Senior Counsel (Complex Trial)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

401(k) matching program

Flexible work model

Leadership development opportunities

Job summary

Tyson & Mendes, located in San Francisco, is looking for an accomplished Senior Counsel to join our Complex Trial Team. In this role, you will lead complex cases involving catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and more, ensuring effective representation and strategy development.

We are seeking an experienced trial lawyer with at least 8 years of litigation experience, proactive in client relations and adept at courtroom representation. If you thrive under pressure and value ethical standards, apply today to contribute to the future of civil defense.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in insurance defense litigation with a focus on complex trial work.
• Demonstrated success as lead trial counsel in high-stakes cases.
• Strong knowledge of tort law and insurance law.

Responsibilities

• Lead clients in high-exposure insurance cases.
• Develop and execute case strategies with a risk assessment.
• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys.

Skills

Trial advocacy

Civil procedure knowledge

Exceptional oral advocacy

Client relationship management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

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 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

• 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 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.

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