Forensic & Litigation Services Associate Commercial & Intellectual Property Disputes

Whitley Penn, one of the nation’s leading audit, tax, and advisory firms, is looking for a Forensic & Litigation Services (FLS) Associate to join our team! The FLS – Commercial & Intellectual Property Disputes department provides analysis, advice, and expert testimony to attorneys and clients involved in intellectual property and commercial disputes. FLS Associates are assigned to client engagements and introduced to basic accounting and financial analysis projects. They work closely with Senior Associates and management to ensure a high level of client service is achieved. FLS Associates must excel in a dynamic environment and exhibit willingness to take on new responsibilities while operating within the highest of ethical standards.

Whitley Penn has become one of the fastest growing public accounting firms by providing exceptional, personalized service that reaches far beyond traditional accounting. In addition to Audit and Tax solutions, we offer a wide range of Advisory and Consulting services.  We work in collaborative teams with an emphasis on an open-door policy, entrepreneurial thinking, and a well-built culture. At Whitley Penn, we learn, innovate, and achieve by sharing knowledge, embracing new ideas, and working together. We’re looking for professionals who think like owners and want to be part of shaping a high-growth firm.  

Position Details:

• Title: Associate


• Classification: Full-time; Exempt


• Department: Forensic & Litigation Services – Commercial & Intellectual Property Disputes


• Location: Houston


• Office Expectations/Hours: Hybrid (Mon, Tues, Thurs in office); general work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8 hours/day between 8am to 5pm with overtime, as needed

What You Will Do

• Assist on calculating economic damages in different types of matters, such as litigation matters involving patent, trademark, and copy right infringement, theft of trade secrets, breach of contract, business valuation, solvency, fraud, business interruption, personal injury, wrongful death, and wrongful termination


• Organize, review, and summarize documents produced by clients


• Research relevant information including company records, entity filings, industry data, and product / technology features


• Assist in developing financial models and preparing exhibits summarizing financial information


• Assist the Senior Associates, Associate Directors and Directors in delivering complete reports, accompanied by relevant supporting documents, to the Managing Director for review


• Help prepare the testifying expert for client meetings, depositions, and trials, ensuring the file is well-organized and all work papers and important documents are put in a binder for a quick and easy review by the testifying expert


• Attend client meetings with Partners and managers to determine scope of engagement and continued client expectations


• Serve as a “Buddy” to interns and assist them in assimilating into the department and firm

What You Need to Get Here

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or economics; advanced degree in a related field a plus


• A CPA license is preferred and/or other suitable professional credentials or designations as needed


• 0-2 years of experience in public accounting, demonstrating a progression in complexity, scope, and number of engagement assignments


• Excellent written and oral communication skills to interact with team members, clients, attorneys, and referral sources both internally and externally


• Proficiency in use of technology and accounting programs including MS Office


• Skills in ethics and compliance, and financial standards, models and tools


• Skills in project management and project management


• Desire to manage and lead teams, and an interest in continually learning and gaining knowledge

Why Whitley Penn

Our total rewards are incredibly competitive. We work hard and recharge so that we can be our best selves for our clients. Explore some of our benefits below: 

• Firm Paid Medical Insurance (Free Employee Only Coverage on 2 of 3 plans)


• Voluntary Dental and Vision Insurance


• 17 Annual Firm holidays, with extended breaks around July 4^th and year end


• 20 days PTO


• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave


• 401(k) with Profit Sharing


• Discretionary Bonus Program


• Firm Paid Becker CPA Review Course & Reimbursement for Exam Fees


• Health & Wellness Program


• Pet Insurance 

Whitley Penn is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to age, race, creed, gender, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.  Whitley Penn is a participant in E-Verify please follow the link to review disclosure notifications: https://www.dropbox.com/s/olsr5xgsgxsntu3/E-Verify%20Notices.pdf?dl=0.  All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

#LI-HYBRID