What are the responsibilities and job description for the Trial Lawyer in Training - Associate Attorney position at Zinda Law Group, PLLC?
Trial Lawyer in Training — Associate Attorney
Zinda Law Group | Austin, Texas
Most law firms say they want to build trial lawyers. Very few actually do.
We do.
This is not a research-and-document-review position. This is a structured, demanding program designed to turn talented attorneys into elite litigators — with real cases, real mentorship, and real courtroom experience from day one.
If you want to become a serious trial lawyer, this role was built for you.
The Opportunity
As a Trial Lawyer in Training at Zinda Law Group, you will work directly alongside experienced lead trial lawyers on active, high-value cases. You will be trusted with meaningful litigation responsibility early — not after years of back-office work — and you will have a defined path to becoming a Lead Trial Lawyer.
You will function as both a high-level litigation associate and a trial lawyer in training, with a clear promotion structure tied entirely to your performance.
What You'll Be Doing
- Draft substantive motions, briefs, pleadings, and discovery
- Conduct complex legal research that directly shapes trial strategy
- Prepare cases for mediation and trial — every time, on every file
- Work with experts on liability, damages, and medical issues
- Participate in depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials
- Progressively take ownership of depositions, motion arguments, and portions of trials
- Maintain files in a trial-ready posture at all times
The Trial Lawyer in Training Program
Your growth here is structured, earned, and fast if you perform.
- Phase 1 — Trainee / Associate High-volume, high-quality litigation work. Close mentorship. Strict deadlines and high expectations.
- Phase 2 — Junior Lead Trial Lawyer Ownership of cases under partner oversight. First-chair smaller trials or second-chair major cases. Strategic decision-making responsibilities.
- Phase 3 — Lead Trial Lawyer Full responsibility for a litigation docket. Trial leadership. Mentorship of the next generation.
Advancement is based on performance, preparation, and results — not how long you've been here.
Compensation
Component Range
- Base Salary - $125,000 - $250,000
- Performance Bonus - $25,000 - $100,000
- Origination Bonus: Uncapped - get paid for generating cases
- Total Compensation - $125,000 - $350,000
Benefits
- 20 days PTO 10 paid holidays
- Medical, vision, and dental (firm covers 100% of employee medical)
- IRA with up to 3% company match
- Paid parental leave
Who Thrives Here
This is a high-performance legal training environment. It is not a lifestyle law job.
You're a strong fit if you:
- Want to try cases — not just talk about trial work
- Like being held to a high standard and given real feedback
- Are competitive, analytical, and obsessive about preparation
- Want a steep learning curve and meaningful responsibility early
- Are coachable and serious about becoming excellent
This is not the role if you're looking for:
- Predictable, low-pressure work
- Minimal accountability
- A slow or undefined career path
Qualifications
- Licensed and in good standing with the Texas, Arizona, Colorado, or New Mexico State Bar
- 0–5 years of experience (litigation experience preferred)
- Strong legal writing ability — motions, briefs, discovery, memos
- Demonstrated analytical and research skills
- Ambition and a relentless work ethic
- Highly coachable with a low ego and high standards
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to work with support staff
- Knowledge of TRCP and Rules of Evidence preferred
- Bilingual in Spanish is a plus
Why Lawyers Choose Zinda Law Group
- We actually try cases
- We invest heavily in training and mentorship
- We give responsibility early — and back it up with support
- We build careers, not just resumes
- Advancement is merit-based and moves as fast as you do
If you want real responsibility, real mentorship, and a real path to becoming a lead trial lawyer — apply now.