Associate Attorney - Litigation

Description

The Associate Attorney will work under the supervision and guidance of the Senior, Managing Litigation Attorney, and work closely with the paralegal supervisor, case manager and other legal staff providing support in handling personal injury case files in the litigation phase. This role encompasses various responsibilities, including 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 also represents clients in court proceedings, conducts depositions, negotiates, and attends mediation to secure favorable outcomes for our clients, and actively participate in trials. Additionally, the Associate Attorney ensures compliance with legal standards and ethical guidelines.

The Associate Attorney will play a role in mentoring and advising junior legal professionals. A combination of skills and attitude must demonstrate potential for bringing in new clients to the firm. Prospects need to rely on the Associate Attorney as an expert and believe in the quality of our work and value of 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.  

The Associate Attorney must produce high-quality work and hold self to high standards. The Associate Attorney must ‘Get It’, ‘Want It’, and have the ‘Capacity’ to do his/her role as defined. He or she must:

GET IT: Possess a comprehensive understanding of the role's intricacies, its significance, and its specific responsibilities.

WANT IT: Approach the job with genuine enthusiasm and passion for the tasks at hand.

CAPACITY: Demonstrate the ability to effectively perform the required duties and responsibilities of the role.

The ideal Associate Attorney will also engage with our Company’s core values ‘HECTOR’ and apply those values to his/her work every day. 

H - HUNGRY

E - EXECUTES

C - COMPASSION

T – TEAM over self

O - OWNERSHIP

R – do the RIGHT thing

The Associate Attorney must display superb customer service skills and provide exceptional client service to prospective clients and existing clients. Providing on-going excellent customer care from inception through case settlement and closing is paramount to the success of the Company. 

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

• Reports to the Litigation Managing Attorney and works closely with the paralegal supervisor, case manager and other legal support staff. 
• Participates with weekly department case meetings to provide case updates and planning. 
• Handles litigation case files as assigned with ability to prioritize case files based on statute of limitations, length of case, value of case, or other possible potential need.
• Responsible for management of Statute of Limitations for assigned cases, including timely filing of lawsuits.
• Strategize and analyze with the Litigation Managing Attorney, on case values, liability, and make determinations regarding complex matters including probable outcomes of each case.
• Conduct legal research and investigation of claims and defenses. Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments. This further includes but is not limited to conducting investigations such as communications with law enforcement, witnesses, other non-parties; gather/attend recorded statements.
• Drafts and reviews complex documents including pleadings, motions, discovery materials and correspondence.
• Attends hearing, depositions, mediations, and trials.
• Supports intake as needed to screen PNC for lead generation.
• Ability to successfully negotiate favorable outcomes and settlements for our clients within the parameters of case value and level of authority.
• Supports intake as needed to screen PNC for lead generation.
• Collaborate with the pre-litigation department evaluating cases for potential transfer to litigation.
• Adheres to company policies and procedures, state and federal laws, statutes, and court rules. 
• Staying abreast of legal developments affecting the company, our clients, and industry and synthesize the information to incorporate it into company’s personal injury trial practice.
• Submit time and expenses to accounting on case related matters. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. and licensed to practice in Texas (license must be active and in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
• 5 years personal injury experience, including 2 years of litigation experience. 
• Must be compliant with all Texas State Bar Rules and Regulations and CLE requirements in addition to maintaining competency through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest developments.
• Must have a Texas Driver’s License and good driving record.
• Proficient in Office Suite tools including MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and ability to function within a case management system.
• A strong commitment to client service and ability to convey legal advice and strategies clearly and effectively to clients, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their cases.
• A strong work ethic, positive attitude, emotional intelligence, high-energy, multi-tasking, time management, and ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Exceptional written communication necessary to draft compelling legal documents with clarity and accuracy; and strong verbal communication necessary to articulate complex legal arguments and concepts persuasively in courtroom settings and during negotiations.
•  Adhere to firm protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• A commitment to maintaining a positive office environment and strict adherence to the firm's "Zero Tolerance" policy regarding office gossip, drama, or behavior that negatively affects office morale or individual employees.