Senior Counsel

Tyson & Mendes; Costa Mesa (CA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with matching

Parental leave

Technology reimbursement

In-house training and leadership dev

Job summary

Tyson & Mendes in Costa Mesa, CA seeks a Senior Counsel with 8+ years of litigation to join our Orange County office. You will own cases, influence strategy, and build client relationships while mentoring others.

The role offers autonomy, collaboration with experienced trial attorneys, and opportunities for leadership and partnership. You will handle general liability, premises liability, and other complex civil matters.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of solid litigation experience; deposition and trial prep included.
• Must be licensed in California and able to practice law in the state.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to mentor associates and provide leadership to the team.
• Experience managing client and carrier relationships and strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop a compelling case theme and strategy for defense.
• Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs and trials.
• Collaborate with colleagues across experience levels.
• Maintain routine communications with clients and cultivate relationships.
• Provide leadership to less experienced attorneys.

Skills

Litigation experience

Independent thinking

Client relations

Leadership

Education

J.D. (ABA approved)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Senior Counsel | Insurance Defense | Orange County

You’ve Built the Experience. Now Put It to Work Somewhere You Can Keep Growing.

An active California Bar license is required.

Tyson & Mendes is seeking an accomplished Senior Counsel with 8+ years of litigation experience to join our Orange County team in Costa Mesa.

At this point in your career, you know how to litigate. Your next opportunity should give you the autonomy to use that experience, the sophistication of work to keep you challenged, and a path to continue growing as a litigator and leader.

We are looking for experienced attorneys who want to own their cases, influence strategy, develop client relationships, mentor others, and potentially build toward leadership and partnership opportunities.

Take the Lead on Sophisticated Litigation

Our Orange County attorneys handle a broad range of matters, including general liability, premises liability, personal injury, construction defect, medical malpractice, toxic and mass torts, employment, and other complex civil litigation.

As Senior Counsel, you’ll have the opportunity to take a leading role in your matters, including case strategy, depositions, expert discovery, dispositive motions, mediations, client and carrier relationships, and trial preparation.

We value experienced attorneys who can see the bigger picture, anticipate what comes next, and move cases forward with confidence.

Work Alongside Experienced Trial Attorneys

The Orange County office is managed by Partner Michelle Campbell, a member of the firm’s Complex Trial Team and an accomplished insurance defense litigator.

Michelle has served as first or second chair in multiple trials and has handled complex, high exposure litigation from inception through trial. She brings a creative and strategic approach to her cases while keeping clients closely involved throughout the process.

The office also includes experienced partners, senior attorneys, mentors, and trial lawyers who bring different perspectives and areas of expertise. It is a collaborative environment where experienced attorneys can exchange ideas, strategize together, and learn from one another.

Autonomy Without Isolation

You have spent years developing your judgment. We want you to use it.

Senior Counsel are trusted to manage their work, make strategic decisions, communicate directly with clients, and move matters forward without unnecessary layers of oversight.

At the same time, you’ll have access to experienced attorneys when collaboration or another perspective can make a case stronger.

You’ll have independence, but you won’t be on an island.

Senior Counsel does not have to be the final destination.

For attorneys interested in what comes next, Tyson & Mendes offers opportunities to mentor associates, develop business and client relationships, take on leadership responsibilities, and pursue partnership.

We are looking for experienced attorneys who can contribute today while also helping us build the future of our Orange County office.

Flexibility With a Strong Local Team

Our Costa Mesa office offers flexibility while maintaining the connection of a local team.

Several of our partners and senior attorneys work hybrid schedules and spend time in the office throughout the week. This creates opportunities for collaboration, mentoring, strategy, and connection while still giving experienced attorneys flexibility in how they work.

Your Experience Should Open Doors.

If you’re ready for greater autonomy, sophisticated litigation, opportunities to lead, and room to continue advancing your career, we’d love to meet you.

Bring your experience. Lead with confidence. Build what comes next with Tyson & Mendes Orange County.

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 the State of California
• 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 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

CompensationPackage

• The base salary for this position ranges from $160,000-$190,000 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