Associate Attorney - Litigation

Overview

The Associate Attorney will work under the supervision and guidance of the Senior, Managing Litigation Attorney, and will collaborate with the paralegal supervisor, case manager, and other legal staff to support personal injury case files in the litigation phase. Responsibilities include supporting the intake department in evaluating cases for lead generation, consulting with clients, conducting legal research, drafting essential legal documents, and managing the discovery process.

The Associate Attorney represents clients in court proceedings, conducts depositions, negotiates, attends mediation, and actively participates in trials. The role also ensures compliance with legal standards and ethical guidelines.

The Associate Attorney will also mentor and advise junior legal professionals. A combination of skills and attitude should demonstrate potential for bringing in new clients to the firm. The right candidate will help the firm run and grow professionally, fit in with the company culture, and adhere to the firm’s mission.

• Produce high-quality work and hold themselves to high standards. Demonstrate understanding of the role, its significance, and its specific responsibilities.
• Get It, Want It, and Capacity to perform the role as defined.
• Engage with the company’s core values (HECTOR):
  Hungry, Executes, Compassion, Team over self, Ownership, Do the right thing.
• Provide superb client service and maintain ongoing excellent customer care from inception through case settlement and closing.
• Report to the Litigation Managing Attorney and work closely with the paralegal supervisor, case manager, and other legal support staff.
• Participate in weekly department case meetings to provide case updates and planning.
• Handle litigation case files with the ability to prioritize based on statute of limitations, case length, value, or other needs.
• Manage statutes of limitations for assigned cases, including timely filing of lawsuits.
• Strategize and analyze case values and liability; make determinations on complex matters including probable outcomes.
• Conduct legal research and investigation of claims and defenses; develop strategies and arguments; include investigations with law enforcement, witnesses, and other parties; gather/attend recorded statements.
• Draft and review complex documents including pleadings, motions, discovery materials, and correspondence.
• Attend hearings, depositions, mediations, and trials.
• Support intake as needed to screen leads for generation and potential transfer to litigation.
• Negotiate favorable outcomes and settlements within case value and authority limits.
• Collaborate with the pre-litigation department evaluating cases for potential transfer to litigation.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures, and to state and federal laws, statutes, and court rules.
• Stay informed of legal developments affecting the company and clients; synthesize information for the firm’s personal injury trial practice.
• Submit time and expenses to accounting on case-related matters.

• J.D. and licensed to practice in Texas (active and in good standing; no disciplinary actions).
• 5 years of personal injury experience, including 2 years of litigation experience.
• Compliance with Texas State Bar Rules and Regulations and CLE requirements; ongoing competency through seminars and professional affiliations.
• Texas Driver’s License with a good driving record.
• Proficient in Office Suite (MS Outlook, Word, Excel) and ability to function within a case management system.
• Strong commitment to client service and ability to convey legal advice clearly to clients.
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, emotional intelligence, high energy, multitasking, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for drafting legal documents and presenting arguments.
• Adherence to firm protocols, policies, and procedures; ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to maintaining a positive office environment and adherence to the firm’s zero-tolerance policy on gossip or disruptive behavior.