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.