Commercial Litigation Attorney

Civil and Commercial Litigation Attorney

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.

The litigation practice handles matters involving 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, and 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 include independently managing a civil litigation caseload from initial evaluation through trial, arbitration, settlement, or other resolution; developing case strategy based on the client's legal and business objectives; drafting and arguing substantive and dispositive motions; preparing pleadings, discovery, briefs, legal memoranda, and other litigation documents; taking and defending fact, corporate-representative, and expert depositions; representing clients at hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials; overseeing fact discovery, expert discovery, and electronic discovery; evaluating liability, damages, exposure, and settlement options; communicating directly with clients regarding strategy, case developments, budgets, and potential outcomes; coordinating with attorneys across related practice areas; supervising or mentoring junior attorneys, paralegals, and litigation-support personnel when appropriate; and assisting with client development and the expansion of professional relationships.

Required qualifications include a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, an active Texas law license in good standing, at least seven years of civil litigation experience, experience practicing in Texas state or federal courts, the 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, the ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters and competing deadlines, sound professional judgment and a client-service-oriented approach, the ability and willingness to work in the office full time, and the ability to meet a billing expectation of 150 hours per month.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess one or more of the following: 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.

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 include $180k-$225k, depending on experience, qualifications, and potential contribution, a quarterly bonus opportunity for exceeding the firm's billable-hour benchmark, additional performance-based compensation opportunities, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan with employer contribution, paid time off, professional-development and continuing-education support, direct client contact and meaningful responsibility, and partnership-track potential based on legal performance, client service, leadership, and business development.

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.