Associate Attorney - First Party Property Defense

Kelley Kronenberg

$80K — $95K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
  • Active Texas license to practice law in good standing.
  • Minimum of 1 year of litigation experience, ideally in Insurance Defense.
  • Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
  • Ability to manage deadlines and develop into independent case handling.

Responsibilities

  • Manage a docket of first-party property defense matters across Texas courts.
  • Assist in analyzing and litigating breach of contract and bad faith claims.
  • Draft pleadings, motions, and discovery; conduct depositions.
  • Appear at hearings and mediations; support trial preparation.
  • Communicate regularly with clients to update on case status and coverage issues.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation with a bonus structure.
  • Comprehensive health insurance including dental and vision.
  • Generous PTO, a floating holiday, and a mental health day.
  • Robust 401(k) plan with employer match.
  • Inclusive culture promoting diversity and equal opportunity.
  • Ongoing mentorship and support for professional development.
Full Job Description
Overview

Associate Attorney - First-Party Property Defense Litigation

Location: Houston but open to candidates out of Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio

About the Opportunity:
We are seeking a driven Associate Attorney with a passion for litigation and a keen eye for detail to join our growing Texas First-Party Property practice. This role focuses on the defense of insurance carriers in first-party property disputes - including hail, windstorm, water, and fire damage claims (from initial coverage strategy through trial or resolution).

While this position is based out of our Houston office, we welcome qualified candidates located in Austin, Dallas, or San Antonio, with flexibility that doesn't sacrifice professional development.

Position Responsibilities:
  • Case Management: Manage a docket of first-party property defense matters across Texas state and federal courts with increasing autonomy, collaborating closely with senior attorneys on litigation strategy from inception through trial or settlement.
  • Coverage & Extra-Contractual Defense: Assist in analyzing and litigating breach of contract, bad faith, and extra-contractual claims.
  • Litigation & Discovery: Draft pleadings, motions, and discovery; take and defend depositions of policyholders, adjusters, public adjusters, and experts; gain hands-on experience with examinations under oath and the appraisal process.
  • Advocacy: Appear at hearings and mediations; assist in witness and expert preparation and trial support.
  • Client Relations: Communicate regularly and professionally with claims professionals and in-house counsel, providing clear updates on coverage issues, exposure, and case status.

Required Education & Experience:
  • Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
  • Active license to practice law in Texas (in good standing).
  • Minimum of 1 year of litigation experience with exposure as an attorney, preferably in Insurance Defense.
  • Strong research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to manage deadlines and grow into independent case handling.

Why Join Us?
  • Competitive Compensation & Bonus Structure: Rewarding you for your hard work and results.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Including company-paid PPO health insurance, dental, and vision options.
  • Generous PTO & Well-Being Support: Paid time off, a floating holiday, and a mental health day.
  • 401(k) Plan: With a strong employer match to support your future.
  • Inclusive Culture: A diverse, supportive, and equal-opportunity environment for all.
  • Professional Development: Ongoing mentorship, CLE support, and clear career progression.

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