Paralegal

About the role

If you want to work on life‑changing, industry‑shaking cases; if you want justice for real people; if you work hard and win for your clients—no matter what, Arnold & Itkin LLP (“AI”) is the place for you. We are currently seeking an experienced, motivated Paralegal to join our team in Houston, supporting our trial attorneys in high‑profile litigation across the country. AI is one of the top trial firms in the U.S., with offices in Houston, Dallas, Midland, San Antonio, Albuquerque and Baton Rouge. AI has recovered billions of dollars for our clients and has set records nationwide with verdicts and settlements in nearly every state. Noteworthy results include:

• $8 billion punitive damages verdict for a single products‑liability plaintiff
• $557 million verdict for a woman hit by a train
• $222 million verdict for the widow of a man killed in an industrial accident
• $205 million settlement for multiple clients on the eve of trial
• $171 million settlement for numerous industrial workers
• $117 million verdict for a pregnant woman in a tragic car accident
• $110 million verdict for individuals harmed by dangerous products
• $87 million verdict for a man severely burned while working in an industrial job
• $76.6 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson for failing to warn about side effects of an antipsychotic drug
• $72 million settlement for a man injured in an oil‑field accident
• $44 million verdict for a man who lost his leg in a crane collapse
• $41 million commercial‑dispute verdict—the largest commercial verdict in Hawaii
• $39.7 million verdict for a man injured in a workplace fire

Responsibilities

• Work primarily under the direction of an assigned group of attorneys and/or paralegals to meet firm and client needs.
• Handle multiple voluminous cases in state and federal court, as well as cases in other states.
• Assist in all aspects of the litigation process, including discovery, motion practice, hearings, mediations, trials, and arbitrations.
• Prepare legal documents such as petitions, answers, discovery requests, motions, pre‑trial motions, memoranda, waivers, case briefs, medical‑record requests, Rule 11 agreements, settlements, and client correspondence.
• Compile deposition and trial notebooks, client interviews, pleadings, motions, depositions, investigations, mediation settlements, and manage all discovery phases (interrogatories, productions, disclosures, requests for admissions).
• Proofread and correctly format all materials.
• Provide assistance to other paralegals within assigned teams whenever necessary.
• Organize and prioritize workload to efficiently enable team effort and achieve firm and client goals.
• Exhibit professionalism by adhering to firm policies, including attendance guidelines, dress code, security measures, and confidentiality requirements.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of plaintiff personal‑injury litigation practice, including court practices, requirements, and deadlines in both state and federal courts.
• Proven ability to manage complex cases independently from file to trial.
• Proactive work ethic with the ability to anticipate needs, strong decision‑making skills, attention to detail, and a flexible schedule.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively as a team.
• Willingness to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, and travel as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 + years of plaintiff personal‑injury litigation experience, including actual courtroom trial experience (required).
• Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certification from an ABA‑approved program (preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (AI covers 100 % of employee‑only medical premium).
• 401(k) retirement plan – employee contributions from day one; after 1 year, firm contributes 3 % of gross pay per paycheck (no vesting).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• 11 paid holidays plus additional paid time off (PTO).
• Short‑Term Disability (100 % employer‑paid) and voluntary long‑term disability.
• Basic life & AD&D coverage ($50K provided by firm) and accident & critical illness coverage.
• LifeMart discounts and discounted gym memberships via Well on Target.
• Employee & client referral bonuses.
• Professional development opportunities.

Pay

• Top‑of‑market base salary.
• Discretionary bonuses based on firm profitability, tenure, and performance.
• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

• Full‑time position based in Houston.
• Extended hours, evenings, weekends, and travel as required.