Senior Counsel

tysonmendesllp; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Loan repayment assistance

Technology reimbursement

Health, vision & dental coverage

Paid parental leave

CLE programs

Flexible vacation policy

Defined pathway to partnership

Job summary

Tyson & Mendes is seeking a seasoned litigator with a defense mindset to lead complex cases and mentor junior attorneys. You will drive strategy, manage depositions and trials, and oversee a litigation team while maintaining strong client relationships.

The role offers autonomy, opportunities for growth, and a flexible work model (remote, hybrid, or onsite) to support high-exposure matters and a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Qualifications

• Licensed in your state and ABA-approved JD required.
• 8+ years of solid litigation experience, including discovery and trial prep.
• Experience managing litigation teams and mentoring junior attorneys.
• Ability to handle court appearances, depositions, briefs, and trials independently.
• Experience with insurance defense matters preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; professional demeanor.

Responsibilities

• Develop a compelling case theme beyond plaintiff arguments.
• Independently manage court appearances, depositions, briefs, and trials.
• Collaborate with team across experience levels; maintain routine client communications.
• Cultivate relationships with current and future clients.
• Provide leadership and direction to less experienced attorneys.
• Support the firm’s insurance defense matters with strategic planning.

Skills

Litigation

Leadership

Client relations

Strategic thinking

Education

JD (ABA approved)

Tools

MS Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Why Tyson & Mendes?

• Lead with Purpose - Step into a senior role where your voice matters and your decisions shape outcomes. We empower our senior counsel with autonomy, trust, and the tools to lead high-exposure cases.
• Growth Built In - With our nationally recognized trial academy, ongoing executive-level development, and a firm culture that promotes from within, your next step forward is already in motion.
• Stability + Agility - Join a firm with national reach, financial strength, and a collaborative, no-silos mindset. We move with purpose-and you won't get lost in the shuffle.
• Inclusive by Design - Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is more than a policy-it's a practice that drives innovation, strengthens teams, and delivers better results.
• Flexible, Performance-Focused Work - Office, hybrid, or remote-we value outcomes over facetime. Your work style should support your best work.

Who You Are

You are a seasoned litigator with a defense mindset, respected by clients and colleagues for your strategic thinking, courtroom presence, and ethical leadership. You're driven to defend justice with courage, precision, and professionalism. You thrive on complex cases, thinking several moves ahead, and turning legal challenges into opportunities. You bring proven experience managing litigation teams, mentoring junior attorneys, and navigating high-stakes matters with confidence. Above all, you are committed to excellence, collaboration, and delivering exceptional value to clients.

Be part of something bigger-join Tyson & Mendes and help shape the future of insurance defense.

Responsibilities

• Develop a case theme that is more compelling than any plaintiff ploy for sympathy or anger
• Refuse to accept mediocrity, the average, the standard or the norm in anything
• Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs and trials
• Work as part of a team with all levels of experiences
• Routine communications with clients
• Cultivate relationships with the firm's existing and future clients
• Provide leadership and direction with respect to less experienced attorneys

Requirements

• JD from an ABA approved school
• Must be licensed in your state
• 8+ years of solid litigation experience, specifically with litigation support, deposition and trial preparation
• Ability to manage full case handling responsibilities, including all facets of discovery and trial
• Experience handling insurance defense matters preferred
• Experience with time management systems
• Proficiency in MS Suite, specifically Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Ability to think and act independently and with minimal supervision
• Outstanding listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Professional appearance and demeanor

Compensation Package

• The base salary for this position ranges from $140,000 - 170,000 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

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program through HealthAdvocate
• 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