilized, or limited in their current position and wants an opportunity to help shape and grow a practice.

Compensation and Benefits

$180k-$225k, depending on experience, qualifications, and potential contribution

• Quarterly bonus opportunity for exceeding the firm’s billable-hour benchmark
• Additional performance-based compensation opportunities
• Comprehensive health and welfare benefits
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off
• Professional-development and continuing-education support
• Direct client contact and meaningful responsibility
• Partnership-track potential based on legal performance, client service, leadership, and business development

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced civil litigator who can step into sophisticated matters with limited supervision, build credibility with business clients, and contribute to the long-term growth of the firm. Attorneys seeking meaningful responsibility, direct client involvement, strong compensation potential, and a path toward leadership or partnership are encouraged to apply.

CSDAL65