Korn Ferry is partnering with a reputable growing law firm in Houston, Texas, that is seeking a experienced trial attorney to serve as its first “Executive Attorney” to support the firm’s continued growth. This role will oversee the litigation practice as a whole, ensuring sound processes are in place, and be out of the weeds of day-to-day litigation.

This is a critical position that will provide input regarding strategic decisions, driving aggressive growth of the firm and will frequently address major operational issues. The e successful candidate will be a “hands-on leader,” but also possesses a deep understanding of litigation processes and strategic thinking and leadership skills, coupled with a proven track record in managing high-stakes cases across various industries.

This role will offer competitive compensation including a generous base salary, and the opportunity to earn a significant bonus based upon firm profits, and a full benefits package.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead and Mentor: A team of litigation attorneys and support staff, fostering a collaborative and high- performance work environment.
• Vision and Strategy: Develop and implement litigation strategies, ensuring alignment with the firm’s overall strategic objectives.
• Efficient and Effective: Manage caseloads and allocate resources effectively across legal teams, ensuring timely and efficient handling of litigation matters.
• Reporting Relationship: Work closely with the National Managing Partner and the Chief Financial Officer to support the firm’s growth activities.
• Hands-On: Contribute to the success of the firm by taking on any responsibilities necessary to firm management as they arise.
• Performance Monitoring: Evaluate staff performance and implement improvement plans that streamline processes to enhance productivity and service delivery.
• Firm Culture: Promote a positive, inclusive and high-performance work culture.

Litigation Strategy & Execution

• Litigation Portfolio: Oversee all aspects of the firm’s litigation portfolio, including pre-litigation matters, motions, trials, and post-trial activities.
• Case Strategies: Develop case strategies in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external counsel, focusing on risk management and minimizing exposure.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies throughout the litigation process.
• Case Management: May still handle high-profile cases while balancing leadership duties.
• Decision Making: Help lead decisions related to business growth, hiring and expansion.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Mitigation: Provide proactive legal advice on risk exposure and potential legal actions to mitigate business risks.
• Protection of Firm’s Interests: Manage settlements, negotiations, and other dispute resolution methods while protecting the firm’s legal and financial interests.
• Compliance: Monitor emerging trends in litigation, including industry-specific regulations and precedents, and ensure the firm remains compliant.

Business & Financial Management

• Financial Oversight: Manages budgets, profitability and cost control.
• Revenue Generation: Oversees client acquisition and retention.

Key Skills & Requirements

Legal Expertise

• Extensive experience in relevant personal injury litigation and complex litigation, including mass torts.
• Proven ability to handle litigation from inception through to resolution, including discovery, depositions, trials, and appeals.
• Demonstrated track-record of driving positive outcomes for clients.
• Ability to oversee complex cases while ensuring quality control.
• Ability to oversee litigation teams handling volume-based dockets whether single event or mass torts.
• Knowledge of ethical standards and regulatory compliance.

Leadership & Team Management

• Strong leadership, mentoring, and people management skills, with experience overseeing teams of attorneys and legal professionals and a track record of successfully managing legal teams.
• Proven ability to build a cohesive team, set goals, and manage performance.
• Team player who is willing to pitch in to assist as needed, which may include contract review, supporting other firm functions such as marketing, finance and HR and other tasks that arise.

Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving

• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills, with a demonstrated ability to devise creative solutions in complex legal matters.
• Visionary approach to firm growth and market positioning.
• Ability to identify challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Innovative mindset to drive operational efficiency.

Business and Financial Acumen

• Understanding of budgeting, profitability, and financial management.
• Experience in business development and client acquisition strategies.
• Ability to analyze market trends and adapt business strategies accordingly.

Ethical Judgment & Integrity

• High ethical standards and a deep commitment to the integrity of the legal profession.

The Candidate

Background and Experience

• Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensing: Active membership in good standing in Texas.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of litigation experience, including ideally 10+ years in a managerial or leadership role overseeing legal teams at a firm of similar size or larger.
• Significant experience in managing high-stakes, complex litigation matters.
• Experience handling personal injury and complex litigation as required, with a strong preference for plaintiff’s side experience.
• Proven track record in leadership or senior management roles.
• Experience in business development is a plus and firm operations are a must.
• Proven track record in managing litigation budgets and working with external counsel to control costs.
• Experience with alternative dispute resolution methods is a plus.

Technological Proficiency

• Familiarity with law firm management software, billing systems, and CRM tools.
• Basic understanding of digital marketing and client management platforms.

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