Senior Litigation Attorney

Burnett Specialists; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Burnett Specialists in Houston seeks a Senior Litigation Attorney with 10+ years of substantial litigation experience, focused on real estate and related commercial disputes. This in-office role requires ownership of complex matters from inception to resolution, collaborating with executives and external counsel.

The ideal candidate will have strong real estate litigation background, excellent advocacy, and the ability to steer cases while managing budgets and timelines.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Active Texas Bar license in good standing.
• 10+ years of substantive litigation experience, including real estate and commercial disputes.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee complex real estate and commercial litigation matters from inception through trial, arbitration, mediation, or settlement.
• Advise on litigation risk and dispute-resolution strategies for the company and affiliates.
• Handle disputes involving real estate purchase/sale agreements, commercial leases, landlord-tenant matters, construction disputes, and related issues.
• Draft and review pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery, settlement agreements, and other legal documents.
• Conduct and defend depositions and participate in hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Develop litigation strategy and assess exposure, outcomes, and settlement opportunities.
• Manage outside litigation counsel and monitor budgets, strategy, and case progress.
• Collaborate with internal business teams, executives, asset managers, and property managers.

Skills

Litigation

Real Estate Litigation

Commercial Disputes

Depositions

Mediation

Trial Preparation

Contract Disputes

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Senior Litigation Attorney – Real Estate

Location: Houston, TX – Galleria Area

Work Arrangement: Fully In-Office

Experience: 10+ Years 1960 billable hour requirement

We are seeking an experienced Senior Litigation Attorney with 10+ years of substantial litigation experience to join our growing real estate organization in the Galleria area of Houston. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in real estate litigation, commercial disputes, landlord-tenant matters, contract disputes, property-related claims, and/or business litigation. This position is ideal for an accomplished attorney who is comfortable taking ownership of complex matters, managing cases from inception through resolution, and working closely with executives, property professionals, and outside counsel. This is a fully in-office position and requires a hands-on, business-oriented attorney who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee complex real estate and commercial litigation matters from inception through trial, arbitration, mediation, or settlement.
• Advise the company and its affiliates on litigation risk and dispute-resolution strategies.
• Handle disputes involving: Real estate purchase and sale agreements Commercial leases and landlord-tenant matters Construction and development disputes Property ownership and title issues Contract and partnership disputes Real estate finance and lending matters Business and shareholder disputes Breach of contract and fiduciary-duty claims
• Draft and review pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery, settlement agreements, and other legal documents.
• Conduct and defend depositions and participate in hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Develop litigation strategy and assess exposure, potential outcomes, and settlement opportunities.
• Manage outside litigation counsel and monitor budgets, strategy, and case progress.
• Work closely with internal business teams, executives, asset managers, property managers, and other stakeholders.
• Provide practical, business-focused legal advice designed to minimize risk and protect the company's interests.
• Identify potential disputes early and develop strategies to resolve matters efficiently.
• Assist with development and implementation of policies and procedures designed to reduce litigation risk.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal clients and external legal professionals.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active Texas Bar license and good standing.
• 10+ years of substantive litigation experience.
• Significant experience handling commercial and/or real estate litigation.
• Demonstrated experience managing matters independently from initial assessment through resolution.
• Strong experience with written discovery, depositions, motion practice, mediation, arbitration, and trial preparation.
• Excellent legal research, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong judgment and ability to evaluate legal and business risk.
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly to non-lawyers and senior management.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively while taking ownership of assigned matters.
• Must be comfortable working fully in-office in the Galleria area of Houston.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience representing real estate owners, developers, investors, property managers, or real estate operating companies.
• Experience with complex commercial real estate disputes.
• Prior experience managing outside counsel.
• Trial experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience working in-house or closely with an in-house legal department is a plus.
• Familiarity with Houston-area courts and Texas real estate law is highly desirable.

HOUGW34