Senior Counsel

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Health coverage

Parental leave

Tech reimbursement

CLE programs

Bar license renewal

Job summary

Tyson & Mendes, a national litigation firm focused on innovative insurance defense, seeks a senior litigator in California. You will lead complex cases, mentor junior attorneys, and shape defense strategy while maintaining ethical leadership and client service excellence.

The role requires a CA bar license, 8+ years of solid litigation experience, and a proven ability to manage discovery, depositions, and trials with autonomy. Competitive compensation and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of solid litigation experience
• Licensed in your state with CA bar admission
• Experience leading litigation teams and mentoring junior attorneys

Responsibilities

• Develop case themes and strategy for high-exposure matters
• Independently manage court appearances, depositions, briefs and trials
• Provide leadership to less experienced attorneys and collaborate with clients

Skills

Litigation leadership

Trial experience

Insurance defense

Time management

MS Office tools

Independent thinking

Communication skills

CA bar admission

Education

JD from ABA-accredited law school

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Join Tyson & Mendes – Where Insurance Defense Meets Innovation. An active bar license in the State of California is required.

Tyson & Mendes is a national litigation firm focused on innovative insurance defense and trial advocacy, known for a bold mission to elevate results across the country.

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.

Make Your Move. Be part of something bigger—join Tyson & Mendes and help shape the future of insurance defense. Apply today. We’re ready for your best.

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 $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.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program through Health Advocate.
• 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.

About Tyson & Mendes

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.

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.

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.

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