Associate Attorney

JOB TITLE:             ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

DEPARTMENT:      SINGLE EVENT

REPORTS TO:        CHRIS PINEDO, PARTNER

FLSA STATUS:        EXEMPT

ROLE SUMMARY

Hilliard Law’s mission for our clients is clear - the “Relentless Pursuit of Justice.” We strive to find talent that pursues excellence for our clients. We believe our success is a result of our people, and we’re looking for individuals who bring their experience, dedication, problem-solving skills, and creativity to further our mission.

A well-prepared Associate Attorney can play a critical role in helping trial cases settle favorably by demonstrating strong trial readiness through thorough preparation. Together, we’ll achieve the best results for our clients.

All applications must be accompanied by a resume and writing sample (10 pages maximum). A preferred writing sample is a motion or a motion response that has been filed with a court. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 3+ years handling personal injury matters with established hands-on case handling and management skills.
• Case action planning from the moment a file is received from the Managing Partner to provide immediate analysis on liability, collectability, damages, and communicating the steps your team will follow in order to achieve the best results for the client.
• Experienced in all facets of litigation including efficiently handling written discovery, taking and defending depositions, motion practice, hearings, and mediations.
• Lead all trial preparation and coordination for your trial team.
• Previous trial experience and a desire to first chair jury trials (goal is 3 trials per year).
• Ability to interact with clients, adjusters, and opposing counsel over the phone and in person.
• Excellent organization, research, writing, and communication skills.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Trial Advocacy: Jury selection, voir dire, openings/closings, witness examinations, and preservation of appellate issues for hearings and arguments.
• Hearings & Oral Advocacy: Daubert challenges, dispositive motions, and trial briefs; appellate caliber briefing and argument when required.
• Legal Writing: Draft pleadings, discovery, dispositive motions and responses, Daubert and expert challenges, trial briefs, evidentiary motions, and appellate level briefs; conduct strong Westlaw research translated into persuasive, trial ready writing.
• Discovery & Depositions: Draft and respond to discovery; conduct depositions of fact witnesses and corporate representatives; develop evidence and build clean records for trial and appeal.
• Expert Witnesses: Identify, prepare, and examine experts; shape reports, prepare testimony, design cross frameworks, and take/defend expert depositions.
• Team Leadership: Supervise associates; manage litigation workflows; lead aggressively prepared personal injury cases.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to engage and inspire people to work together in achieving the mission of the firm.
• Results oriented with a hunger to win—always ready and willing to spend that extra hour in preparation if it means you deliver the best results for your client
• Ability to utilize technology and applications including case management software to manage matters and refer to dashboards and reports to understand the docket on a macro and micro level.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and responsibilities to deliver results ahead of schedule.
• Ability to handle pressure situations, follow case action plans, and comply with firm and court deadlines
• Ability to exercise sound judgment to make appropriate decisions on your team.
• Ability to operate with a high degree of emotional intelligence in interfacing with your clients, your team, your Managing Partner, and others within the firm.
• Adherence to the legal and ethical obligations of the profession for self and direct reports.
• Adherence to firm policy and procedures

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: 

• JD from an accredited law school.
• 5+ years handling personal injury matters
• Previous trial experience (those with second chair and prior personal injury litigation experience are encouraged to apply)
• Active Texas Bar License in good standing

BENEFITS:

• Employee Paid Medical Coverage
• Dental and/or Vision Options
• Immediate accrual of Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Generous PTO Holiday Schedule
• 401(k)
• Extensive Wellness Programs
• Life Insurance
• Long Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance Options
• Voluntary Supplemental Plans 
• MCLE

LOCATION(S):

Corpus Christi, TX

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & MISCELLANEOUS:

• Ability to work outside standard business hours as needed
• Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds
• Ability to commute to and work out of the Corpus Christi office
• Ability to travel periodically to other firm offices and locations as required

*Hilliard Law is an equal employment opportunity firm and considers all individuals regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation. We do not tolerate discrimination in hiring, work responsibilities, promotions, compensation, terminations or any other employment condition.