Associate Attorney (0-3 Years) – Oil & Gas Practice Group in Fort Worth, Texas at Vartabedian Katz Hester & Haynes LLP

Vartabedian Katz Hester & Haynes is seeking an Associate Attorney (0-3 Years) to join its Oil & Gas Litigation Practice Group. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a developing attorney to gain substantial courtroom and litigation experience representing clients in complex disputes involving oil and gas operations, mineral interests, lease obligations, royalty issues, surface use conflicts, contract disputes, and regulatory matters.

The associate will work closely with partners and senior attorneys on all phases of litigation while developing a strong foundation in Texas oil and gas law and commercial litigation. The firm values hands-on training and seeks attorneys who are eager to learn, contribute, and develop into trusted advisors and advocates for clients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with all phases of litigation in state and federal courts, arbitration proceedings, and administrative hearings.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests, discovery responses, and other litigation documents.
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda addressing complex issues involving oil and gas law, property law, contract law, and civil procedure.
• Attend and participate in depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Analyze title records, lease documents, regulatory filings, and operational records relevant to litigation matters.
• Participate in client meetings and strategy discussions.
• Maintain accurate time records and meet billable hour expectations.

Desired Skills and Competencies

• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Strong advocacy and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced litigation environment.
• Familiarity with Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Rules of Evidence.
• Knowledge of Texas oil and gas law and Texas Railroad Commission procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, legal research platforms, and litigation support technology.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Texas.
• Federal or Texas Supreme Court clerkship and/or excellent academic credentials making the candidate competitive for such clerkships strongly preferred.
• Prior experience through internships, clerkships, moot court, law review, or practice involving litigation, energy law, oil and gas law, commercial litigation, or property disputes.

Why Join VKHH?

Our associates work directly with experienced trial attorneys on significant litigation matters from the outset of their careers. We are committed to providing meaningful mentorship, substantive legal experience, and opportunities for professional growth in a collegial and collaborative environment. Associates are encouraged to take ownership of their work, develop strong client relationships, and build the skills necessary for long-term success as litigators.