Senior Counsel (Complex Trial)

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with matching

Flexible vacation policy

Comprehensive benefits coverage

Student loan repayment assistance

Job summary

Tyson & Mendes is seeking a Senior Counsel in Costa Mesa, California, to lead complex trials in insurance defense. The successful candidate will have over 8 years of experience, with a strong background in catastrophic injury and high-stakes litigation.

We offer a competitive compensation package, including a base salary ranging from $160,000 to $190,000, bonus incentives, comprehensive benefits, and a flexible work model.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in insurance defense litigation focused on complex trial work.
• Demonstrated success as lead trial counsel in multiple high-stakes cases.
• Strong knowledge of civil procedure, tort law, insurance law, and trial strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex trials representing clients in high-exposure cases.
• Develop and execute case strategies including risk assessment and trial preparation.
• Oversee all stages of litigation from pleadings to settlement negotiations.

Skills

Trial advocacy

Complex litigation management

Client relationship management

Oral advocacy

Legal writing

Negotiation skills

E-discovery tools

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Active license to practice law in California

Job description

Where Insurance Defense Meets Innovation

Active bar license in the State of California is required.

At Tyson & Mendes, we don’t just litigate—we lead. As a national force in insurance defense and trial advocacy, we’re known for our bold mission to stop Nuclear Verdicts® and our results‑driven approach to high‑exposure litigation. We are expanding our Complex Trial Teams and seeking accomplished Senior Counsel ready to make an impact in the courtroom and beyond.

If you are an experienced trial lawyer who thrives on complex, high‑stakes cases, values strategy over spectacle, and wants to be part of a team that is reshaping the future of civil defense—this is your opportunity.

Why Tyson & Mendes?

• Lead with Impact – As Senior Counsel on our Complex Trial Team, you’ll take the reins on challenging, high‑value matters with the support and trust of a firm built for trial success.
• Elite Training + Resources – From our Trial Academy to dedicated jury research and litigation support, we equip you with everything you need to succeed at the highest level.
• Stability + Momentum – Join a financially strong, nationally scaled firm with an agile, no‑silos culture that prioritizes long‑term success over short‑term wins.
• Authentic Inclusion – At Tyson & Mendes, diverse perspectives and lived experiences are essential to our approach, our outcomes, and our culture.
• Results Matter, Not Where You Work – Office‑based, hybrid, or remote—we focus on performance and outcomes, not location.

Who You Are

You are a trial‑tested litigator with a defense‑first mindset and the strategic acumen to lead complex cases from start to finish. You bring gravitas in the courtroom, confidence in depositions, and clarity in client communication. You think like a tactician, mentor with purpose, and uphold the highest standards of ethics and advocacy. With a deep understanding of high‑exposure civil litigation—especially in areas like catastrophic injury, wrongful death, or construction defect—you are ready to take the next step in your leadership and litigation career.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex trials: represent clients in high‑exposure and complex insurance defense cases, including catastrophic injury, wrongful death, property damage, and professional liability.
• Case strategy and planning: develop and execute case strategies, including risk assessment, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Client advisement: work closely with clients, insurance carriers, and adjusters to provide clear legal advice, case assessments, and updates on case developments.
• Litigation management: oversee all stages of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, pre‑trial motions, and settlement negotiations.
• Courtroom representation: serve as lead counsel in jury trials, bench trials, and mediations, presenting cases effectively and persuasively.
• Team leadership and mentorship: supervise and mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and support staff, ensuring high‑quality work and compliance with best practices.
• Collaboration with experts: collaborate with expert witnesses, including medical, forensic, engineering, and economic experts, to strengthen case arguments.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the State of California and eligibility to practice in federal courts.
• 8+ years of experience in insurance defense litigation with a strong focus on complex trial work.
• Demonstrated success as lead trial counsel in multiple high‑stakes cases.
• Strong knowledge of civil procedure, tort law, insurance law, and trial strategies.
• Proven ability to manage and prioritize a large, demanding caseload with limited oversight.
• Exceptional oral advocacy, legal writing, and negotiation skills.
• Strong client relationship management skills with an ability to communicate complex legal strategies effectively.
• Background in catastrophic injury, construction defect, or professional liability cases preferred.
• Experience with e‑discovery tools and case management software.
• Membership in local or national trial lawyer associations is a plus.

Compensation Package

• Base salary ranges from $160,000 to $190,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Annual billable‑hours bonus ranging from $10,000, with incremental $7,500 for each additional tier.
• Comprehensive benefits coverage at zero employee cost; average annual employer contribution for health, vision, dental, and life coverage is $700 to $1,700.
• 401(k) program with a 100% match on the first 3% contributed and a 50% match on the following 4–5%.
• Monthly technology reimbursement of $60.
• Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan (full‑time attorneys after one year with the firm) providing $100–$200 per month.
• Paid parental leave at base pay.
• 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 Women’s Initiative and Young Professionals Initiative.
• Firm‑wide charitable giving program.
• Flexible work model: remote, hybrid, or onsite options available.

Equal Opportunity Employer Notice

Tyson & Mendes’ policy is 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.

Firm collects certain information about applicants and employees in accordance with applicable laws. For more information on the firm’s privacy policies, please refer to the provided documentation.