Senior Counsel

tysonmendesllp; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Tyson & Mendes in Houston seeks an experienced Senior Counsel with 8+ years of insurance defense to lead complex cases and mentor junior attorneys. The role emphasizes independent case management, strategic defense planning, and collaboration with a high-caliber team across trucking, premises, products, construction, and general liability matters.

You will advance your litigation practice, participate in shaping firm strategy, and contribute to mentoring and leadership initiatives within the

Qualifications

• Active Texas Bar license in good standing.
• 8+ years of insurance defense litigation experience.
• Experience in trucking and transportation liability, premises liability, products liability, construction litigation, general liability and complex casualty litigation.
• Catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death defense experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Develop effective defense strategies and case themes.
• Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to team development.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure high-quality client service.
• Manage discovery, depositions, and substantive motions with independence.

Skills

Insurance defense litigation

Deposition experience

Discovery management

Motions drafting

Litigation strategy

Team leadership

Job description

Join Tyson & Mendes - Advance Your Career in Insurance Defense

Houston, Texas | Senior Counsel | 8+ Years of Insurance Defense Experience

An active Texas Bar license is required.

Great litigators are developed through meaningful experience, challenging cases, and the opportunity to lead. At Tyson & Mendes, we're building teams of accomplished attorneys who want to do exceptional work, collaborate with talented colleagues, and become the next generation of leaders.

Our Houston office is seeking Senior Counsel attorneys with 8+ years of insurance defense experience who are ready to take the next step in their careers.

We're looking for experienced litigators who can independently manage complex cases, develop effective defense strategies, and contribute to a highly collaborative team. Whether your goal is to strengthen your trial practice, mentor developing attorneys, or pursue future leadership or partnership opportunities, we offer the resources and support to help you grow.

About Our Houston Team

Our Houston office represents clients throughout Texas in complex state and federal litigation, including trucking and transportation, premises liability, products liability, construction, and complex casualty matters at both primary and excess coverage levels.

The office is led by Jennifer Akre , Houston and Austin Branch Office Managing Partner , with regional leadership from Scott Ruksakiati , Midwest & Central Regional Managing Partner .

Jennifer brings more than 15 years of experience litigating high-risk civil and criminal matters. Her practice includes defending businesses in the transportation and logistics, oil and gas, and multifamily housing industries. A former partner at a large Texas-based firm, Jennifer combines extensive litigation experience with a strong commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and professional development. She also chairs Tyson & Mendes' Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Our Houston team is focused on building a connected, communicative, and highly collaborative practice. We're seeking experienced attorneys who want to contribute to the team's success, share their knowledge, and play a meaningful role in its continued growth.

Why Tyson & Mendes?

• Lead Complex Litigation: Take ownership of sophisticated, high-exposure matters, develop defense strategies, and guide cases from inception through resolution.
• Pathways to Leadership & Partnership: Explore merit-based advancement opportunities, including future leadership roles and potential partnership.
• Collaborative, Connected Teams: Join attorneys who value open communication, teamwork, mentorship, and shared accountability.
• Exceptional Resources & Trial Training: Benefit from national resources, advanced trial training, and innovative defense strategies focused on stopping Nuclear Verdicts.
• National Strength, Local Connection: Enjoy the resources of a national litigation firm while developing strong professional relationships within a collaborative local team.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid or remote opportunities may be available based on position requirements, team needs, and performance.

Who We're Looking For

Active Texas Bar license in good standing.

8+ years of insurance defense litigation experience required.

Experience in one or more of the following practice areas:

• Trucking and transportation liability
• Premises liability
• Products liability
• Construction litigation
• General liability and complex casualty litigation
• Catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death defense

Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex litigation matters from inception through resolution.

Strong experience conducting depositions, managing discovery, drafting and arguing substantive motions, and developing litigation strategies.

Experience evaluating exposure, advising clients, negotiating settlements, and managing insurance carrier relationships.

Trial experience preferred, with the confidence and ability to take an active role in courtroom proceedings.

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

A collaborative leadership mindset, with an interest in mentoring attorneys and contributing to team development.

A commitment to exceptional client service, professional accountability, and continued growth.

Your Experience. Your Leadership. Your Future.

At Tyson & Mendes, we recognize that experienced attorneys bring more than legal knowledge. They bring judgment, perspective, mentorship, and the ability to elevate the people around them.

We're looking for Senior Counsel attorneys who want to make an immediate impact while helping shape the future of our Houston practice.

If you're an accomplished insurance defense litigator seeking challenging work, a collaborative team, and meaningful opportunities for professional advancement, we'd like to meet you.

Responsibilities

Develop a case theme that is more compelling th