Associate Attorney

Lydecker is seeking an associate attorney with at least 2 years of experience (or a first-year attorney) for a hybrid position in our Houston or Dallas, TX office. Newly Texas-barred attorneys are welcome to apply. The role involves defending construction defect and general liability cases under partner supervision.

About the role

This hybrid position is located in our Houston or Dallas, TX office. The associate must be admitted to practice in Texas and will work within our defense litigation practice group.

Responsibilities

• Bill time efficiently and accurately
• Draft, review, and respond to petitions, complaints, motions, and written discovery
• Attend hearings and client meetings as requested
• Prepare for and attend depositions
• Assist with mediation and trial preparation

Requirements

• Active Texas bar license in good standing
• JD from an ABA-approved law school
• Minimum of 2 years of civil defense litigation experience, preferably in construction defect, general liability, bodily injury, premises liability, or products liability
• Experience managing up to 15+ cases simultaneously
• Proficiency in attending and defending depositions, taking depositions, court appearances, motion drafting, and discovery
• Mediation and trial experience a plus but not required
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, internet software)
• Self-motivated with strong independent work ethic and client communication skills

Skills

• Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively; listens actively; responds effectively to questions; participates in meetings
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; edits for grammar and style; adapts writing to audience; presents numerical data effectively
• Ethics: Maintains client and firm confidentiality; adheres to ethical standards for attorneys

Benefits

• One-on-one mentorship and training by Partners
• Salary range based on experience and depth of skills
• Quarterly bonuses tied to billable hours
• Annual performance reviews with potential for salary increases
• Hybrid work environment with flexible hours
• Medical insurance provided by Cigna Healthcare (multiple plans available; firm covers partial cost for employees; no copays for outpatient mental health services)
• Optional benefits:
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Voluntary Life and Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, Cancer, and Hospitalization Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401k plan after one year of employment
• Paid Time Off (PTO) for overall well-being
• Collegial work environment

About Lydecker

Lydecker is an AV-rated, full-service law firm with over 200 attorneys nationwide. We are known for our tenacious defense and protection of clients' interests, delivering optimal results through long-standing relationships built on trust and understanding.

Vision: To be a trusted partner redefining excellence in legal services through innovation, integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to setting new industry standards.

Mission: To exceed client expectations with efficient, strategic, and collaborative service while fostering long-term success for clients, attorneys, and staff through a culture of excellence and teamwork.

Company Values

• Excellence: Commitment to the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and innovation in legal services.
• Integrity: Honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all interactions and decisions.
• Collaboration: Teamwork, respect, and support among attorneys and staff to maximize collective talents.
• Care: Focus on employee well-being, professional growth, work-life balance, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Why Join Lydecker?

• Diverse and Inclusive Leadership: A significant portion of our attorneys and administrative leadership are from historically underrepresented groups, including people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
• Career Advancement: Rapid growth opportunities with hands-on litigation experience, mentoring from senior attorneys, and professional development in small, collaborative practice groups.
• Work-Life Integration: Flexible schedules, hybrid work options, and a focus on work-life balance.
• Extensive Perks: Competitive salaries, quarterly bonuses, paid time off, top-tier medical insurance (with no copays for outpatient mental health), commuter benefits, and a robust 401k plan.