Description:
Position Summary:The Civil Litigation Associate Attorney will work with experienced litigators on a broad range of civil disputes, from initial case evaluation through discovery, motion practice, settlement negotiations, trial, and appeal, as appropriate.
The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in civil litigation, strong legal research and writing skills, sound analytical judgment, and the ability to manage responsibilities with increasing independence. We are looking for an attorney who takes ownership of their work, communicates effectively, and approaches each matter with professionalism, preparation, and a focus on the client's objectives.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Manage litigation matters: Assist in handling a diverse caseload of civil litigation matters, with responsibility appropriate to experience and demonstrated ability.
- Develop case strategy: Evaluate claims and defenses, analyze evidence, identify legal issues, and assist in developing practical and effective litigation strategies.
- Conduct legal research and writing: Prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, memoranda, and other litigation documents.
- Manage discovery: Coordinate written discovery, review and analyze documents, prepare discovery responses, and assist with depositions and other discovery proceedings.
- Participate in depositions and hearings: Prepare for and attend depositions, hearings, mediations, and other proceedings, with opportunities for increasing responsibility.
- Support trial preparation and execution: Assist with witness preparation, exhibit development, trial strategy, pretrial motions, and courtroom presentation; participate in trials as appropriate.
- Advise and communicate with clients: Maintain professional client relationships, provide timely updates, explain legal developments, and help clients understand their options and potential outcomes.
- Pursue effective resolutions: Evaluate settlement opportunities, prepare for negotiations and mediations, and balance litigation strategy with the client's business and practical objectives.
- Collaborate with colleagues: Work closely with partners, fellow associates, paralegals, and support professionals to deliver high-quality, efficient legal services.
- Manage deadlines and responsibilities: Maintain organized files, meet court-imposed and internal deadlines, and manage competing priorities effectively.
- Maintain professional standards: Exercise sound judgment, protect client confidentiality, comply with applicable ethical obligations, and contribute positively to the firm's culture.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Active license and good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
- Approximately 3–5 years of relevant civil litigation experience.
- Strong legal research, analytical, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Experience drafting pleadings, motions, discovery, and other litigation documents.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines.
- Professional communication skills and the ability to develop productive client relationships.
- A strong work ethic, attention to detail, sound judgment, and commitment to professional integrity.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative legal team.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience managing litigation matters with increasing levels of responsibility.
- Experience taking and defending depositions and appearing in hearings.
- Exposure to mediation, settlement negotiations, trial preparation, and courtroom proceedings.
- Experience in one or more areas of commercial, business, real estate, insurance, employment, energy, personal injury, or other civil litigation.
- A demonstrated interest in developing strong advocacy skills and a long-term litigation practice.
At Sprouse Shrader Smith, we believe a rewarding career should offer more than professional success. It should be an opportunity to grow, take on meaningful challenges, develop your talents, and be part of a team that values your contributions.
We strive to create a positive work environment where individual talent can flourish, hard work is valued and contributions are celebrated.
