General Counsel
2 days ago
Bellaire
Job Description A small, growing Texas law firm is seeking an experienced Senior General Counsel/Managing Attorney to provide legal leadership, oversee daily case operations, and help guide the continued growth of the firm. This is a hands-on leadership position for an attorney who is comfortable managing an active caseload while guiding and growing attorneys and support staff. The attorney will also work closely with the Owner, who is involved in multiple small and growing businesses, and provide practical in-house legal guidance related to business operations, contracts, employment matters, risk management, compliance, disputes, and growth initiatives. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is an experienced, practical attorney who understands both the legal and operational sides of running a law firm and growing a business. This person should be comfortable providing direction, making decisions, mentoring attorneys, managing litigation, and becoming actively involved in the Owner’s affiliated businesses. Experience as a solo practitioner is especially valuable because this position requires independence, resourcefulness, strong client-management skills, business judgment, and an understanding of the day-to-day demands of operating a growing practice and multiple businesses. Key Responsibilities Law Firm Leadership and Case Management • Provide legal leadership and oversight for the firm’s litigation and personal injury matters., • Manage an active caseload from initial evaluation through settlement, mediation, trial, or other resolution., • Develop case strategies and provide guidance on complex or high-risk matters., • Review pleadings, motions, discovery, settlement demands, agreements, and other legal documents., • Oversee hearings, depositions, mediations, negotiations, and trial preparation., • Supervise, mentor, and support three attorneys and two additional staff members., • Assign cases and responsibilities based on workload, experience, and firm priorities., • Monitor case progress, deadlines, client communication, and the quality of legal work., • Establish and maintain consistent procedures for case management, documentation, and reporting., • Assist with hiring, training, performance management, and professional development., • Provide guidance regarding professional responsibility, ethics, confidentiality, conflicts, and regulatory compliance., • Help evaluate new cases, business opportunities, and areas for continued firm growth., • Collaborate with firm leadership regarding staffing, budgets, technology, policies, and long-term planning. In-House Business Counsel Responsibilities • Serve as a trusted legal advisor to the Owner and the Owner’s affiliated small and growing businesses., • Provide practical legal guidance that supports daily business operations and long-term growth., • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, service agreements, vendor agreements, leases, confidentiality agreements, releases, and other business documents., • Advise on business formation, governance, ownership matters, policies, and operational risk., • Provide guidance on employment-related matters in coordination with human resources professionals and outside employment counsel when necessary., • Assist with commercial disputes, demand letters, collections, settlements, and pre-litigation strategy., • Review proposed business transactions and identify legal, financial, operational, and reputational risks., • Help develop consistent compliance, contracting, document-retention, and risk-management practices across the businesses., • Coordinate with outside counsel, accountants, insurance professionals, regulators, and other advisors when specialized assistance is needed., • Clearly identify the client being represented in each matter and appropriately address potential conflicts among the Owner, law firm, and affiliated businesses., • Remain actively involved in the businesses and develop a practical understanding of their operations, employees, customers, vendors, and growth plans. Required Qualifications • Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school., • Active license to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing., • Eight to ten years of legal experience., • Strong litigation experience, including case strategy, discovery, depositions, mediation, negotiations, and trial preparation., • Substantial experience handling personal injury matters., • Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating business contracts., • Prior experience supervising attorneys or legal staff., • Strong written and verbal communication skills., • Sound judgment and the ability to provide practical, business-focused legal advice., • Ability to manage multiple cases, business matters, priorities, and deadlines., • High level of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and accountability. Preferred Qualifications • Prior experience as a solo practitioner or managing a small law practice., • Experience serving as in-house counsel, outside general counsel, or legal advisor to privately owned businesses., • Immigration law experience., • Trial experience., • Employment law, commercial contract, corporate governance, or business transaction experience., • Experience developing law-firm procedures, improving case-management systems, or helping grow a legal practice., • Existing relationships within the Texas legal and business communities. Compensation and Benefits Competitive compensation based on experience, qualifications, and portable business, if applicable. Additional information regarding benefits and incentive opportunities will be discussed during the interview process. Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. \nCompany Description Provides comprehensive advisory services to lenders, business owners, investors, and legal professionals navigating complex financial and operational challenges. With roots in distressed asset management dating to the mid-1990s, our team brings hands-on experience to every engagement Provides comprehensive advisory services to lenders, business owners, investors, and legal professionals navigating complex financial and operational challenges. With roots in distressed asset management dating to the mid-1990s, our team brings hands-on experience to every engagement