Associate Attorney

Tyson & Mendes; Irving (TX); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote/hybrid/onsite options

401(k) match

Paid parental leave

Flexible vacation policy

Professional development

Firm CLE programs

Job summary

Tyson & Mendes in Dallas seeks an Associate Attorney with 5+ years of insurance defense experience to join our growing team. The role emphasizes independent case management, strong advocacy, and collaboration within a trusted firm.

Active Texas Bar membership is required, with opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and a path toward partnership; flexible work options are available to support balance and client service.

Qualifications

• Active Texas Bar license required.
• 5+ years of insurance defense litigation experience.
• JD from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Ability to independently manage cases through discovery to trial.
• Strong writing, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling case strategies that drive results.
• Independently manage court appearances, depositions, motions, and trials.
• Collaborate seamlessly with attorneys and staff at all experience levels.
• Maintain consistent and professional communication with clients.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior attorneys, contributing to team growth.

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal research and writing

Case management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Active Texas Bar license

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Join Tyson & Mendes – Build Your Future in Insurance Defense

Dallas, Texas | Associate Attorney | 5+ Years of Insurance Defense Experience

An active Texas Bar license is required.

Great litigators are developed through meaningful experience, strong mentorship, and the opportunity to take ownership of challenging cases. At Tyson & Mendes, we're building teams of attorneys who want to do exceptional work, grow together, and become the next generation of leaders.

Our Dallas office is seeking Associate Attorneys with 5+ years of insurance defense experience who are ready to take the next step in their careers.

We are looking for confident, collaborative litigators who value open communication, strong professional relationships, and a team-oriented approach to delivering outstanding results. Whether your goal is to become an exceptional trial attorney, mentor others, or pursue a future leadership or partnership opportunity, we want to help you build that future.

About Our Dallas Team

Our Dallas office represents clients throughout Texas in complex state and federal litigation, including trucking and transportation, premises liability, products liability, catastrophic injury, and complex casualty matters.

The office is led by Thera Cooper, Dallas Branch Office Managing Partner, with regional leadership from Scott Ruksakiati, Midwest & Central Regional Managing Partner.

Thera brings extensive experience in complex litigation, trial advocacy, and appeals, including commercial disputes, catastrophic personal injury, construction litigation, and products liability. Her background includes successful dispositive motions, favorable trial outcomes, and appellate victories.

Our Dallas team values collaboration, communication, and connection. We are seeking attorneys who want to contribute to a strong, supportive team while developing the skills and experience necessary for long-term professional success.

Why Tyson & Mendes?

Meaningful Litigation Experience: Handle complex, high-exposure matters, develop litigation strategies, and take ownership of your cases.

Future Leadership & Partnership Opportunities: Build your career through mentorship, professional development, and merit-based pathways to leadership and partnership.

Collaborative, Connected Teams: Work alongside experienced attorneys who value communication, knowledge sharing, and supporting one another.

Exceptional Resources & Trial Training: Benefit from national resources, advanced trial training, and the support of a firm recognized for its innovative approach to insurance defense and stopping Nuclear Verdicts®.

National Strength, Local Connection: Enjoy the resources and stability of a national litigation firm while working within a close-knit, collaborative office.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Opportunities for hybrid or remote flexibility based on position requirements, team needs, and performance.

Who We're Looking For

Active Texas Bar license in good standing.

5+ years of insurance defense litigation experience.

Experience in general liability, premises liability, transportation, products liability, construction, or complex casualty litigation preferred.

Demonstrated ability to independently manage cases, conduct depositions, draft substantive motions, and develop litigation strategies.

Strong legal writing, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

A collaborative, team-oriented approach and commitment to exceptional client service.

Interest in continued professional development, mentorship, and potential future leadership opportunities.

Trial experience or a strong desire to further develop courtroom skills.

Build Your Career. Help Lead Our Future.

At Tyson & Mendes, we're not simply filling positions. We're investing in attorneys who want to grow with us, contribute to exceptional teams, and help shape the future of insurance defense.

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 Texas
• 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 $100,000-145,000 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.

Pay Range

$100,000 - $145,000 USD