Litigation Associate (Commercial Litigation)

Buchanan; Georgia; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Wellness program

Hybrid work

Job summary

Buchanan LLP is seeking a Commercial Litigation Associate to join its Houston practice. This role is ideal for a junior associate (0–3 years) aiming to build a solid foundation in complex commercial disputes while working closely with seasoned trial lawyers.

You will support a broad range of state and federal disputes, gaining exposure from early case assessment through trial preparation and working with experienced partners to shape case strategy.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school
• 0–3 years of commercial litigation experience gained at a law firm, through a judicial clerkship, or in a comparable legal setting
• Admission to practice law in Texas, or eligibility to waive in
• Experience with state and/or federal court litigation preferred
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple assignments
• Collaborative mindset and sound professional judgment

Responsibilities

• Support all phases of commercial litigation matters, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation
• Conduct thorough legal research and factual analysis to support case strategy
• Draft and review litigation documents, including complaints, answers, motions, discovery requests and responses, and legal memoranda
• Assist with depositions, hearings, mediations, and arbitrations
• Work closely with partners and senior associates on case strategy and execution
• Communicate with clients, experts, and opposing counsel under supervision
• Assist with case management and coordination of discovery and trial materials

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from a US law school

Job description

Overview

This highly regarded international law firm with a well-established and growing Houston office. Its litigation practice is nationally recognized for handling complex, high-value commercial disputes across the energy, financial services, healthcare, technology, and industrial sectors. The firm is known for its trial-focused litigation culture and commitment to excellence.

The firm fosters a collaborative, team-oriented environment and places a strong emphasis on training, mentorship, and early substantive responsibility for junior associates.

About the Role

The firm is seeking a Commercial Litigation Associate to join its Houston litigation practice. This position is well suited for a junior associate with up to three years of experience who is looking to build a strong foundation in complex commercial litigation while working closely with experienced trial lawyers.

The successful candidate will support a broad range of disputes in state and federal courts and gain exposure to all phases of litigation, from early case assessment through trial preparation.

What You’ll Do

• Support all phases of commercial litigation matters, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation
• Conduct thorough legal research and factual analysis to support case strategy
• Draft and review litigation documents, including complaints, answers, motions, discovery requests and responses, and legal memoranda
• Assist with depositions, hearings, mediations, and arbitrations
• Work closely with partners and senior associates on case strategy and execution
• Communicate with clients, experts, and opposing counsel under supervision
• Assist with case management and coordination of discovery and trial materials

About You

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school
• 0–3 years of commercial litigation experience gained at a law firm, through a judicial clerkship, or in a comparable legal setting
• Admission to practice law in Texas, or eligibility to waive in
• Experience with state and/or federal court litigation preferred
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple assignments
• Collaborative mindset and sound professional judgment

Why Apply?

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with firm contribution
• Generous paid time off and firm holidays
• Paid parental leave and family support benefitsBar dues, CLEs, and professional memberships covered
• Wellness, mental health, and employee assistance programs
• Hybrid work arrangements, subject to practice and client needs
• Early responsibility and hands-on training within a leading Houston litigation practice
• Exposure to complex, high-value commercial disputes across a range of industries
• Strong mentorship and structured professional development
• Clear long-term career progression within a nationally recognized firm
• A collegial, inclusive, and high-performance culture