Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney — Personal Injury Litigation

*The Law Offices of Houston M. Smith, P.C. | Terrell, Texas*
*$100,000 Base Salary + Cumulative Fee Percentages*

The Law Offices of Houston M. Smith, P.C., a small personal injury law firm in Terrell, Texas, is seeking an experienced Associate Attorney to join our team.

Our firm represents individuals and families in automobile and commercial truck accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and other serious personal injury matters. We are looking for a dependable, organized, and compassionate attorney who can independently manage cases from day one.

This position offers meaningful client contact, hands-on litigation experience, and direct involvement in cases from initial investigation through resolution.

Compensation

This position offers a *$100,000 annual base salary*, plus additional compensation through settlements, case origination, and trial results:

* *5% of attorney fees* on every case you work on and settle.
* *25% of attorney fees* on cases you originate.
* *15% of attorney fees* on cases you win at trial.

Percentage-based compensation is in addition to your base salary. Specific eligibility, calculation, and payment terms will be outlined in the written compensation agreement.

Responsibilities

* Independently manage a caseload of personal injury matters from initial investigation through settlement, litigation, and trial.
* Develop case strategy, identify legal issues, and evaluate liability and damages.
* Review medical records, accident reports, insurance policies, and other evidence.
* Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, demand letters, settlement documents, and legal correspondence.
* Conduct and defend depositions.
* Represent clients at hearings, mediations, court conferences, and trials.
* Negotiate claims with insurance adjusters and opposing counsel.
* Communicate regularly with clients and provide clear case updates.
* Collaborate with paralegals, legal assistants, medical providers, and expert witnesses.
* Maintain accurate case notes, calendars, deadlines, and electronic files.
* Conduct legal research and stay current on developments in Texas personal injury law.

Required Qualifications

* Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
* Active Texas law license and good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
* *3–5 years of personal injury and civil litigation experience.*
* *Proven trial, deposition, and courtroom experience.*
* Ability to assume responsibility for an existing caseload upon joining the firm.
* Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
* Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management.
* Professional, compassionate client communication.
* Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative small-firm team.

*Preferred:* Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency.

Why Join Our Firm?

* *Meaningful case ownership:* Take an active role in case strategy and decision-making.
* *Additional earning opportunities:* Earn cumulative fee percentages tied to settlements, originated cases, and trial results.
* *Hands-on litigation:* Apply and strengthen your deposition, negotiation, and courtroom skills.
* *Direct client relationships:* Work closely with the individuals and families you represent.
* *Small-firm collaboration:* Work alongside attorneys and support staff in an established practice.
* *Professional growth:* Take on increased responsibility and continue developing your litigation experience.

How to Apply

Please submit your résumé and a brief cover letter to * *. Describe your personal injury litigation experience, including your role in depositions, hearings, and trials. You can also upload your resume and cover letter through this platform.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:
* 401(k) matching
* Paid time off

Application Question(s):
* Are you able to negotiate a claims settlement in Pre-litigation or Litigation?

Education:
* Doctorate (Required)

Experience:
* courtroom: 2 years (Required)
* trial: 2 years (Required)
* Personal injury law: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:
* Juris Doctrate (Required)

Work Location: In person