Founded in 1951 by five prominent attorneys, McDonald Sanders is one of Fort Worth’s oldest and most respected law firms. With a rich history of advising clients who have shaped the growth of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and North Texas, we remain deeply rooted in our community while serving clients across Texas and the nation. As a proud member of Geneva Group International (GGI), we offer a unique combination of local expertise and global resources to help our clients achieve their goals.
At McDonald Sanders, we blend innovative thinking with proven legal experience. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional representation while promoting a healthy work/life balance and a competitive benefits package. For those who value professionalism, collaboration, and community, working at McDonald Sanders is both fulfilling and rewarding.
Clerkship Program
Our summer clerkship program provides law students with meaningful exposure to a broad range of practice areas. We keep our clerk classes small to ensure hands-on training and direct interaction with associates and shareholders. In addition to gaining real legal experience, clerks enjoy Fort Worth-focused outings that highlight our city and firm culture. The program typically runs for six weeks—from after Memorial Day through early July.
Associate Opportunities
While many of our associates begin with us through the clerkship program, we also welcome applications from experienced lateral associates who bring knowledge in our core practice areas and share our values. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and letter of interest via the contact form on the right.
Legal Support Staff
Our firm’s success is driven by our outstanding legal support team—including administrative staff, file clerks, paralegals, and legal assistants. If you're a detail-oriented, team-driven professional who values a collaborative environment, we invite you to submit your resume and letter of interest through the contact form on the right.
Legal Assistant
Legal Administrative Assistant
Job Description
Provides high-level administrative support to the attorneys and legal teams at McDonald Sanders, ensuring smooth daily operations and efficient workflow. Maintains positive and professional contact with clients, attorneys, and support staff, and upholds strict confidentiality of client, personnel, and firm matters. Assists in managing schedules, preparing legal documents, and coordinating communications, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the firm's legal services.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Coordinate and schedule travel, meetings and appointments for attorney(s); assist with expense reimbursements
- Provide accurate timesheet entry, review and revision; participate in timely review and submission of prebills and/or client bills
- Maintain good communication with clients and observe confidentiality of attorney-client relationship; answer client phone calls and messages to attorneys in a timely and courteous manner
- Manage hard copy documents and transmit for safekeeping, profile electronic documents/emails and manage distribution of correspondence and legal documents
- Manage and prioritize incoming workflow to meet all deadlines
Requirements
- Must be highly organized and able to manage multiple concurrent projects
- Comfortable communicating with clients
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Word and Outlook
- Working knowledge of legal documents, formatting, table of contents, styles, track changes, inserting and labeling pdf documents and inserting into documents and converting pdf documents to Word
- Experience working with a document management system (AIM experience a plus).
- Good grammatical and writing skills
- Ability to multi-task and work closely with attorneys in a fast-paced busy role.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience
- Experience working in a law firm preferred
- Experience with PUC filings, SOAH & TCEQ filings
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health insurance after probation time
- Paid vacation time and sick leave
- Healthy work-life balance is promoted as part of our company culture
- Fun, team-building events such as company dinners, tickets to live sporting events, etc.
- Financial help with continuing education
- Proudly recognized as one of Fort Worth’s Best Companies to Work For for four consecutive years by Fort Worth Inc.
Administrative
Billing Clerk
Provides billing and administrative support to the accounting team at McDonald Sanders. Responsible for preparing client invoices, processing payments, monitoring e-billing systems, and maintaining accurate billing records. The Billing Clerk plays an important role in supporting the firm’s financial operations while maintaining professionalism, organization, and confidentiality.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Create client invoices and statements and process billing reports
- Upload invoices into e-Billing portals/systems and monitor approval status
- Review billing records and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy
- Enter and post records into the time and billing system
- Assist clients with account and billing inquiries
- Process client payments and maintain payment records
- Prepare internal and external correspondence
- Design and maintain spreadsheets and reports
- Assist with additional accounting and administrative projects as assigned
Requirements
- Minimum of 2 years of professional billing and collections experience preferred
- Exceptional math, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Highly detail oriented and organized
- Ability to prioritize assignments, manage workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication skills with clients and individuals at all levels of the organization
- Positive attitude and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 programs, including Word, Excel, and Outlook; knowledge of PowerPoint preferred
- Proficient in Adobe Acrobat
- Ability to type at least 60 WPM
- Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.
- Available to work overtime and weekends as needed
- High school diploma or GED required
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health insurance after probation period
- Paid vacation time and sick leave
- Healthy work-life balance promoted as part of our company culture
- Fun, team-building events such as company dinners and sporting events
- Financial assistance for continuing education
- Proudly recognized as one of Fort Worth’s Best Companies to Work For for four consecutive years by Fort Worth Inc.
