Associate Attorney

The Cromeens Law Firm, PLLC

Associate Attorney - Construction Law
Location: Houston, TX

About the Role

The Cromeens Law Firm, PLLC is a boutique construction law firm representing contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers across Texas, California, Louisiana, and Kansas. We're looking for an Associate Attorney to join a growing practice with real opportunity for case ownership and career advancement. Our team works closely together, and performance is recognized and rewarded.

Summary of Position
The Associate Attorney works primarily with their supervising attorney and the firm's administrative team - paralegals, legal clerks, and legal assistants. This role is mainly responsible for communicating with clients, developing legal strategy, and assisting the supervising attorney with case management. As an Associate Attorney, you will be expected to stay informed on client matters, build and maintain client relationships, prepare legal documents, and attend hearings, mediations, trials, and arbitrations.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain billable hours per firm policy.
• Timely complete tasks as assigned by your supervising attorney, typically including:
  • Researching legal issues, including construction law, lien law, and contract interpretation.
  • Drafting various pleadings and motions.
  • Reviewing and drafting construction contracts, subcontractor agreements, and related documents.
  • Ensuring that all statutory deadlines are properly complied with, including M&M lien filing deadlines, which vary by state.
• Attend and participate in hearings, mediations, and/or arbitrations as needed.
• Assist with other tasks as assigned by your supervising attorney.
• Stay informed on client matters and assist your supervising attorney in maintaining client communications and relationships.
• Promptly respond to client communications (typically within 24 hours).
• Prepare for strategy meetings with your supervising attorney as scheduled. During these meetings, you will be expected to know, generally:
  • The facts of the case.
  • Where the case is procedurally.
  • Any upcoming hearings or deadlines, which must also be calendared in Clio.
  • Whether a docket control order is in place.
  • When the case is set for trial, and whether it's a bench or jury trial.
  • Be prepared to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the case, the facts, and where you think the firm should focus its efforts to efficiently litigate the matter.
• Continually evaluate cases to ensure clients are positioned to reach their goals.
• Maintain knowledge of legal developments, including completion of required continuing legal education (CLE) hours.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Familiarity with construction industry contracts and documents (AIA contracts, change orders, payment applications) a plus.
• Working knowledge of mechanic's and materialman's (M&M) lien law a plus.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Juris Doctor or equivalent from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law and/or membership in the State Bar of Texas; multi-state licensure or willingness to obtain a plus, given the firm's multi-state practice.
• 3-7 years of experience.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Two days' work from home per week, available after the introductory period ends.

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k)
• Bar dues and CLE reimbursement after one year of employment