Litigation Attorney

Empire Petroleum Corporation
The Woodlands, TX

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Litigation Attorney with 5–8 years of experience to join our Houston office, supporting a range of commercial litigation and oil & gas-related matters. This role will report directly to senior leadership and will be responsible for managing litigation strategy, coordinating outside counsel, and providing legal guidance aligned with business objectives. The ideal candidate will bring a strong litigation background, sound judgment, and the ability to operate independently while partnering closely with internal stakeholders on high-impact legal and operation matters. Experience with multi-jurisdictional matters, including New Mexico, is preferred but not required.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage all phases of litigation, including case strategy, pleadings, discovery, depositions, motions, and trial preparation
  • Handle commercial litigation matters such as contract disputes, business torts, and partnership/joint venture disputes
  • Support oil & gas-related legal matters, including disputes involving leases, mineral rights, operations, and service agreements
  • Provide business-oriented legal guidance to internal stakeholders on litigation risk and business impact
  • Coordinate and manage outside counsel, including oversight of budgets and legal spend
  • Draft and review legal documents, including motions, briefs, and settlement agreements
  • Represent the company in negotiations, mediations, and other dispute resolution proceedings
  • Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations 


Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
  • Active license to practice law in Texas
  • 5–8 years of litigation experience, with a strong emphasis on commercial litigation
  • Experience handling legal matters across multiple jurisdictions, including New Mexico courts or regulatory environments, preferred
  • Oil & gas industry experience strongly preferred
  • Strong knowledge of litigation procedures and court systems
  • Excellent written, analytical, and communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple matters independently in a fast-paced environment 


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with New Mexico oil & gas litigation and regulatory matters
  • Familiarity with agencies such as the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division
  • Admission in New Mexico or willingness to obtain admission
  • Prior in-house experience or experience supporting corporate clients


Key Competencies:

  • Strong legal judgment and strategic thinking
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with operations and leadership
  • High level of professionalism and attention to detail
  • Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset


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