Bookkeeper
Job Description
The Bookkeeper provides accounting, financial, and administrative support to McDonald Sanders, helping ensure the accurate and timely management of the Firm’s day-to-day financial operations. This position is responsible for financial reporting, accounts payable, payroll, general ledger functions, file maintenance, and related administrative duties. The Bookkeeper works closely with attorneys, staff, clients, and vendors while maintaining a high level of accuracy, professionalism, organization, and confidentiality.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Prepare financial and production reports accurately and in a timely manner
- Manage accounts payable, payroll, general ledger functions, and related financial records
- Prepare correspondence and maintain financial and administrative files
- Complete and submit administrative and accounting work accurately and within established deadlines
- Maintain and organize financial records and supporting documentation
- Assist with computer, network, and other technical duties related to the position
- Prioritize workload and coordinate assignments to meet deadlines
- Communicate professionally and courteously with attorneys, staff, clients, vendors, and other parties
- Answer telephone calls promptly and professionally and provide information or assistance as appropriate
- Welcome and assist clients, guests, and visitors in a courteous and professional manner
- Maintain strict confidentiality of client, personnel, financial, and Firm information
- Follow Firm policies, procedures, and established office practices
- Assist attorneys, staff, and other team members as needed
- Perform additional accounting, administrative, and miscellaneous duties as assigned
Requirements
- Strong working knowledge of accounting and general office practices and procedures
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Outlook, email, calendaring, and scheduling applications
- Ability to learn and effectively use Firm software for general ledger, financial reporting, accounts payable, payroll, and document management
- Strong computer skills and ability to effectively operate standard office equipment
- Ability to accurately type a minimum of 50 WPM
- Strong basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong grammar, spelling, proofreading, and document-editing skills
- Ability to follow detailed and complex instructions with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to understand legal terminology, legal documents, and instructions from attorneys and staff
- Ability to consistently produce accurate, high-quality work with attention to detail
- Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential client and Firm information
- Ability to remain composed, focused, and effective in a fast-paced legal office environment
- Positive, professional attitude and willingness to work collaboratively with attorneys, staff, clients, and vendors
- Regular and punctual attendance required; standard working hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional after-hours or weekend work as needed
- Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
- Professional demeanor and a positive, team-oriented attitude
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health insurance after probation period
- Paid vacation time and sick leave
- Healthy work-life balance promoted as part of our company culture
- Fun, team-building events such as company dinners and sporting events
- Financial assistance for continuing education
- Proudly recognized as one of Fort Worth’s Best Companies to Work For for four consecutive years by Fort Worth Inc.
Paralegal
Litigation Paralegal
Job Description
The ideal candidate will be responsible for assisting attorneys in all stages of litigation matters. This candidate should feel comfortable conducting research, doing data entry, scheduling, maintaining case files, and completing other ad-hoc requests, as needed.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Assist attorneys in managing and organizing case files from inception through trial and post-trial proceedings.
- Coordinate and manage discovery processes, including drafting and responding to discovery requests, subpoenas, and interrogatories.
- Draft, proofread, and format legal documents such as pleadings, motions, briefs, and correspondence.
- File legal documents with state and federal courts, ensuring compliance with court rules and deadlines.
- Conduct legal research on case law, statutes, regulations, and other legal resources to support case preparation.
- Summarize findings and assist attorneys in developing case strategies.
- Prepare and organize research materials for attorney review.
- Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and other parties involved in litigation, ensuring timely and accurate information flow.
- Maintain confidentiality of all client information and case details.
Requirements
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree or associate degree in paralegal studies is required.
- Paralegal certification from an accredited program is preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a litigation paralegal, preferably in a law firm setting.
- Strong understanding of litigation processes, including court procedures, discovery, and trial prep.
Skills:
- Proficiency in legal research tools and software.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and legal document management software.
- Ability to manage large volumes of documents and information with attention to detail.
Personal Attributes:
- High level of professionalism and ethical standards.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.
- Ability to handle stressful situations with composure and efficiency.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health insurance after probation time
- Paid vacation time and sick leave
- Healthy work-life balance is promoted as part of our company culture
- Fun, team-building events such as company dinners, tickets to live sporting events, etc.
- Assistance with obtaining or completing certification requirements applicable to the position
- Proudly recognized as one of Fort Worth’s Best Companies to Work For for four consecutive years by Fort Worth Inc.
