Appellate & Trial Support Attorney

ATTORNEYDurham, Pittard & Spalding, LLP | Full-Time | On-Site — Dallas, TX$140,000–$160,000 base + bonus

About DP&S

Durham, Pittard & Spalding, LLP (DP&S) is a nationally recognized civil appellate and strategic litigation support firm with offices in Dallas, TX and Santa Fe, NM. Ranked Tier 1 by Best Lawyers and home to multiple Texas and New Mexico Super Lawyers, DP&S has built its reputation on providing sophisticated appellate counsel and substantive trial support to law firms handling complex, high-stakes civil matters. The firm works across a wide range of civil practice areas — including personal injury, commercial litigation, and products liability — serving primarily as a strategic partner to trial attorneys throughout the litigation lifecycle.

Position Overview

DP&S is looking for an experienced litigation attorney to join its Dallas office (with related opportunities in Santa Fe). This is not a traditional associate role — the firm is seeking an attorney who thinks strategically, writes with precision, and can serve as trusted counsel to trial lawyers and clients through every phase of a case. You will work at the intersection of trial support and appellate practice, contributing substantively from early case strategy through post-trial proceedings and appeal.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic litigation support to trial teams across all stages of civil litigation, from pre-trial motions through trial and appeal
• Research and draft substantive motions, including dispositive motions, motions in limine, Daubert challenges, jury charge submissions, and appellate briefs
• Serve as the appellate counsel on the trial team during trial
• Analyze trial records and identify, preserve, and develop issues for appellate review
• Collaborate directly with trial counsel to shape litigation strategy and build a clean, defensible record
• Contribute to business development efforts, including building relationships with referral sources, participating in CLE presentations, and supporting firm marketing initiatives
• Engage with clients and co-counsel as a credible, substantive legal resource

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school; licensed and in good standing in Texas or New Mexico
• 3+ years of civil litigation or clerkship experience, with meaningful exposure to motion practice, trial support, or appellate work
• Exceptional legal research and writing skills
• Ability to manage complex legal issues across a range of civil matters independently and as part of a team
• Strong professional judgment and the ability to provide clear, strategic counsel under pressure
• Portable business or an existing referral network is a meaningful plus, but not required
• Genuine interest in and commitment to business development as an ongoing part of your practice

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary of $140,000–$160,000, plus bonus opportunities
• Competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan options, and paid time off
• Lots of opportunities to grow internally, with a clear path for advancement
• Mentorship opportunities from firm partners
• Work on high-stakes, complex civil matters alongside attorneys consistently recognized as top trial lawyers in the country
• Opportunities to develop your own practice and profile through business development, CLE speaking, and client relationships
• Offices in Dallas, TX, and Santa Fe, NM — vibrant markets with strong legal communities

To Apply

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