Patel Law Firm is a Houston-based litigation and transactional practice known for handling sophisticated commercial disputes, including breach of contract litigation, hotel and franchise disputes, commercial real estate transactions, and property and casualty insurance coverage matters. We typically represent businesses and policyholders in high-stakes litigation across Texas state and federal courts and in alternative dispute forums.
We are seeking a talented and motivated Associate Attorney to join our Commercial Litigation practice. This is a substantive role offering early responsibility, direct client and partner access, and a clear path to professional growth for an attorney who is eager to develop into a first-chair trial lawyer.
Position Summary. The Associate Attorney will play an integral role across all phases of complex commercial litigation from case intake and pleadings through discovery, dispositive motions, trial, and appeal. The successful candidate will draft and argue motions, manage discovery, take and defend depositions, prepare witnesses, and work directly with clients and senior attorneys to develop and execute case strategy. The role demands strong legal writing, analytical precision, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple matters under deadline.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct thorough legal research and analysis on substantive and procedural issues in commercial disputes, including contract, business tort, statutory (e.g., Texas DTPA), and coverage claims.
- Evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and risks of claims and defenses, and develop case strategy in collaboration with senior attorneys.
- Analyze contracts, franchise agreements, purchase and sale agreements, and other commercial documents central to the dispute.
- Draft pleadings, including petitions, answers, counterclaims, cross-claims, and third-party claims.
- Research, draft, and argue a full range of motions, including motions to dismiss, special exceptions, motions to compel, motions for summary judgment, and pretrial and evidentiary motions.
- Draft and respond to written discovery, including interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission.
- Manage document collection, review, and production, including e-discovery workflows and privilege review.
- Coordinate and manage expert witnesses, including engagement, disclosures, and report preparation.
- Take and defend fact and expert depositions.
- Prepare for and assist at trials, arbitrations, mediations, and evidentiary hearings.
- Draft trial materials, including witness outlines, exhibit lists, opening statements, closing arguments, jury instructions or proposed findings, and demonstrative exhibits.
- Prepare and prepare witnesses for testimony.
- Communicate directly with clients to provide case updates, gather facts, and offer strategic counsel.
- Maintain organized, accurate, and current case files and litigation timelines.
- Track deadlines and ensure compliance with applicable court rules and scheduling orders.
- Manage time entries and contribute to the efficient, profitable handling of matters.
- Work collaboratively with firm attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.
- Stay current on developments in commercial litigation, relevant substantive law, and Texas civil procedure.
Required Qualifications.
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in the State of Texas and admission, or eligibility for admission, to the relevant U.S. District Courts (S.D. Tex. and others) in good standing.
- 3–5 years of commercial litigation experience at a law firm (more or less considered for exceptional candidates).
- Demonstrated experience across the litigation lifecycle, including drafting pleadings and motions, managing written discovery, and participating in depositions and hearings.
- Exceptional legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Strong analytical ability and meticulous attention to detail.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple matters and competing deadlines.
- High level of professional integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.
Patel Law Firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
