Business Origination Attorney for fast growing estate planning law firm (Texas)

Duffley Law is a growing Texas law firm focused on estate planning and probate. We are hiring a Business Development Attorneys to expand the firm’s referral network and originate new client relationships in multiple Texas markets.

We are scaling in multiple Texas cities and are looking for someone to lead our referral efforts in each market. This role is designed for an entrepreneurial attorney who enjoys relationship-building and wants to grow a book of business without managing firm operations and legal matters.

This is a relationship-driven attorney role, not a traditional legal or administrative position. Success requires being out in the community meeting people most days.

This role is ideal for an attorney who:

• Enjoys meeting people and building professional relationships
• Wants income tied directly to performance
• Prefers business development over legal work
• Wants the infrastructure of an established firm while growing a book of business

Our Core Values

• Everyone is a potential client
• Work product is king
• It’s better to be slow and accurate than fast and wrong
• We’re the last line of defense

About the Role

The Business Development Attorney is responsible for originating new matters through professional relationships, networking, and community presence.

You will serve as a visible representative of Duffley Law in the local professional community while developing long-term referral relationships.

The firm handles lead closing, client onboarding, fulfillment, drafting, and operational support so you can focus primarily on relationship development and client origination.

Key Responsibilities

Relationship Development & Networking

• Schedule and attend coffee meetings, lunches, and one-on-one meetings (typically 10+ per week)
• Identify prospective estate planning and probate referral sources
• Build and maintain a growing portfolio of professional referral partners
• Learn about each partner’s business, clients, and referral triggers
• Share information about Duffley Law’s services and ideal referral scenarios (without soliciting)
• Maintain consistent follow-up and ongoing communication with referral partners
• Attend local networking events, professional gatherings, and industry functions
• Serve as a connector between potential referral partners
• Occasionally host small, invite-only lunches or dinners for referral partners
• Spreading a positive brand image for Duffley Law
• Keeping Duffley Law top of mind for potential referral partners when referral opportunities naturally arise
• Make introductions to the rest of the Duffley Law intake team to allow for potential closing and effective onboarding

Tracking & Coordination

• Track relationships, meetings, and referral activity in the firm’s CRM
• Coordinate with intake and marketing teams to ensure referral partners receive excellent follow-up
• Provide feedback on referral quality and relationship health
• Check in with referral partners and originated clients for feedback

What Success Looks Like

• A growing portfolio of referral partners
• Consistent origination of estate planning and probate matters each month
• Strong professional reputation
• Long-term referral relationships generating repeat work

Who You'll Build Relationships With

• Financial planners and wealth advisors
• CPAs and tax professionals
• Attorneys and law firms
• Realtors and real estate professionals
• Funeral home directors
• Assisted living and retirement community managers
• Business owners and referral-heavy professionals
• Anyone else who might be a potential referral source!

Key Performance Metrics

• Number of active referral partners
• Frequency of meetings and relationship touchpoints
• Referral activity attributable to managed relationships
• Repeat referrals from existing partners
• Overall health and growth of the referral portfolio

Qualifications

• Extremely comfortable in social settings
• Licensed attorney in Texas
• Extremely comfortable meeting new people and building rapport
• Strong follow-up habits and relationship management skills
• Self-directed and comfortable working independently
• Professional, polished, and trustworthy demeanor
• Organized and capable of managing dozens of ongoing relationships

This role is not a fit for you if you prefer desk-based or behind-the-scenes work, feel uncomfortable scheduling and attending frequent in-person meetings, or dislike follow-up or relationship maintenance.

Compensation

• 20% origination compensation on matters you originate (most legal matters are worth at least a few thousand dollars)
• Company-paid meals, coffee, gifts, and relationship event expenses
• Mileage covered by the firm
• Unlimited earning potential based on performance
• Performance-based bonuses

We are excited to welcome someone who is eager to help keep grow our practice in Texas, and to improve and professionalize our referral network. This is a start up environment with lots of room for growth!

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: On the road