Kemp Smith is seeking a dynamic and motivated Associate Attorney to join our Labor and Employment Department. This individual will be responsible for handling a broad range of employment matters, providing strategic advice and representation to clients, and actively contributing to the development of the firm’s labor and employment practice. The ideal candidate will possess excellent legal research, analytical, and client communication skills, and be adept at managing cases in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Client Counseling & Strategic Advice:

• Provide legal counsel to employers on a wide array of labor and employment issues, including compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws.
• Advise clients on risk management, HR policies, employee discipline, terminations, wage and hour compliance, discrimination, harassment, and accommodation matters.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution:

• Represent clients in all phases of litigation, including drafting pleadings, conducting discovery, preparing and arguing motions, and handling hearings, arbitrations, mediations, and trials.
• Analyze the merits of claims and defenses, assess potential exposure, and develop litigation strategies.
• Present cases in court before judges and juries in high-stakes or complex legal matters.

Regulatory & Administrative Practice:

• Represent clients before government agencies such as the EEOC, NLRB, DOL, and state counterparts.
• Respond to agency investigations and audits, and prepare position statements and other submissions.

Business Development & Client Relations:

• Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships through regular contact, responsiveness, and superior service.
• Actively seek and develop new business opportunities within the labor and employment law space.

Legal Research & Analysis:

• Research and interpret labor and employment statutes, case law, regulations, and administrative decisions.
• Prepare legal memoranda, opinion letters, and advisory documents analyzing legal implications for clients.

Firm Contributions & Professional Development:

• Contribute to internal firm development efforts including training, mentoring, and marketing initiatives.
• Stay current on legal developments by participating in continuing legal education (CLE), industry conferences, and legal associations.

Administrative & Compliance Duties:

• Ensure compliance with firm policies and applicable legal and ethical standards.
• Accurately record billable hours and manage caseload efficiently and proactively.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel as necessary to attend court proceedings, client meetings, depositions, or administrative hearings.

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Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in the State of Texas
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).

Please submit resume through website or send to michele.miller@kempsmith.com