Trial Lawyer in Training - Associate Attorney

Trial Lawyer in Training — Associate Attorney

Zinda Law Group | Austin, Texas

Most law firms say they want to build trial lawyers. Very few actually do.

We do.

This is not a research-and-document-review position. This is a structured, demanding program designed to turn talented attorneys into elite litigators — with real cases, real mentorship, and real courtroom experience from day one.

If you want to become a serious trial lawyer, this role was built for you.

The Opportunity

As a Trial Lawyer in Training at Zinda Law Group, you will work directly alongside experienced lead trial lawyers on active, high-value cases. You will be trusted with meaningful litigation responsibility early — not after years of back-office work — and you will have a defined path to becoming a Lead Trial Lawyer.

You will function as both a high-level litigation associate and a trial lawyer in training, with a clear promotion structure tied entirely to your performance.

What You'll Be Doing

• Draft substantive motions, briefs, pleadings, and discovery
• Conduct complex legal research that directly shapes trial strategy
• Prepare cases for mediation and trial — every time, on every file
• Work with experts on liability, damages, and medical issues
• Participate in depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials
• Progressively take ownership of depositions, motion arguments, and portions of trials
• Maintain files in a trial-ready posture at all times

The Trial Lawyer in Training Program

Your growth here is structured, earned, and fast if you perform.

• Phase 1 — Trainee / Associate High-volume, high-quality litigation work. Close mentorship. Strict deadlines and high expectations.
• Phase 2 — Junior Lead Trial Lawyer Ownership of cases under partner oversight. First-chair smaller trials or second-chair major cases. Strategic decision-making responsibilities.
• Phase 3 — Lead Trial Lawyer Full responsibility for a litigation docket. Trial leadership. Mentorship of the next generation.
  

Advancement is based on performance, preparation, and results — not how long you've been here.

Compensation

Component Range

• Base Salary - $125,000 - $250,000
• Performance Bonus - $25,000 - $100,000
• Origination Bonus: Uncapped - get paid for generating cases
• Total Compensation - $125,000 - $350,000

Benefits

• 20 days PTO + 10 paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental (firm covers 100% of employee medical)
• IRA with up to 3% company match
• Paid parental leave

Who Thrives Here

This is a high-performance legal training environment. It is not a lifestyle law job.

You're a strong fit if you:

• Want to try cases — not just talk about trial work
• Like being held to a high standard and given real feedback
• Are competitive, analytical, and obsessive about preparation
• Want a steep learning curve and meaningful responsibility early
• Are coachable and serious about becoming excellent

This is not the role if you're looking for:

• Predictable, low-pressure work
• Minimal accountability
• A slow or undefined career path

Qualifications

• Licensed and in good standing with the Texas, Arizona, Colorado, or New Mexico State Bar
• 0–5 years of experience (litigation experience preferred)
• Strong legal writing ability — motions, briefs, discovery, memos
• Demonstrated analytical and research skills
• Ambition and a relentless work ethic
• Highly coachable with a low ego and high standards
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work with support staff
• Knowledge of TRCP and Rules of Evidence preferred
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus

Why Lawyers Choose Zinda Law Group

• We actually try cases
• We invest heavily in training and mentorship
• We give responsibility early — and back it up with support
• We build careers, not just resumes
• Advancement is merit-based and moves as fast as you do

If you want real responsibility, real mentorship, and a real path to becoming a lead trial lawyer — apply now.