Legal Assistant (Western Region - CA)

Tyson & Mendes; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay range 33-43/hour

Overtime pay 1.5×

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) match

Vacation accrual

Parental leave

Education reimbursement

Diversity programs

Social events

Job summary

Tyson & Mendes, a nationally recognized trial firm, seeks a Legal Assistant to support civil litigation and insurance defense teams in a fast-paced environment. You will draft and e-file documents, manage calendars, coordinate hearings, and communicate with clients and courts with professional discretion.

The role requires 5+ years of litigation experience, California filing knowledge, strong MS Office skills, and familiarity with Westlaw.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of litigation experience.
• Insurance defense and personal injury exposure.
• Experience filing complex motions.
• Solid understanding of civil litigation (state, federal, and appellate).
• Experience with California state, federal, and appellate filings.

Responsibilities

• Format pleadings and correspondence.
• File and E-file documents in State, Federal, and Appellate Courts.
• Prepare Table of Contents and Table of Authorities for motions.
• Docket case deadlines.
• Research using Westlaw.
• Assist with trial preparation and daily administrative tasks.
• Document management and file organization.

Skills

Litigation support

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Independent worker

Tools

Westlaw

MS Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Legal Assistant – Join a Top-Ranked Litigation Firm

Support. Organize. Thrive.

Full-Time | Hybrid – in office as needed

Are you a skilled litigation legal assistant looking for a new challenge in a fast-paced, high-performing legal environment? Tyson & Mendes, a nationally recognized trial firm, is seeking a detail-driven and proactive professional to support our attorneys in civil litigation and insurance defense. If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a dynamic team where your contributions truly matter—we’d love to connect.

Why Build Your Career at Tyson & Mendes?

• Team-Centered Culture – Collaborate with exceptional attorneys and legal professionals in a respectful, supportive environment
• Professional Growth – We prioritize mentorship, continuous learning, and internal advancement opportunities
• Inclusive & Respectful Workplace – We’re committed to building a diverse team where every voice is valued
• Stability with Recognition – Join a nationally awarded firm known for its results, reputation, and commitment to excellence

What You’ll Do and Who You Are

As a Legal Assistant at Tyson & Mendes, you’ll provide critical support to attorneys handling civil litigation and insurance defense cases. Responsibilities include drafting and e-filing legal documents, managing case calendars, coordinating hearings and trial preparation, and communicating with clients and courts—all while maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

We’re seeking someone with experience in litigation support, strong organizational and communication skills, and proficiency in legal software and e-filing procedures. You should be detail-oriented, able to manage multiple deadlines, and able to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Format all pleadings and correspondence
• File and E-file documents in State, Federal, and Appellate Courts
• Prepare Table of Contents and Table of Authorities for motions
• Docket case related deadlines
• Research using Westlaw
• Assist with trial preparationAssist attorneys with daily administrative tasks
• Assist with document management and file organization

Requirements

• 5+ years of litigation experience
• Insurance defense and personal injury experience
• Experience filing complex motions
• Solid understanding of civil litigation (state, federal, and appellate calendar deadlines and rules)
• Experience with state, federal, and appellate court filings in California
• High proficiency in MS Suite, specifically Word, PowerPoint and Outlook and Adobe Acrobat
• Ability to think and act independently and with minimal supervision
• Handle sensitive and confidential information
• Manage a diverse workload and adapt quickly to changing priorities
• Work collaboratively within a team environment under tight deadlines
• Articulate, organized and a team player with excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
• Professional appearance and demeanor

Compensation Package

• The hourly pay range of $33-43/hour, depending on experience
• Overtime paid at 1.5× the regular hourly rate, as needed
• Comprehensive benefits coverage offered, including plans available at zero employee cost (average annual employee contribution for health/vision/dental coverage is $700-1,700)
• Employee Assistance Program through HealthAdvocate
• Employees receive a monthly technology reimbursement of $60
• 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%
• Vacation time is accrued annually at the employee’s base rate
• Paid parental leave at base pay
• 37.5-hour standard workweek designed to promote balance and prevent burnout
• Educational reimbursement program for non-attorney eligible team members (up to $3,500 per calendar year)
• 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

About Tyson & Mendes

Click here to learn more about the Tyson & Mendes Office! (944) The Tyson & Mendes Office - YouTube

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.

Follow along with the firm on Twitter and LinkedIn or visit www.tysonmendes.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer Notice

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.