Description:
A growing Houston-based personal injury law firm is seeking a motivated Associate Attorney to manage personal injury cases from initial intake through settlement or trial.Prior personal injury or litigation experience is preferred but not required. Newly licensed attorneys and candidates without prior experience are encouraged to apply. Candidates requiring significant training should expect compensation at the lower end of the posted salary range while they are trained and gain the knowledge and experience necessary to manage cases independently.
We are currently a small firm led by one attorney and are looking for an associate who wants to play an important role in the firm's continued growth. The ideal candidate will be organized, client-focused, comfortable handling a substantial caseload, and prepared to take increasing ownership of assigned matters as training progresses. Because we are a growing firm, the associate will also be expected to participate in the firm's marketing and business-development efforts.
Although the position is based in Houston, the associate must be willing and able to travel for hearings, depositions, mediations, inspections, and trials in other Texas counties.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct initial client consultations and evaluate potential claims
- Manage assigned cases from intake through settlement or trial, with training and supervision as appropriate
- Maintain regular communication with clients and provide meaningful case updates
- Investigate claims and gather evidence, records, and supporting documentation
- Review medical records, billing records, accident reports, insurance policies, and other case materials
- Prepare and submit settlement demands
- Negotiate claims with insurance carriers and defense counsel
- Draft and file petitions, motions, responses, discovery requests, subpoenas, notices, and other legal documents
- Manage written discovery and discovery disputes
- Take and defend depositions
- Attend hearings, mediations, pretrial conferences, and trials
- Prepare witnesses, exhibits, motions in limine, jury charges, and other trial materials
- Negotiate medical liens and assist with settlement and disbursement issues
- Monitor deadlines and ensure compliance with court orders and procedural rules
- Maintain complete and accurate case files and case-management records
- Supervise and work closely with legal assistants and other firm staff
- Travel throughout Texas for case-related appearances as required
- Participate in firm marketing, networking, community outreach, and business-development activities
- Assist with developing referral relationships and increasing the firm's visibility
- Represent the firm professionally at networking and promotional events
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Active license to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas
- No prior personal injury or litigation experience is required; the firm is willing to train the right candidate
- Personal injury, litigation, or courtroom experience is a plus
- Willingness and ability to learn the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas personal injury law
- Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and oral communication skills
- Ability to develop the skills necessary to independently manage cases from intake through settlement or trial
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to manage competing deadlines and a substantial caseload
- Professional, dependable, responsive, and self-motivated
- Entrepreneurial mindset and genuine interest in helping grow a small law firm
- Willingness to participate in marketing, networking, and business development
- Strong client-service skills and the ability to communicate with clients from diverse backgrounds
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Willingness and ability to travel to courts and case-related proceedings throughout Texas