Associate, Disputes

White-; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings

Vacation time and parental leave

Job summary

White & Case is seeking a Commercial Litigation Associate in Houston, TX to support complex business disputes. The role involves research, drafting pleadings and motions, and coordinating discovery under supervision.

You will work with senior lawyers on trial preparations, manage case files, and contribute to strategy discussions within a dynamic litigation team. Strong communication and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in a specialized area of law, typically with 3 - 5 years of practice post qualification.
• Excellent research, drafting and analytical skills.
• Solid communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Supports in case preparation, including legal research, drafting pleadings, motions and briefs, ensuring accuracy and compliance to legal standards.
• Coordinates discovery processes, reviewing and organizing documents, and managing evidence collection.
• May represent clients in preliminary hearings and depositions, supporting senior lawyers in trial preparations and court appearances.
• Manages case files, organizing case materials, and ensuring deadlines and procedural requirements are met.
• Helps coach and develop more junior lawyers and may coordinate work of junior team members.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting pleadings

Motions

Briefs

Trial preparation

Case management

Communication

Collaboration

Job description

Team SummaryOur Commercial Litigation Practice specializes in representing clients in high-stakes business disputes across a wide range of industries. We provide expert legal services in areas such as contract disputes, class actions, business torts, shareholder and partnership disputes, antitrust litigation and intellectual property litigation. Our team handles all phases of litigation, from pre-litigation counseling and strategic planning to trial and appellate proceedings. By leveraging our deep legal expertise, global reach and strategic insights, we help clients navigate complex legal challenges, protect their business interests, and achieve favorable outcomes through both court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution methods.Position SummaryRoles at this level focus on handling legal tasks that require strong understanding of applicable laws related to Disputes matters. They represent clients (under the supervision of partners) in preliminary hearings and depositions alongside senior colleagues, providing essential support during trials. They conduct in-depth research and work with senior members of the team in resolving legal matters. Roles at this level may also provide substantial support with client management.The roles and responsibilities of this job include:Supports in various aspects of case preparation, including conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs, ensuring accuracy and compliance to legal standardsAssists in developing case strategies by analyzing legal issues and contributing to strategy discussions with senior lawyersCoordinates discovery processes, including reviewing and organizing documents, and managing evidence collectionMay represent clients in preliminary hearings and depositions, supporting senior lawyers in trial preparations and court appearancesManages case files, organizing case materials, and ensuring deadlines and procedural requirements are metWorks towards development of litigation related skills and expertise in the fieldMay co-ordinate work of more junior members of the teamHelps coach and develop more junior lawyersSolid experience in a specialized area of law, typically with 3 - 5 years of practice post qualificationExperience handling complex legal tasks and contributing to the resolution of key legal mattersExcellent research, drafting and analytical skillsSolid communication and collaboration skillsThis role reports toPartnerEqual OpportunitiesWhite & Case is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and is committed to creating a fair workplace. It is our Firm’s policy to recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require an accommodation during the process should contact [e-mail] at White & CaseWhite & Case LLP offers a comprehensive suite of benefit programs to all eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, 401(k) retirement savings, vacation time, and leave programs (including parental leave). Exempt roles are also performance bonus eligible.The Firm may modify and amend any job description at any time in its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.The above is only a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.Note to Recruitment AgenciesOur internal Recruitment team manages all aspects of lateral hiring. All agencies must have signed terms of business—specific to the relevant office—before submitting any candidates. CVs or applications sent directly to White & Case partners or employees will also not be considered formal introductions. If you have questions, please contact the relevant Recruitment team. We work with our preferred suppliers when engaging agencies.