Senior Counsel

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Parental leave

Technology reimbursement

Health benefits

Diversity programs

Firm CLE programs

Job summary

Tyson & Mendes LLP in the United States is seeking a seasoned senior attorney to lead high-exposure insurance defense matters. You will mentor junior attorneys, shape strategy, and drive results in a national practice known for bold, innovative trial advocacy.

The firm offers flexible work arrangements—office, hybrid, or remote—along with a comprehensive compensation package, strong professional development, and a pathway to leadership.

Qualifications

• JD from ABA approved law school and active CA bar license.
• 8+ years of solid litigation experience, including discovery and trial prep.
• Proficiency with MS Word, PowerPoint and Outlook; strong time-management.
• Ability to lead and mentor junior attorneys and manage litigation teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop a compelling case theme and lead court appearances, depositions, briefs and trials.
• Drive strategy and provide direction to less experienced attorneys within the team.
• Engage in routine client communications and cultivate relationships with current and prospective clients.
• Provide leadership and uphold ethical standards in high-stakes matters.

Skills

Litigation leadership

Courtroom experience

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Mentoring juniors

Independent worker

Education

JD from ABA approved school

Bar license in California

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Join Tyson & Mendes – Where Insurance Defense Meets Innovation

At Tyson & Mendes, we’re more than a national litigation firm—we’re a force for change in insurance defense and trial advocacy. Known for our cutting‑edge approach and bold mission to stop Nuclear Verdicts®, we set the standard for results‑driven representation across the country.

As we continue our nationwide growth, we’re seeking accomplished senior attorneys who bring courtroom confidence, leadership, and a passion for strategy. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact on clients, cases, and the legal industry, this is your moment.

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.

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 colleague
• 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.

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 .

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.