Associate Attorney

Law Offices of Houston M. Smith, P.C.; Terrell (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

The Law Offices of Houston M. Smith, P.C. in Terrell, Texas seeks an experienced Associate Attorney to join our small personal injury practice.

You will independently manage cases from investigation through settlement and trial, with meaningful client contact and hands‑on litigation experience. We offer a $100,000 base salary plus performance-based compensation tied to settlements, case origination, and trial results.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active Texas license in good standing.
• 3–5 years of personal injury and civil litigation experience.
• Proven trial, deposition, and courtroom experience.
• Ability to assume responsibility for an existing caseload on joining the firm.
• Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and time management.
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a caseload of personal injury matters from investigation through settlement, litigation and trial.
• Develop case strategy, identify issues, and evaluate liability and damages.
• Review medical records, accident reports, insurance policies and other evidence.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests/responses, demand letters and settlement documents.
• Conduct and defend depositions and represent clients at hearings, mediations, and trials.
• Negotiate claims with insurers and opposing counsel; keep clients updated.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Negotiation

Oral advocacy

Case management

Client communication

Education

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school

Active Texas law license

Job description

Associate Attorney — Personal Injury Litigation

Do you have the following skills, experience and drive to succeed in this role Find out below.

*The Law Offices of Houston M. Smith, P.C. | Terrell, Texas*

*$100,000 Base Salary + Cumulative Fee Percentages*

The Law Offices of Houston M. Smith, P.C., a small personal injury law firm in Terrell, Texas, is seeking an experienced Associate Attorney to join our team.

Our firm represents individuals and families in automobile and commercial truck accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and other serious personal injury matters. We are looking for a dependable, organized, and compassionate attorney who can independently manage cases from day one.

This position offers meaningful client contact, hands‑on litigation experience, and direct involvement in cases from initial investigation through resolution.

Compensation

This position offers a $100,000 annual base salary, plus additional compensation through settlements, case origination, and trial results:

• 5% of attorney fees on every case you work on and settle.
• 25% of attorney fees on cases you originate.
• 15% of attorney fees on cases you win at trial.

Percentage‑based compensation is in addition to your base salary. Specific eligibility, calculation, and payment terms will be outlined in the written compensation agreement.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a caseload of personal injury matters from initial investigation through settlement, litigation, and trial.
• Develop case strategy, identify legal issues, and evaluate liability and damages.
• Review medical records, accident reports, insurance policies, and other evidence.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, demand letters, settlement documents, and legal correspondence.
• Conduct and defend depositions.
• Represent clients at hearings, mediations, court conferences, and trials.
• Negotiate claims with insurance adjusters and opposing counsel.
• Communicate regularly with clients and provide clear case updates.
• Collaborate with paralegals, legal assistants, medical providers, and expert witnesses.
• Maintain accurate case notes, calendars, deadlines, and electronic files.
• Conduct legal research and stay current on developments in Texas personal injury law.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Active Texas law license and good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• 3–5 years of personal injury and civil litigation experience.
• Proven trial, deposition, and courtroom experience.
• Ability to assume responsibility for an existing caseload upon joining the firm.
• Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management.
• Professional, compassionate client communication.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative small‑firm team.

*Preferred:* Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency.

Why Join Our Firm?

• Meaningful case ownership: Take an active role in case strategy and decision‑making.
• Additional earning opportunities: Earn cumulative fee percentages tied to settlements, originated cases, and trial results.
• Hands‑on litigation: Apply and strengthen your deposition, negotiation, and courtroom skills.
• Direct client relationships: Work closely with the individuals and families you represent.
• Small‑firm collaboration: Work alongside attorneys and support staff in an established practice.
• Professional growth: Take on increased responsibility and continue developing your litigation experience.

Job Type

Full‑time

Pay

$100,000.00 per year

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off

Education

• Doctorate (Required)

Experience

• courtroom: 2 years (Required)
• trial: 2 years (Required)
• Personal injury law: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification

• Juris Doctrate (Required)

Work Location

In person