What are the responsibilities and job description for the Trial Attorney position at Oliva Gibbs?
The Role
Oliva Gibbs is seeking an experienced oil and gas litigation attorney to join its Houston office as a Partner as part of the firm’s continued investment in expanding its energy and oil & gas litigation practice. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced litigator (senior associate, of counsel, and/or partner) with a strong market presence, a portable book of business in the energy sector, and a collaborative, team-based approach to practice growth.
Houston is a key growth market for the firm, and Oliva Gibbs is intentionally expanding its litigation capabilities to meet the evolving needs of energy clients across the upstream and energy-adjacent sectors.
The successful candidate will play a meaningful role in strengthening and growing the firm’s energy-focused litigation practice and will bring established client relationships, recognized subject-matter expertise, and the ability to integrate seamlessly with existing attorneys and clients. This is a unique opportunity to help lead and grow a litigation practice in a law firm with an excellent reputation and strong marketing presence in the upstream oil and gas space. The role requires strong litigation skills, a drive to build and expand their network, and a desire to grow and build a book of business.
Key Responsibilities
- Help lead and grow an energy and oil & gas litigation practice in Houston
- Manage and originate complex disputes involving energy companies and industry stakeholders
- Leverage a portable book of business while expanding services within the firm’s existing client base
- Serve as a trusted advisor and subject-matter expert for energy and oil & gas clients
- Collaborate closely with other partners and attorneys to deliver integrated legal solutions
- Participate in business development efforts supported by the firm’s marketing and BD team
- Contribute to the firm’s visibility and reputation in the Houston energy market
Qualifications
- Partner-level litigation experience with a focus on energy and oil & gas matters
- Demonstrated success handling complex commercial and industry-specific disputes
- Strong professional network in the Houston and Texas energy markets
- Portable book of business consistent with a lateral partner role
- Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with leadership and mentoring capability
Marketing, Growth & Platform Support
Oliva Gibbs provides lateral partners with meaningful infrastructure to support long-term success. Partners work closely with a robust in-house marketing and business development team that assists with strategic client development, industry positioning, thought leadership, and targeted outreach. As the energy litigation practice grows, the firm is committed to investing in additional associate and team support.
About Us
Founded in 2013, Oliva Gibbs is a client-focused law firm that specializes in serving oil and gas companies nationwide. With offices strategically located in Houston, Columbus, Lafayette, Midland, and Oklahoma City, we advise a diverse range of clients – from Fortune 500, integrated oil and gas companies to private equity backed startups and mineral rights companies.
Committed to excellence, we have strategic goals and are actively seeking a highly motivated and skilled Litigation Partner to join our team. This full-time role will play a pivotal part in ensuring that Oliva Gibbs exceeds client expectations while living out our Core Values: Unparalleled Client Experience, Passion for Learning, and Culture of Collaboration. Oliva Gibbs is a business-focused law firm built around deep client relationships, strategic legal thinking, and collaborative culture.
What We Bring
Partner compensation at Oliva Gibbs is competitive and aligned with market standards, structured to reward collaboration and team-oriented performance. The firm places a high value on sustained client development, matter leadership, cross-practice teamwork, and long-term relationship building. As the platform grows, partners have opportunities for increasing economic participation reflective of their contributions and leadership.
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Excellent benefits including healthcare (health, dental, vision and more) and additional insurance options, flex holidays and 401K match program
- Team-based bonus system
- A commitment to employee satisfaction and a culture that values our employees’ lives inside and outside of the office with options for a hybrid/remote work environment and a progressive PTO policy
Core Values
Our core values include an unparalleled client experience, a passion for learning, and a culture of collaboration. These values are embraced by every member of our team and are woven into the fabric of our daily operations. With unwavering dedication, we uphold these values, understanding that they not only define who we are as a firm but also shape the impact we aspire to make for both our clients and our colleagues.
Oliva Gibbs PLLC is committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. It is our policy to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard for race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other factors protected by the laws or regulations in the states where we operate. We are committed to supporting a variety of recruiting initiatives to continue building a diverse and inclusive law firm and legal profession.