Job Description
McDonald Sanders, P.C., one of Fort Worth’s most established full-service law firms, is seeking an associate attorney to join our appellate practice.
Our firm represent clients who often need appealing following a trial court or are responding to an appeal. The practice requires exceptional research, writing, and analytical skills, along with the ability to identify and communicate complex legal issues clearly in writing and persuasively offer oral argument advocating for the client’s position.
This position offers meaningful, hands-on experience in appellate matters, including legal research and analysis, briefing, preservation of error during the trial, post-trial motions, appellate strategy, and preparation for oral argument. The associate will also work closely with trial attorneys to identify and preserve appellate issues throughout the litigation process.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative team environment where thoughtful analysis, strong writing, initiative, and attention to detail are highly valued. Associates work closely with experienced attorneys and have opportunities to take meaningful responsibility for matters while developing their appellate skills.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Research and analyze complex legal and procedural issues arising in civil and commercial matters.
- Draft and edit appellate briefs, responsive briefs, motions, petitions, memoranda, and other substantive filings.
- Assist in developing appellate strategy, including issue identification, preservation of error, and standards of review.
- Review and analyze the reporter’s records, clerk’s record, transcripts, pleadings, and evidence to identify and evaluate appellate issues.
- Assist with post-trial motions and other proceedings that may affect or preserve issues for appeal.
- Prepare attorneys for oral argument and/or present oral argument/participate in appellate proceedings as appropriate.
- Monitor developments in Texas and federal appellate law and evaluate their potential impact on client matters.
- Work collaboratively with appellate and trial attorneys to provide strategic guidance throughout all stages of litigation.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, attorneys, courts, and support staff.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
- Experience or demonstrated interest in appellate practice, complex legal research, and persuasive legal writing.
- Strong knowledge of Texas and federal civil procedure and appellate procedure.
- Exceptional legal research, writing, editing, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to analyze complex records and legal issues with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently with sound judgment while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
- Proactive mindset with the ability to anticipate issues, take initiative, and move matters forward.
- Professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to client service.
- Judicial clerkship, moot court, law review, or prior appellate experience is a plus.
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.