Appellate Attorney

State Bar of Texas; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Watts Law Firm, P.C. seeks an experienced Appellate Attorney to join our team in Texas.

The candidate will handle appellate matters from initial review through final disposition, with emphasis on thorough legal research, compelling briefs, and effective strategy in state and federal courts. Candidates must have a J.D., be in good standing in Texas, and demonstrate the ability to manage complex matters independently while collaborating with trial teams.

Qualifications

• Experience handling appellate matters in Texas state and federal courts.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Excellent oral advocacy and ability to meet strict deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Review trial court records and identify appellate issues.
• Draft appellate briefs, petitions for review, and other pleadings.
• Develop appellate strategy in collaboration with attorneys and clients.
• Prepare for and participate in oral arguments before appellate courts.
• Monitor deadlines and ensure compliance with procedural rules.
• Communicate with clients regarding status and strategy.

Skills

Appellate experience

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Deadline discipline

Case management

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Job description

About the job

The Watts Law Firm, P.C. is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Appellate Attorney to join our team. The ideal candidate will have strong appellate experience, excellent legal research and writing skills, and the ability to independently manage complex appellate matters from initial review through final disposition.

Position Overview

The Appellate Attorney will be responsible for handling appellate matters in Texas state and federal courts, including researching and analyzing complex legal issues, preparing appellate briefs and motions, and assisting with appellate strategy. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong written and oral advocacy skills, and the ability to effectively analyze and communicate complicated legal issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Review trial court records, pleadings, motions, orders, and other relevant case materials to identify potential appellate issues.
• Conduct extensive legal research and analyze statutes, regulations, case law, and procedural rules.
• Draft appellate briefs, petitions for review, motions, responses, replies, and other appellate pleadings.
• Develop and implement appellate strategies in collaboration with attorneys and clients.
• Prepare for and participate in oral arguments before appellate courts.
• Monitor appellate deadlines, filing requirements, and procedural rules to ensure compliance.
• Analyze trial court rulings and determine potential grounds for appeal or challenges to appellate decisions.
• Assist trial attorneys with preserving legal issues for appeal and developing appellate strategies during litigation.
• Review and analyze appellate records, transcripts, exhibits, and other case materials.
• Communicate effectively with clients regarding appellate matters, case status, and strategy.
• Stay current on developments in Texas appellate law, court rules, and relevant legal precedent.
• Work independently while collaborating with other attorneys and staff on complex litigation matters.
• Maintain accurate case files, deadlines, and documentation.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Law review preferred.
• Active license to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing.
• Significant experience handling appellate matters in Texas state and federal courts.
• Demonstrated experience drafting appellate briefs and other complex legal pleadings.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to independently manage multiple matters and competing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience with complex civil litigation is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 Years experience in practicing law.

Preferred Experience

Experience in one or more of the Firm's practice areas is a plus, including:

• Commercial litigation
• Real property
• Condemnation
• Construction
• Contracts
• Insurance
• Business disputes
• Prior experience with oral argument before appellate courts, petitions for review, and complex appellate briefing is highly preferred.

• Please attach writing samples to your resume - At least 3 different appellate matters for which the candidate was the lead attorney