What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Attorney, Complex Commercial Litigation position at Johnston Clem Gifford?
Johnston Clem Gifford PLLC is a premier law firm known for its financial services, corporate plaintiffs, and corporate services practices. The firm is recognized by Chambers & Partners and Best Lawyers, its work has earned national headlines for major litigation, and its lawyers bear distinctions including Ivy League diplomas, professional certifications, and individual rankings by Chambers, Martindale-Hubbell, and others.
Our mission is to attract the most interesting legal work from the most dynamic clients by living our values, applying a timeless work ethic, and developing deep core strengths. In everything we do, we seek to balance the practice of law with the business of law.
Professionals who thrive with the firm are those who share our values.
“Find, bind, and grind”: we want to work with professionals who want to become the complete lawyer. Someone who can find the work through marketing, referrals, and reputation; someone who can bind the work by providing excellent client service and outcomes; and someone who can grind the work by performing the day-to-day tasks of a lawyer: research, writing, arguing, negotiating, and so on. Each firm lawyer aims for this goal. Though we have individual strengths and weaknesses, we try to improve ourselves along the axis of the “complete lawyer.”
An ideal candidate will have a head start in one or more of these areas—through mentorship, CLE, and simple repetition, the firm will support you toward your professional goals.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our workplace culture, where everyone is valued and empowered.
Our mission is to attract the most interesting legal work from the most dynamic clients by living our values, applying a timeless work ethic, and developing deep core strengths. In everything we do, we seek to balance the practice of law with the business of law.
Professionals who thrive with the firm are those who share our values.
Our Values
- Sense of Urgency. Clients hire Johnston Clem Gifford to manage crisis or capture opportunity. We consider it imperative to act promptly and decisively.
- Obsessive Curiosity. Curiosity drives broader knowledge and better counsel. We examine deeply the events, people, and legal frameworks that affect our clients. Our obsession for detail gives our clients commanding influences and positions.
- Collaborative Philosophy. We expect each of our professionals to become a leader in her chosen field. We also require them to check egos at the door because we know that collaboration improves client outcomes.
- Clear Communication. As client advocates, we must speak and write effectively. Clarity is a difficult but teachable skill that we refine every day.
- Advanced Technology. We invest in cutting-edge technology and security tools, meeting or exceeding the demands of our most regulated clients.
Overview: Associate Attorney
The firm seeks a motivated commercial litigation associate with 4–7 years of experience. Experience with financial services and creditors’ rights litigation, complex commercial litigation, or bankruptcy practice is preferred.“Find, bind, and grind”: we want to work with professionals who want to become the complete lawyer. Someone who can find the work through marketing, referrals, and reputation; someone who can bind the work by providing excellent client service and outcomes; and someone who can grind the work by performing the day-to-day tasks of a lawyer: research, writing, arguing, negotiating, and so on. Each firm lawyer aims for this goal. Though we have individual strengths and weaknesses, we try to improve ourselves along the axis of the “complete lawyer.”
An ideal candidate will have a head start in one or more of these areas—through mentorship, CLE, and simple repetition, the firm will support you toward your professional goals.
Responsibilities
- Work as part of a team on complex commercial litigation matters from inception to resolution. Typical work includes developing initial research and strategy; drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; attending depositions; and representing clients in court.
- Provide legal counsel and strategic guidance to clients involved in financial services disputes, corporate plaintiff litigation, and corporate transactions.
- Assist in the development and implementation of litigation strategies, including case assessment, risk analysis, and settlement negotiations.
- Conduct legal research on laws, regulations, and precedent to support case strategy and client objectives.
- Collaborate with partners and senior attorneys to prepare for hearings, depositions, and trials, ensuring thorough preparation and effective representation of clients.
- Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and internal stakeholders to provide updates on case status, legal strategies, and potential outcomes.
- Help manage client relationships and identify opportunities for business development.
- Stay abreast of developments in relevant areas of law, industry trends, and best practices to maintain a high level of expertise and provide innovative solutions to client challenges.
- Support firm initiatives, including professional development programs, knowledge sharing, and community involvement activities.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admitted to practice in Texas, in good standing, and up to date with CLE requirements.
- 4–7 years of experience practicing law, with a focus on complex commercial litigation and financial services.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to effectively assess legal issues and develop creative solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and persuasively.
- Exemplary research abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to building and maintaining strong client relationships.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
- Adaptable and able to pivot quickly to address new challenges and opportunities as they arise.
- Commitment to upholding ethical standards and professionalism in all aspects of legal practice.
Benefits
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching; and opportunities for professional development. The firm pays select professional dues, offers a parking stipend, and supports marketing initiatives.Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our workplace culture, where everyone is valued and empowered.
For more information, please visit our website: johnstonclem.com/careers/attorneys
