Litigation Associate - Houston Office

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 235,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401K program

Flexible Time Off

Paid holidays

Parental leave benefits

Mental health programs

Disability benefits

Job summary

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in Houston seeks a litigation associate with 3–5 years of experience to join the Complex Litigation/Financial Services team.

The role serves clients across Texas and beyond—including banks, energy, technology, and financial services firms—and involves complex commercial litigation, regulatory actions, and mass torts.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, a generous salary range, bonus potential, and time-off programs designed to support work-life balance.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in complex litigation.
• Strong academic credentials; licensed to practice in Texas.
• Proven commitment to client service and practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide workforce strategy & counseling to clients on employment matters.
• Offer senior-level guidance to executives and HR leaders on high-stakes matters.
• Advise on employment-related risks in mergers, acquisitions, and post-closing integration; draft related documents.
• Work with technology and private equity clients to understand business needs and challenges.

Skills

Litigation experience

Trial experience

Client service

Teamwork

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

We are seeking a talented litigation associate attorney with 3-5 years of experience to join our highly regarded Complex Litigation/Financial Services team in Houston. The ideal candidate will possess strong academic credentials, sophisticated law firm experience, and a demonstrated commitment to client service and practical solutions.

About the Role:

This group serves clients across Texas and beyond—including leading energy, financial services, and technology companies. We represent institutional banks, mortgage servicers, hydrocarbon producers, explorers, transporters and refiners, as well as innovative SAAS and cybersecurity providers. Our matters span complex commercial litigation, intellectual property disputes, regulatory investigations and enforcement actions, and mass tort lawsuits. You'll have the opportunity to work at the intersection of business and legal strategy, guiding clients through high-stakes disputes in federal and state courts and before arbitration panels.

Responsibilities

• Workforce Strategy & Counseling: Advise clients on strategic workforce growth, founder disputes, employment policies, wage-and-hour compliance, reductions in force, and the use of restrictive covenants.
• Senior-Level Advice: Provide practical guidance to C-suite executives and HR leaders on high-stakes employment matters and compliance issues.
• Corporate Transaction Support: Advise on employment-related risks in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and post-closing workforce integration. Draft and negotiate employment agreements, non-competes, separation agreements, and related documents.
• Industry Focus: Work closely with innovative clients in technology and private equity, understanding their business needs and unique employment challenges.

Qualifications

About You:

You are a highly motivated professional with major law firm experience and a proven commitment to world-class client service and teamwork. You bring a broad background in commercial litigation, and your prior trial experience-and genuine interest in trying cases- set you apart. Known for your sharp intellect and thoughtful approach to your career, you consistently make a positive impression on colleagues and clients alike.

You demonstrate maturity, professionalism, and sound judgment, especially in high-stakes situations. Your strong work ethic, entrepreneurial outlook, and solid interpersonal skills enable you to collaborate effectively and earn credibility with stakeholders at all levels. You are skilled at managing multiple priorities, delivering practical solutions in a fast-paced environment, and maintaining superior communication and organizational skills. Additionally, you possess excellent academic credentials and are a member of the Texas bar.

Why Orrick:

At our core, we value collegiality among our lawyers and strive to make our practices both professionally and personally rewarding. We'll help you to connect with peers and mentors to ensure you are integrated into our client teams. Our top-notch training and mentoring programs, retreats and academies, and shadowing opportunities are what set us apart. If you are passionate about innovative work in a dynamic environment, you're just who we've been looking for.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is between $235,000 and $365,000.

Orrick is committed to providing a comprehensive, competitive, and thoughtful total compensation package to our attorneys and staff, wherever they work. This compensation and benefits information is based on the Orrick’s estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors that may include, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant experience or education, particular skills or expertise, geography. Other compensation may include an annual discretionary merit bonus, which would be determined by Firm and individual performance.

We offer a full range of elective health benefits including medical, dental, vision and life; robust mental well-being programs; child, family, elder, and pet care benefits; short- and long-term disability and industry leading parental leave benefits; health savings account contributions (w/applicable medical plan), flexible spending accounts, and a 401K program. This role will receive compensated time off through our Flexible Time Off program and paid holidays.

Orrick accepts applications for this position on an ongoing basis, until filled.