Commercial Litigation Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Commercial Litigation Associate Attorney

Location: Houston, TX
Salary: $240,000–$260,000

Direct Counsel is seeking a Commercial Litigation Associate Attorney to join a leading national law firm's Commercial Litigation practice in Houston. This opportunity is ideal for an associate with 2–3 years of experience handling complex business litigation matters in state and federal courts.

The successful candidate will be a persuasive legal writer and oral advocate with experience across multiple stages of litigation, including discovery, motion practice, depositions, witness preparation, and court appearances. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated attorney seeking meaningful responsibility in a sophisticated, busy, and collaborative litigation practice.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in complex commercial and business litigation matters in state and federal courts.
• Conduct written and document discovery.
• Research and draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other court filings.
• Prepare and respond to requests for expedited relief, including temporary restraining orders (TROs) and injunctions.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Prepare witnesses for testimony, depositions, hearings, and other proceedings.
• Appear at status conferences and motions in both state and federal court.
• Participate in settlement conferences and negotiations.
• Assist with trial preparation and other pre-trial litigation activities.
• Conduct legal research and contribute to litigation strategy.
• Work directly with partners and clients on sophisticated litigation matters.
• Manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with attorneys and legal professionals across the litigation practice.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-approved law school.
• Strong academic credentials.
• 2–3 years of experience handling complex commercial or business litigation matters.
• Experience handling litigation in state and federal courts.
• Experience with written and document discovery.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Experience drafting pleadings, motions, and other court filings.
• Experience with expedited relief, including TROs and injunctions, is preferred.
• Experience taking and defending depositions.
• Experience preparing witnesses for testimony.
• Experience appearing in court for status conferences and motions.
• Settlement conference and negotiation experience is preferred.
• Trial preparation experience is preferred.
• Persuasive oral advocacy and excellent verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact directly with partners and clients.
• Exceptional work ethic, positive attitude, and intellectual curiosity.
• Ability to thrive in a sophisticated, busy, and collaborative practice.
• Active Texas Bar membership and good standing required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary of $240,000–$260,000 , depending on experience, qualifications, internal equity, and other applicable factors.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Adoption assistance.
• Backup care for dependents.
• Opportunity to work on sophisticated commercial litigation matters alongside experienced litigators while gaining meaningful responsibility across all stages of litigation.