Appellate Attorney

NACBA; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

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

The ideal candidate will have extensive appellate experience, excellent legal research and writing skills, and the ability to independently manage complex appellate matters from initial review through final disposition. Responsibilities include drafting briefs and motions, developing appellate strategies, preparing for oral arguments, and ensuring compliance with deadlines in state and federal

Qualifications

• Required: J.D. from an accredited law school and active Texas license.
• Significant appellate experience in Texas state and federal courts.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical and advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage multiple appellate matters independently and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Review trial materials to identify appellate issues.
• Conduct extensive legal research on statutes, regulations, and case law.
• Draft appellate briefs, petitions for review, motions, and responses.
• Develop and implement appellate strategies with attorneys and clients.
• Prepare for and participate in oral arguments.
• Monitor deadlines and filing requirements for appellate matters.
• Analyze trial rulings to determine grounds for appeal.
• Assist trial teams in preserving issues for appeal during litigation.
• Communicate with clients regarding status and strategy.
• Stay current on Texas appellate law and court rules.

Skills

Appellate law

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Case management

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Law review preferred

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