What are the responsibilities and job description for the Commercial Trials & Litigation Associate Atttorney position at Direct Counsel?
Houston, Texas
Direct Counsel is seeking a Commercial Trials & Litigation Associate to join the Houston office of a nationally recognized Am Law firm. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with 2–4 years of experience handling sophisticated commercial disputes who is interested in developing as a trial lawyer while working on high-stakes litigation matters.
The ideal candidate will have experience managing complex commercial litigation, exceptional writing and analytical skills, and a desire to take on meaningful responsibility. This role offers significant client contact, hands-on litigation experience, and meaningful exposure to trial strategy and courtroom advocacy.
Responsibilities
- Represent clients in complex commercial litigation and trial matters
- Assist with all phases of litigation, from case inception through trial and appeal
- Draft pleadings, dispositive motions, briefs, and other substantive legal filings
- Conduct legal research and prepare case strategy memoranda
- Manage written discovery, document review, depositions, and expert discovery
- Participate in witness preparation, trial preparation, and courtroom proceedings
- Assist with arbitrations, evidentiary hearings, mediations, and trials
- Communicate directly with clients, opposing counsel, experts, and courts
- Work closely with partners and trial teams on sophisticated, high-profile disputes
Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school
- Active California Bar membership in good standing
- 2–4 years of commercial litigation experience
- Experience handling complex business or commercial disputes
- Exceptional legal research, writing, and analytical skills
- Strong academic credentials
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines effectively
Preferred Qualifications
- Judicial clerkship experience
- Experience drafting substantive motions and briefs
- Deposition and discovery experience
- Prior trial, arbitration, or evidentiary hearing experience
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $235,000 – $310,000
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Life and disability insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 401(k) and profit-sharing plans
- Generous paid time off
- Wellness and employee assistance programs
- Professional development and mentorship opportunities
Why This Opportunity
- Work alongside nationally recognized trial lawyers on sophisticated commercial disputes
- Gain meaningful exposure to trial strategy, courtroom advocacy, and case management
- Receive substantial responsibility and direct client contact early in your career
- Benefit from a collaborative culture focused on mentorship and professional development
- Build a strong foundation for long-term success as a commercial litigator and trial attorney
Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.
Salary : $235,000 - $310,000