Employment Law Associate (Pre-Litigation Employee-Side) Houston, TX

Our Client is seeking a Employment Law Associate, 5+ Years Exp (Pre-Litigation Employee-Side) for an onsite position in Hermann Park, Houston, TX.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage large, active employment law caseload with primary focus on pre-litigation Title VII claims (discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and other adverse employment actions)
• Draft demand letters, motions, discovery responses, settlement agreements, and other legal correspondence
• Negotiate settlements directly with opposing counsel on behalf of clients; review and respond to opposing counsel correspondence
• Counsel clients proactively throughout case lifecycle; communicate updates, align on strategy, and manage expectations around timelines and case outcomes
• Prepare case summaries and status reports for clients and partners
• Attend hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, depositions, and court appearances as needed
• Prepare trial materials, exhibits, and deposition outlines for cases proceeding to litigation
• Maintain organized case files in Clio, ensure compliance with all deadlines, and manage case scheduling
• Collaborate with partners on complex case strategy and time-sensitive client matters

Qualifications/Skills

• JD from accredited law school; Texas bar admission required
• 5 years plaintiff-side employment law experience with strong focus on client advocacy and pre-litigation matters, including Title VII claims (discrimination, retaliation, harassment)
• Proven track record drafting demand letters, negotiating settlements with opposing counsel, and counseling clients through employment disputes
• Strong legal writing and research skills; proficient with LexisNexis/Westlaw
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to counsel clients from diverse backgrounds, particularly those experiencing financial pressure and frustration with case timelines
• Exceptional organizational skills with proven ability to manage a large docket and competing deadlines simultaneously
• Self-directed, resilient, and collaborative team player who maintains professionalism and sound judgment in high-stress situations and thrives in small, close-knit work environments
• Experience with case management software (Clio preferred)
• Available for hybrid work arrangement with flexibility to be on-site full-time as needed; immediate or near-immediate availability
• Immediate or near-immediate availability

Company Benefits/Perks

• Ability to work a hybrid schedule
• Welcoming and inclusive environment
• Potential to extend the assignment or convert into a full-time employee