Senior Trial Attorney

Taylor Root; San Antonio (TX); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Generous PTO

Job summary

Taylor Root, a respected boutique law firm in Texas, seeks an experienced Senior Trial Attorney to lead its litigation practice. You will manage a diverse docket, develop case strategy, and mentor junior attorneys while driving growth and client service.

The role emphasizes substantial civil litigation experience, trial leadership, and strong writing and negotiation skills within a collaborative, respectful culture with manageable billable expectations.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of civil litigation experience in a law firm.
• Experience handling complex civil litigation from inception through trial.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Experience supervising junior attorneys and staff.
• Texas bar license in good standing preferred; active license required.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a docket of complex civil litigation matters.
• Develop case theory, strategy, and budgets.
• Lead trials and oversee motions and discovery.
• Mentor junior attorneys and litigation staff.
• Grow the firm’s litigation practice and client relationships.

Skills

Litigation experience

Trial experience

Legal research

Legal writing

Mentoring juniors

Texas law license

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal practice management software

Job description

Our client, a respected boutique law firm in Texas, is seeking an experienced Senior Trial Attorney to lead and expand its litigation practice. This position offers the opportunity to handle sophisticated business, real estate, and fiduciary disputes while enjoying a collaborative culture, manageable billable expectations, and a clear path toward firm leadership.

This role is ideal for a seasoned litigator who combines strong courtroom presence with exceptional legal writing, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities. The successful candidate will oversee complex litigation matters, mentor junior attorneys, contribute to firm growth, and play a key role in shaping the litigation practice.

Position Overview

The Senior Trial Attorney will lead a diverse docket of complex civil litigation matters, including business, real estate, and fiduciary disputes. This individual will be responsible for developing case strategy, conducting trials, mentoring litigation team members, and contributing to business development efforts.

The firm values attorneys who understand that successful litigation often begins long before a lawsuit is filed and who are equally skilled in dispute resolution, negotiation, and courtroom advocacy.

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 7+ years of civil litigation experience in a law firm environment
• Experience handling complex civil litigation matters from inception through trial
• Demand letters
• Early case assessment
• Pre-suit negotiations
• Experience conducting:
• Depositions
• Hearings
• Mediations
• Arbitrations
• Jury and bench trials
• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills
• Experience supervising junior attorneys, paralegals, and support staff
• Federal court experience strongly preferred

Attorneys with substantial litigation experience who may not yet meet all trial experience requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on overall qualifications.

Practice Areas

The firm's litigation practice includes:

• Business and partnership disputes
• Contract and commercial litigation
• Title and property disputes
• Trust and fiduciary litigation
• Injunctive relief and emergency proceedings
• Mediation and arbitration

Key Responsibilities

Litigation & Trial Practice

• Independently manage a docket of complex litigation matters
• Develop case theory, litigation strategy, and budgets
• Handle matters from pre-suit resolution through trialland
• Draft and oversee motions, pleadings, discovery, and legal briefs
• Conduct depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials
• Manage court deadlines and communications with opposing counsel
• Establish and maintain litigation best practices
• Mentor and supervise junior attorneys and litigation staff
• Serve as a resource for complex disputes across practice areas
• Assist with strategic planning and practice growth initiatives

Client Management

• Serve as lead attorney and trusted advisor for clients
• Communicate legal strategy, risk, and expectations clearly
• Provide practical, business-oriented legal counsel
• Maintain regular client communication throughout the lifecycle of matters

Business Development

• Maintain and grow referral and client relationships
• Develop new business opportunities and originate litigation matters
• Participate in networking, speaking engagements, and community involvement
• Contribute to marketing and thought leadership initiatives
• Work closely with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff
• Participate in case strategy meetings and firm initiatives
• Collaborate across practice groups to maximize client service
• Support a positive, high-performing team culture

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be:

• A strong trial lawyer with excellent courtroom judgment
• Strategic, analytical, and results-oriented
• Highly organized and detail-focused
• Comfortable taking ownership of complex matters
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Client-focused with strong relationship-building skills
• Professional, trustworthy, and accountable
• Interested in mentoring and developing less experienced attorneys
• Skilled at resolving disputes efficiently when appropriate while remaining prepared for trial

Technical Requirements

• Active Texas law license in good standing
• Strong command of:
• Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
• Texas Rules of Evidence
• Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure
• Excellent oral advocacy and litigation strategy skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal practice management technology

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing book of business or strong referral network
• Board Certification in Civil Trial Law (Texas Board of Legal Specialization)
• Base salary: $140,000 - $200,000+, depending on experience and portable business
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Origination incentives
• Annual attainment bonuses
• Reasonable billable expectations
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• CLE assistance and professional development support

Clear advancement opportunities are available, including:

• Senior Attorney
• Senior Counsel
• Non-Equity Partner

The firm rewards performance, client development, leadership, and overall contribution rather than tenure alone.

Location

Hybrid flexibility is available for attorneys who can effectively manage their practice independently. Candidates should be comfortable attending court appearances, client meetings, and periodic in-office collaboration. Matters are located throughout Central and South Texas.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.