Litigation Associate

Stealth; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Stealth in Fort Worth seeks a Litigation Associate with 1-5 years of experience to handle pleadings, discovery, motions, depositions, and hearings while sharpening research, writing, and oral advocacy in a busy practice.

Texas Bar admission is required; construction or real estate experience is a plus but not required. The role emphasizes attention to detail, multi-tasking, and client contact with strong compensation.

Qualifications

• 1-5 years of litigation experience at a law firm.
• Texas Bar admission required.
• Strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Construction, commercial, or real estate litigation experience a plus but not required.
• Self-starter with strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Handle all phases of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motions, depositions, and hearings.
• Conduct legal research and draft briefs and motions.
• Manage case timelines and communicate with clients.

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Self-starter

Job description

1-5 years of litigation experience at a law firm; Texas Bar admission required; strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills; construction, commercial, or real estate litigation experience a plus but not required; self-starter with strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.

Why This Fort Worth Litigation Associate Role Demands Your Attention

The legal landscape of Texas has always been fertile ground for ambitious litigators, and the current demand for skilled associates in Fort Worth is particularly intense. A well-established Texas litigation boutique, operating under the banner of "Stealth" during the hiring process, has opened a position for a Litigation Associate with one to five years of experience. This is not just another job posting; it is a strategic entry point into a firm that handles sophisticated, multi-party disputes for contractors, developers, owners, lenders, and businesses across Texas. For attorneys seeking a blend of courtroom exposure, client contact, and a competitive compensation package, this role presents an exceptional opportunity.

Decoding the Stealth Hiring Model

The term "Stealth" often appears when a company chooses to keep its identity confidential during the initial recruitment phase. This is common for several strategic reasons: to avoid flooding the market with applications, to protect client relationships, or to maintain competitive advantage while exploring new talent. For candidates, this anonymity can be both intriguing and challenging. You may be uncertain about the firm's culture, size, or reputation. However, the detailed job description gives you enough clues to infer that this is a well-regarded Texas litigation and construction law firm with a strong statewide presence.

A well-established Texas litigation boutique is seeking a talented Litigation Associate (1-5 years) to join its growing Fort Worth office.

When responding to a stealth posting, you should treat the application as you would for any premier boutique firm. Focus on your legal writing skills, courtroom readiness, and ability to manage complex dockets. The confidentiality of the process means your application materials must speak clearly and compellingly, as you may not have the chance to research the firm's website or recent victories before applying. Emphasize transferable skills and describe your experience in a way that resonates with any sophisticated litigation practice.

The Blueprint for Success: Responsibilities and Skills That Set You Apart

The responsibilities outlined in this Litigation Associate role are comprehensive and demanding. You will be expected to handle all phases of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motions, depositions, and hearings. This is not a narrow doc-review position; it is a role for a true litigator who thrives on the front lines of legal disputes. The firm wants someone who can conduct legal research, draft briefs and motions, manage case timelines, and communicate directly with clients. This last point is crucial—client interaction at the associate level is a hallmark of boutique firms, offering invaluable relationship-building experience.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

• 1-5 years of litigation experience at a law firm, demonstrating a progressive track record.
• Texas Bar admission is mandatory, with strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Construction, commercial, or real estate litigation experience is a plus but not required—this indicates the firm is open to talented generalists who can learn the industry.
• A self-starter with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.

If you are coming from a commercial litigation background but have not yet handled construction disputes, do not be discouraged. The posting explicitly states that construction experience is a plus, not a prerequisite. This opens the door for candidates who have honed their litigation skills in related areas such as insurance defense, contract disputes, or real estate litigation. The key is to demonstrate your ability to adapt and your eagerness to dive into complex, multi-party cases.

Compensation, Benefits, and the Real Value of This Associate Role

One of the most compelling aspects of this opportunity is the compensation package. The stated base pay range is between $150,000 and $225,000 per year. This is a substantial figure, especially when compared to the national median for litigation associates. Factors that may influence where you fall within this range include geography, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications. The firm also provides a comprehensive benefits package that is inferred from the job description, including medical insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

Beyond the financial rewards, this role offers professional capital that is difficult to quantify. Working at a boutique firm with a strong statewide presence means you are likely to get significant courtroom experience early in your career. You will be handling depositions, arguing motions, and participating in trials—activities that associates in larger, more siloed firms often have to wait years to experience. This kind of hands-on training accelerates your development as a trial lawyer and makes you more marketable in the future, whether you choose to stay at the firm, move in-house, or eventually launch your own practice.

Why This Opportunity Could Define Your Career Trajectory

In the hierarchy of legal careers, the move from a larger firm to a boutique—or from a less specialized practice to a focused litigation role—can be transformative. This position is designed for an attorney who is ambitious and eager to take the next step toward becoming a seasoned litigator. The firm's reputation for "sophisticated, results-driven legal counsel" means you will be exposed to high-stakes matters that make headlines in legal circles. This is particularly valuable for attorneys who aspire to be partners, as the business-development skills you learn by interacting with clients and managing cases are hard to teach anywhere else.

Moreover, Fort Worth offers a lower cost of living than Dallas, Houston, or Austin, allowing your $150k-$225k salary to stretch further. You get the benefit of a metropolitan legal market without the associated expenses and traffic. For candidates relocating from other states, Texas offers a vibrant and growing economy, no state income tax, and a collegial legal community. It is no wonder that litigation associates are flocking to the Lone Star State.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Texas Bar admission mandatory?

Yes, the posting explicitly states that Texas Bar admission is required. If you are licensed in another state, you would need to obtain admission or reciprocal eligibility before applying.

Can I apply without construction or commercial litigation experience?

Absolutely. The description says such experience is "a plus but not required." A strong record in general litigation with demonstrated research, writing, and advocacy skills will be highly valued.

What is the actual salary range?

The base pay range is $150,000 to $225,000 per year. Actual pay may vary based on skills, experience, qualifications, and market factors.

How can I find out which firm is behind the stealth posting?

You can try networking with legal recruiters in Fort Worth who may be aware of the firm's identity. The firm's choice to remain stealth is temporary, and you may learn more during the interview process.