Associate Attorney

Tyson & Mendes; Costa Mesa (CA); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work model (remote, hybrid,オン

Job summary

Tyson & Mendes in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking an Associate Attorney to join our dynamic insurance defense team. The right candidate will hold a CA bar license and a JD from an ABA-accredited school, with 1–8 years of solid litigation experience, including depositions and trial preparation.

You will independently manage a full caseload from discovery through trial, collaborate with attorneys across levels, and maintain strong client communications.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active bar license in the state of CA.
• 1–8 years of solid litigation experience, including case strategy, depositions, and trial preparation.
• Ability to independently manage a full caseload, from discovery through trial.
• Familiarity with litigation timekeeping and billing systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Self-motivated with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling case strategies that drive results.
• Independently manage court appearances, depositions, motion practice, and trials.
• Collaborate seamlessly with attorneys and staff at all experience levels.
• Maintain consistent and professional communication with clients.
• Build and nurture relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior attorneys.

Skills

Active bar license in CA

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Join Tyson & Mendes – Where Insurance Defense Meets Innovation

Associate Attorney

Please note: An active bar license in the State of CA is required.

At Tyson & Mendes, we’re more than a national litigation firm—we’re a force for change in insurance defense and trial advocacy. Known for our cutting-edge approach and our bold mission to stop Nuclear Verdicts, we set the standard for results-driven representation across the country.

We’re growing fast—and looking for sharp, motivated attorneys who want to do meaningful work, win in the courtroom, and be part of a firm that’s redefining legal excellence.

Why Tyson & Mendes?

Elevate Your Career - We don’t just talk about growth—we build it in. Our attorneys benefit from advanced trial training, ongoing mentorship, and clear pathways for advancement. Your success is our investment.

Stability with Momentum - We’ve achieved national scale while preserving a collaborative, people-first culture. Join a team that values long-term impact over short-term wins.

Diversity Drives Us - We go beyond checking boxes. At Tyson & Mendes, diverse perspectives aren’t just welcomed—they’re essential. We foster a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and celebrated.

Work Where You Thrive - Office, home, or hybrid—we offer flexible arrangements designed around performance and balance, not rigid policies.

Who You Are

You are driven to win and defend justice with integrity, courage, and precision. Strategic and confident in your approach, you navigate complex legal challenges with a clear, defense-minded perspective. You follow the rules while thinking several steps ahead—like any strong litigator should. Passionate about trial work and dedicated to exceptional client service, you strive to make a meaningful impact in every case. You’re also eager to grow, collaborate, and contribute to a high-performing legal team that values excellence, inclusion, and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling case strategies that cut through emotional arguments and drive results
• Set a higher standard—challenge mediocrity and push for excellence in every aspect of your work
• Independently manage court appearances, depositions, motion practice, and trials
• Collaborate seamlessly with attorneys and staff at all experience levels
• Maintain consistent and professional communication with clients
• Build and nurture relationships with existing and prospective clients
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior attorneys, contributing to team growth and success

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active bar license in the state of CA
• 1–8 years of solid litigation experience, including case strategy, depositions, and trial preparation
• Ability to independently manage a full caseload, from discovery through trial
• Familiarity with litigation timekeeping and billing systems
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Self-motivated with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities
• Professional appearance and demeanor

CompensationPackage

• The base salary for this position ranges from $115,000-160,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
• Attorneys are eligible for an annual billable hours bonus ranging from $10,000 and then aggregating with $7,500 for every additional tier
• Comprehensive benefits coverage offered, including plans available at zero employee cost (average annual employer contribution for health/vision/dental/life coverage is $700-$1,700)
• Employees benefit from a 401(k) program that includes a 100% match on the first 3% contributed and a 50% match on the following 4-5%
• Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan (full-time attorneys after one year with the firm)$100-$200/month
• Paid parental leave at base pay
• Employees receive a monthly technology reimbursement of $60
• Employee Assistance Program throughHealthAdvocate
• Comprehensive in-house training and leadership development opportunities
• Firm Provided CLE Programs and Paid Bar License Renewal Fees
• Flexible vacation policy for attorneys
• Defined pathway to partnership
• Internal diversity and inclusion programs, such as the Women’s Initiative and Young Professionals Initiative
• Firm-wide charitable giving program
• Numerous social and off-site events each year to enrich your relationships with your colleagues
• Flexible Work Model: Remote, hybrid, or onsite options available

We’re one of the fastest-growing civil defense firms in the country—known for breaking the mold of the traditional law firm. Our dynamic, diverse team of trial attorneys delivers exceptional results, from landmark cases like Howell v. Hamilton Meats to numerous defense verdicts across the nation.

But we don’t stop at great legal work—we invest in our people. With specialized training in our proven defense methods, clear paths to leadership, and robust professional development, we empower attorneys to grow their careers, build their personal brands, and become leaders in the field.

OK, now for the legal copy (we are a law firm, after all). It is Tyson & Mendes’ policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. By the way, if you read all of this, congratulations – we can already tell your attention to detail is exceptional.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS/EMPLOYEES OF TYSON & MENDES: Please take notice that the Firm collects certain information about you. For more information on the Firm’s policies, please refer to the document provided here .

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As set forth in Tyson & Mendes LLP’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows: