Description:

What We Are Looking For
We are seeking an exceptional Trial Attorney to lead the firm's litigation practice. This role is built for an experienced litigator who combines courtroom excellence with disciplined writing and collaborative leadership, and who is ready to step away from the big law grind while continuing to handle sophisticated, complex matters. You will lead a docket of business, real estate, and fiduciary disputes, set litigation strategy across the firm, mentor our junior litigator, and grow the practice through your own relationships and reputation.

Experience Requirements:

7+ years of civil litigation experience in a boutique, mid-size, or large firm setting
Pre-litigation experience required: demand letters, pre-suit negotiation, early case assessment, and resolving disputes before a petition is filed
First-chair trial experience required; you are comfortable and confident in front of a judge and a jury and know the Texas Rules of Evidence cold
Proven track record managing cases from inception through trial and, where necessary, appeal
Federal court experience strongly preferred
Experience mentoring junior attorneys and directing paralegals and support staff
Strong legal research and writing skills; a dispositive motion or brief will be requested as a writing sample
Attorneys with less trial experience, or whose litigation experience is concentrated in other verticals such as criminal, family, or personal injury, will be considered if they otherwise fit this role. A candidate hired on that basis may start at a reduced salary or on a step-up salary plan designed to reach the full salary level for the position within the first 180 days of employment, based on defined performance milestones.

Practice Areas:
Our litigation practice is primarily business, real estate, and fiduciary litigation:

Business and partnership litigation
Real estate litigation, including seller disclosure, construction defect, and title disputes
Contested probate, trust, and fiduciary litigation
Contract and commercial disputes
Injunctive relief and emergency proceedings
Mediation and arbitration

You Are:

A high-achieving self-starter who consistently exceeds goals and expectations without burning out
Someone who takes ownership and shows initiative, but also knows when to collaborate
A natural problem-solver who anticipates issues before they arise
Highly organized with strong attention to detail
A relationship builder who genuinely values client service and is comfortable representing the firm in the community
Coachable and receptive to feedback
Trustworthy, with an unwavering respect for confidentiality
A trial lawyer who wins with preparation, precision, and credibility rather than volume
A team leader who elevates those around you through mentorship and example
Results-driven, with a track record of favorable outcomes, both at the courthouse and at the mediation table

Core Responsibilities:
Pre-Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Draft demand letters, cease-and-desist letters, and pre-suit correspondence that position the matter for resolution or for suit
Manage the pre-litigation phase of each dispute, including early case assessment, evidence preservation, pre-suit negotiation, and informal or formal mediation
Advise clients on the cost, timing, and likely outcomes of resolving a dispute before filing versus proceeding to litigation

Litigation & Trial Practice

Independently manage a docket of complex litigation matters from start to finish
Develop case strategy, theory, and budget in collaboration with clients and the firm
Draft and supervise motions, pleadings, discovery, and briefing
Conduct depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials in state and federal courts
Own docket control, deadlines, and communications with courts and opposing counsel

Practice Leadership

Set litigation standards and best practices for the firm, including pleading quality, discovery discipline, and trial preparation
Mentor and supervise the firm's junior litigator and litigation support staff
Serve as the firm's internal resource on contested matters arising within the Business, Estates & Trusts, and Real Estate verticals

Client Relations

Serve as the primary attorney contact for your matters
Make difficult legal concepts understandable and relatable
Provide realistic assessments of options, risks, cost, and likely outcomes
Communicate regularly with clients regarding status and next steps

Business Development

Maintain and grow your existing client relationships and originate new litigation matters for the firm
Participate in networking, speaking, and community involvement in the San Antonio and Austin markets
Collaborate with other attorneys on cross-referral opportunities across our Business, Estates & Trusts, and Real Estate verticals
Contribute to the firm's marketing and thought leadership initiatives

Team Collaboration

Work closely with paralegals and legal assistants to keep matters moving efficiently
Communicate proactively with firm leadership on status, strategy, and workload
Participate in firm meetings, case strategy discussions, and firm-wide initiatives
Adhere to firm policies, including attendance, billing, and electronic communication guidelines

You'll Need
Technical Expertise

Active Texas law license in good standing
Command of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Evidence, and Rules of Appellate Procedure
Excellent oral advocacy and the judgment to know when to object and when to let it go
Ability to think creatively about case strategy and resolution

Technology Proficiency

Mandatory: Windows, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), calendaring and billing software
Preferred: Smokeball, LawMatics, electronic filing systems (eFileTexas)

Preferred, Not Required

Established book of business; we provide the infrastructure and support so you can keep what you have built
Board Certification in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Bilingual in English and Spanish