Senior Counsel (General Liability/Coverage)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work model

401(k) with match

Parental leave

Job summary

Tyson & Mendes LLP seeks a Senior Counsel in California with a focus on general liability insurance defense and coverage matters. The ideal candidate has a strong defense mindset, courtroom presence, and leadership experience to guide litigation teams.

Active CA bar license and 8+ years of experience are required. The firm supports a flexible work model—remote, hybrid, or onsite—and offers a robust compensation package with growth opportunities and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• JD from ABA-accredited law school is required.
• Active bar license in the State of California.
• 8+ years of solid litigation experience in general liability insurance defense and insurance coverage matters.
• Proven ability to manage full case responsibilities, including discovery and trial.
• Strong experience handling insurance defense cases, general liability and coverage issues.
• Proficiency in time management systems and MS Suite.

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling case themes and strategies for defending against plaintiff arguments.
• Maintain a high standard of practice with emphasis on outcomes.
• Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs, and trials.
• Collaborate with attorneys at all levels and mentor junior attorneys.
• Maintain routine communications with clients and cultivate client relationships.

Skills

Litigation experience

General liability

Insurance defense

Time management

Education

JD from ABA-accredited law school

Bar license (CA)

Tools

MS Suite

Job description

Senior Counsel (General Liability/Coverage)

Join Tyson & Mendes – Where Insurance Defense Meets Innovation

Please note: An active bar license in the State of California is required.

At Tyson & Mendes, we’re not just 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 an accomplished General Liability Insurance Defense Litigation and Insurance Coverage Attorney in California who brings courtroom confidence, leadership, and a passion for strategic defense. 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 general liability cases and insurance coverage matters.
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 face time. 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 thrive on complex general liability insurance defense and insurance coverage matters, thinking several moves ahead, and turning legal challenges into opportunities. You have a proven track record managing litigation teams, mentoring junior attorneys, and navigating high-stakes litigation 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. We’re ready for your best.

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling case themes, focusing on strategies that counter plaintiff arguments of sympathy or anger
• Maintain a high standard in all facets of your practice—no mediocrity or average outcomes
• Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs, and trials
• Work collaboratively with attorneys at all experience levels
• Maintain routine communications with clients
• Cultivate relationships with both existing and future clients
• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior attorneys

Requirements

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active bar license in the State of California
• 8+ years of solid litigation experience, specifically in general liability insurance defense and insurance coverage matters
• Proven ability to manage full case responsibilities, including discovery and trial
• Strong experience handling insurance defense cases, particularly general liability and coverage issues
• Proficiency in time management systems
• Strong proficiency in MS Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to think independently and with minimal supervision
• Excellent 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 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.

Pay Range

$160,000 - $190,000 USD