Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing
1221 McKinney, Suite 2500
Houston, TX 77010
Houston, TX 77010
(713) 655-1101
Overview
Introduction
Based in Houston, TX and home to over 50 lawyers, AZA is a boutique litigation firm that prides itself on being “Talented, Tough and Courtroom-Tested.” Attorneys participate in substantive trial work from the start of their time with AZA, contributing to the firm’s strength in the courtroom. The firm takes clients of all sizes, from multinational companies to individuals, and is known for its skill in both commercial litigation and intellectual property litigation, among other practice areas.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2022)
50 - 100
No. of Partners Named (2021)
2
Featured Rankings
Top 150 Under 150
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2021)
2
No. of Summer Associates (2021)
5 total (3 2Ls; 2 1Ls)
Base Salary
All offices:
Vault Verdict
AZA might be small, but don’t underestimate this firm, because it is also mighty. A true litigation boutique, AZA is a powerhouse of a trial firm—and its lawyers want to win. Candidates who want to work here need to show that they share that sentiment; stellar credentials are important, but equally so is a true desire to try cases. Grit and determination are some of the qualities the firm prizes, so candidates should be prepared to demonstrate them in interviews. The firm’s culture is a big selling point for associates, who describe it as very social and filled with different personality types. In fact, the firm emphasizes the importance of personal style in effective advocacy, and partners are supportive of associates in helping them to develop their styles along with their skill...
About the Firm
Ahmad, Zavitsanos and Mensing P.C. is a litigation boutique whose attorneys are known for their trial prowess. With a team of over 50 lawyers, the firm has participated in more than 225 trials. The firm is a Texas staple, ranking among the Top 5 firms in Vault’s Best Midsize Law Firms in Texas.
From IP to Energy
AZA was founded in 1993 in Texas by Joe Ahmad and John Zavitsanos—both of whom are still at the firm today. Although many of its cases involve high-stakes litigation for multinational companies, AZA also represents individuals and mid-sized businesses with serious legal issues. AZA represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of practice areas, including commercial litigation, company investigations, construction and real estate litigation, executive employment ...
Associate Reviews
- “The firm's culture is a selling point. There is no shortage of personality at AZA, but also no single personality type. Based on my previous experience and conversations with law school classmates, AZA is quite social—both during the work day and after hours. People have human interactions, not just work interactions. Consistent with the mix of personalities, AZA has folks all over the political spectrum. And we work well together. It's great.”
- “We're here to win cases. That's the only thing that matters at this firm—none of the other typical big firm nonsense applies.”
- “I really enjoy the social culture of the firm. Everyone here is dedicated to winning, but are all very different people. One of the lessons impressed upon me as soon as I got here was that to win, you need to find your own style of advocacy, since juries hate when people pretend they are someone else. As a result, there doesn't feel like there is a mold here, other than doing what it takes to get the win.”
- “At a recent all hands meeting, a partner told us why he is insistent that the ENTIRE case team (from secretary to senior partner) is copied on emails because ‘you never know where the next great idea is going to come from.’ That pretty much sums up the culture here—even new attorneys are encouraged, even expected, to contribute their ideas when deciding on case strategy."
Why Work Here
AZA is a firm of lawyers who love to go to trial and love to win. The partners will get associates into the courtroom as soon as possible. Associates have been allowed to try cases on their own. And they have won. The firm lawyers are quick-thinking, intense and they value courtroom preparation and client service. The firm has been awarded for great client service.
Getting Hired Here
JOB OPENINGS AT THIS COMPANY
- “We don't have official hiring cutoffs, but like at other firms, you need to come from a good school with good grades. But once you get past those threshold requirements, we are principally looking for people that want to try cases, who are competitive and want to win, have ‘grit,’ and do substantive work—people who can think on their feet and aren't afraid to learn by being thrown in the deep end.”
- “We're looking for top candidates who are super smart but also have the personality and drive to be good trial lawyers. Focus is on fit.”
- “AZA looks for people who want to try cases.”
- “Candidates must be fearless and eager to punch above their weight in court, depositions, and client meetings. Prior work experience (from ditch digger to white collar jobs) [is] highly valued. Applications are accepted from all schools, but most candidates have strong grades at UT, Harvard, Chicago, Michigan, and UVA.”
