Senior Counsel (Complex Trial)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work model

Technology reimbursement

401(k) match program

Bar license renewal fees paid

Job summary

Tyson & Mendes LLP seeks an experienced Senior Counsel to lead complex insurance defense matters. You will drive strategy, mentor teams, and represent clients in high-exposure cases across jurisdictions.

The role emphasizes courtroom leadership, strategic planning, and collaboration with experts, while offering formal training, resources, and a flexible work model that prioritizes outcomes and client service.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Active California bar license to practice law.
• 8+ years of experience in insurance defense litigation focusing on complex trial work.
• Proven success as lead trial counsel in multiple high-stakes cases.
• Strong knowledge of civil procedure, tort law, insurance law, and trial strategies.
• Ability to manage a large, demanding caseload with minimal oversight.
• Exceptional oral advocacy, legal writing, and negotiation skills.
• Strong client relationship management and clear communication of complex legal strategies.
• Background in catastrophic injury, construction defect, or professional liability preferred.
• Experience with e-discovery tools and case management software.
• Membership in local or national trial lawyer associations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead Complex Trials: represent clients in high-exposure insurance defense matters including catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.
• Develop and execute case strategies, including risk assessment, discovery, motions, and trial prep.
• Advise clients, insurance carriers, and adjusters with clear case assessments and updates.
• Oversee all stages of litigation: pleadings, discovery, depositions, motions, and settlements.
• Serve as lead counsel in jury trials, bench trials, and mediations with persuasive advocacy.
• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and staff to ensure high-quality work.
• Collaborate with expert witnesses to strengthen case arguments.

Skills

Trial advocacy

Insurance defense

Case management

Leadership

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

e-discovery tools

case management software

Job description

Where Insurance Defense Meets Innovation

Please note: An 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.

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

• Lead Complex Trials: Represent clients in high-exposure and complex insurance defense cases, including cases involving 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.

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%
• Employees receive a monthly technology reimbursement of $60
• 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
• 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 colleagues
• 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.

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. By the way, if you read all of this, congratulations – we can already tell your attention to detail is exceptional.

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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Pay Range

$160,000 - $190,000 USD