Kemp Smith is seeking a dynamic and motivated Associate Attorney focusing on commercial litigation to join our Trial Department. This Associate will be responsible for handling sophisticated commercial disputes, providing strategic representation to businesses and individuals, and actively contributing to the development of the firm's commercial litigation practice. The ideal candidate will possess excellent legal research, analytical, and client communication skills, and be adept at managing complex cases in a fast-paced litigation environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Client Counseling & Strategic Advice:
• Provide legal counsel to businesses on commercial disputes, contract interpretation, and litigation risk assessment.
• Advise clients on dispute resolution strategies, including alternative litigation and settlement negotiations across various commercial contexts.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution:
• Represent clients in all phases of litigation, including drafting pleadings, conducting discovery, preparing and arguing motions, and handling hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Analyze the merits of claims and defenses in complex commercial matters, assess potential exposure, and develop comprehensive litigation strategies.
• Present cases to mediators, in arbitration, and in state and federal court before judges and juries in a variety of commercial disputes including construction, breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and other matters.

Appellate Practice:
• Handle appellate matters including brief writing, oral argument preparation, and appellate strategy development.
• Research complex legal issues and craft persuasive appellate arguments in both state and federal appellate courts.

Multi-Jurisdictional Practice:
• Represent clients in both Texas and New Mexico state and federal courts.
• Coordinate with local counsel when necessary and maintain compliance with varying procedural requirements.

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 commercial litigation space.

Legal Research & Analysis:
• Research and interpret commercial law, contract principles, business torts, and relevant statutory and case law.
• Prepare legal memoranda, opinion letters, and strategic analyses for clients across diverse commercial matters.

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 mediations throughout Texas, New Mexico, and other jurisdictions as needed.

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

Application:
Please email resume to Michele Miller – michele.miller@kempsmith.com or apply directly through our website at www.kempsmith.com