Estate Planning Paralegal
The paralegal is responsible for a full range of estate planning, probate, tax and corporate matters by providing assistance to the Firm’s attorneys in administering estates, preparing estate planning, probate, and corporate documents, preparing various tax forms and tax returns (Form SS-4, Forms 1099, 709, 706, 1040, 1041, 990, 1042 and 5227), as well as client case management. Essential functions include:
- Prepare/assist with preparation of Gift Tax Returns, Estate Tax Returns, Fiduciary Income Tax Returns, Individual Income Tax Returns and Tax Returns for Non-Profit organizations using UltraTax CS or similar tax preparation software.
- Maintain financial records of trusts and estates; perform/prepare trust and estate accountings; audit accounts.
- Maintain G/L accounts, reconcile broker statements, prepare payables and bank deposits.
- Obtain and reconcile 1099 and K-1 statements.
- Revocable and irrevocable trust funding and administration (pre and post death).
- Probate administration, including drafting of probate pleadings and preparation of probate Inventories.
- Maintain close personal contact with clients.
- Learn/develop technical proficiency in database use and management; internet/electronic research; and project folder/electronic file maintenance.
- Independently organize and manage files or delegate similar tasks to Records Clerk and supervise same.
- Maintain professional demeanor and attitude.
- Comply with firm policies.
- Sustain high level of attention to detail and quality of work.
- Ability to interact in a professional and courteous manner with clients and employees at all times; professional appearance required.
- Ability to successfully perform position requirements with excellent organizational, time-management and prioritization skills required.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team; ability and willingness to adapt to changing business demands.
- Ability to produce acceptable amount of work efficiently and accurately; ability to produce quality final work product with little or no supervision and within established time limits and on-going deadlines.
Position Requirements:
- 3 or more years Trusts, Estates and Tax return preparation experience required.
- Paralegal certificate from ABA approved program preferred.
- Two years associate degree preferred; significant, substantive related experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
- Paralegal certification by NALA preferred .
- Accounting experience preferred
- Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Proven success working in a fast-paced, continually changing environment.
- Ability to prioritize; excellent time management.
- Corporate and Real Estate experience a plus.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Familiarity with tax and trust accounting software
- Experience with document database programs and/or software.
- Significant client case management experience.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health insurance after probation time
- Paid vacation time and sick leave
- Healthy work-life balance is promoted as part of our company culture
- Fun, team-building events such as company dinners, tickets to live sporting events, etc.
- Assistance with obtaining or completing certification requirements applicable to the position
- Proudly recognized as one of Fort Worth’s Best Companies to Work For for four consecutive years by Fort Worth Inc.
Attorney
Litigation Associate (Civil & Commercial)
Job Description
McDonald Sanders, P.C., one of Fort Worth’s most established full-service law firms, is seeking an associate attorney with 2–5 years of substantive civil and commercial litigation experience to join our our litigation team.
Our litigators serve as both trusted advisors and experienced courtroom advocates, representing clients across industries in complex business and commercial disputes. We value strategic thinking, clear communication, and a practical approach that reflects our deep roots in the Fort Worth community.
This position offers meaningful, hands-on experience across a broad spectrum of civil and commercial litigation. From the outset, associates at McDonald Sanders are actively involved in every phase of litigation—including client strategy sessions, discovery, depositions, motion practice, trial preparation, and courtroom appearances.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative team environment where initiative is encouraged, mentorship is genuine, and contributions directly impact client outcomes.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Handle all phases of litigation from case intake to resolution, including discovery, motion practice, depositions, and trial preparation.
- Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other substantive filings with precision and clarity.
- Conduct legal research, prepare memoranda, and deliver practical, strategic analysis.
- Advocate for clients in court appearances, hearings, mediations, and arbitrations.
- Work collaboratively with clients, senior attorneys, and support staff to develop and implement effective legal strategies.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
- 2–5 years of litigation experience (civil or commercial focus strongly preferred; judicial clerkship experience considered).
- Experience in state and federal court practice, including drafting pleadings, managing discovery, taking and defending depositions, and arguing motions.
- Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
- Ability to work independently with sound judgement, while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
- Proactive mindset with ability to anticipate next steps, take initiative, and drive matters forward.
- Professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to client service.
Benefits
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
- Substantial firm-paid coverage for employee medical insurance, with HSA contributions for participants.
- Firm-provided life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance.
- Firm-sponsored Profit Sharing and 401(k) programs, available once eligible.
- Paid leave benefits, including major medical/maternity leave, vacation, sick leave, and firm holidays
- Payment of professional dues (including bar memberships) and continuing legal education (CLE) expenses.
- Commitment to healthy work-life balance.
- Collegial, team-oriented environment that values initiative, collaboration, and professional excellence.
- Proudly recognized as one of Fort Worth’s Best Companies to Work For for four consecutive years by Fort Worth Inc.