Senior Counsel

tysonmendesllp; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

Tyson & Mendes seeks experienced litigators to handle substantive insurance defense and civil matters in Northern California, with meaningful responsibility and collaboration from a seasoned team.

Based in Novato, you’ll own cases, develop strategy, manage clients, and gain real trial exposure while working with a supportive team that values performance and initiative.

Qualifications

• Active California Bar license required.
• Experienced litigator with ownership and leadership.
• Ability to handle discovery, motions, depositions, and trial prep.

Responsibilities

• Develop case strategy and manage client relationships.
• Handle discovery, motion practice, and depositions.
• Prepare matters for trial and coordinate with senior trial lawyers.

Skills

Litigation

Case management

Trial practice

Education

California Bar license

Job description

Your Experience Should Open Doors, not Put You in a Box.

Please note: An active California Bar license is required.

At this stage in your career, you know what kind of lawyer you are. You also know the difference between simply managing a caseload and being somewhere you can continue to grow, take ownership, try cases, and make an impact.

Tyson & Mendes is growing our Northern California team , and we're looking for experienced litigators who want meaningful responsibility and the freedom to practice with confidence, while still having experienced trial lawyers and a highly collaborative team behind them.

Based out of our Novato office and serving matters throughout Northern California and the greater San Francisco Bay Area , our attorneys handle substantive insurance defense and civil litigation with real opportunities to develop cases from beginning to end.

If you're a proactive litigator who takes ownership, communicates well, and wants your performance (not simply your years in practice) to determine what comes next, this may be the opportunity you've been looking for.

Why Northern California?

Own Your Cases Senior attorneys here aren't waiting for someone else to move a case forward. You'll be trusted to develop strategy, manage client relationships, handle discovery and motion practice, take and defend depositions, prepare matters for trial, and make the decisions that move your cases toward the best possible outcome.

Get Closer to the Courtroom

This is a true litigation practice. Our Northern California attorneys handle matters with meaningful trial exposure, and several of our experienced attorneys regularly take cases to verdict. If you want to continue developing as a trial lawyer, or simply want to work alongside attorneys who actually try cases; you'll find those opportunities here.

Experience a Meritocracy, Not a Waiting Game

We don't believe your next opportunity should be determined solely by how long you've occupied a particular title. Tyson & Mendes rewards contribution, performance, initiative, and leadership. Attorneys who distinguish themselves have advocates who notice and opportunities to continue advancing.

Collaborate Without Losing Your Autonomy

Our Northern California attorneys operate as a highly collaborative group. Teams share knowledge, resources, and even attorneys when it makes sense, creating exposure to different lawyers, matters, and approaches. At the same time, experienced attorneys who prefer consistency within their team can build that rhythm as well.

Flexibility With a Real Office to Come Home To

Our Novato office offers genuine flexibility. Some attorneys enjoy being in regularly, others work hybrid schedules, and our broader support structure accommodates remote work. Attorneys who consistently come in at least twice a week can establish a permanent office space. The goal isn't facetime: it's giving experienced attorneys an environment where they can do their best work.

The Kind of Attorney Who Thrives Here

You're experienced enough to know that autonomy comes with accountability.

You take ownership of your cases and your client relationships. You follow up without being chased. You communicate proactively. You understand the realities of a busy litigation practice and can think, do, and bill, while maintaining excellent work product and client service.

Insurance defense experience is highly valued, but we also recognize that great litigators come from different backgrounds. Attorneys with substantive civil litigation, plaintiff-side, criminal, construction, professional liability, or other complex litigation experience may bring skills that translate well to our practice.

We're less interested in pedigree than we are in grit, judgment, initiative, and performance . We want people who have challenged themselves, learned from experience, and are still interested in becoming better lawyers.

Support When You Need It. Trust When You've Earned It.

Our attorneys are busy, practicing litigators, so this isn't an environment built around unnecessary meetings or constant oversight.

Instead, you'll find experienced attorneys who are highly responsive when you reach out, willing to share their knowledge, and invested in helping colleagues succeed. The attorneys who get the most from this environment are the ones who engage: ask questions, seek feedback, participate, and build relationships across the office.

Monthly office meetings, team meetings, social events, and informal traditions give attorneys opportunities to connect beyond their individual caseloads.

Serious Litigation. People Who Don't Take Themselves Too Seriously.

You can be an excellent trial lawyer without making the practice of law unnecessarily rigid.

Our Northern California team includes accomplished attorneys who work hard, collaborate closely, and still enjoy the people they work with. There's room for personality here and an appreciation for attorneys who can handle serious matters wi