Senior Counsel (Landlord/Tenant - Remote)

Tyson & Mendes; Novato (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) program with matching contribution

Student loan repayment assistance

Flexible vacation policy

Comprehensive in-house training opportunities

Annual billable hours bonus

Job summary

Tyson & Mendes, a leading civil defense firm in Novato, California, is seeking a Senior Counsel specializing in landlord-tenant litigation. This role will empower you to take charge of high-stakes cases and shape the future of civil defense litigation.

The ideal candidate will possess over 8 years of experience, a solid understanding of complex cases, and strong trial advocacy skills. The firm offers a competitive salary range from $160,000 to $190,000 annually along with comprehensive benefits and flexible work options.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of solid litigation experience.
• Ability to handle all facets of discovery and trial.
• Experience defending property owners in landlord-tenant cases.

Responsibilities

• Develop a case theme that is compelling.
• Handle court appearances, depositions, and trials independently.
• Cultivate relationships with existing and future clients.

Skills

Trial advocacy

Landlord-tenant litigation

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Education

JD from ABA approved school

Active bar license in California

Tools

MS Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Job description

Join Tyson & Mendes – Senior Counsel, Complex Trial Teams (Landlord-Tenant Litigation)

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 with deep experience in landlord‑tenant litigation to take the lead on high‑stakes, high‑impact defense matters.

If you are a seasoned trial attorney who thrives on complex habitability claims, wrongful eviction disputes, and high‑exposure premises liability cases, this is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of civil defense litigation.

Why Tyson & Mendes?

• Lead with Impact – As Senior Counsel handling landlord‑tenant cases, you’ll take ownership of multi‑party, high‑value litigation with the full backing of a nationally respected trial firm.
• Elite Training + Resources – From our Trial Academy to expert litigation support and proprietary defense strategies, we equip you with tools to lead with confidence.
• Stability + Momentum – Join a financially strong, fast‑growing firm with a no‑silos, collaborative culture focused on long‑term success.
• Authentic Inclusion – We believe diverse voices make better teams. Our culture of equity and respect supports your leadership from day one.
• Flexible Work Options – In‑office, hybrid, or remote—we focus on performance and outcomes, not location.

Who You Are

You are a trial‑tested litigator with substantial experience defending property owners, insurers, and housing providers in landlord‑tenant cases. You understand the complexities of habitability, mold exposure, wrongful eviction, tenant injury, and related claims. You’re a confident advocate in the courtroom, a sharp strategist behind the scenes, and a trusted mentor to junior attorneys. You thrive in complex, emotionally charged cases and have the clarity and confidence to guide clients through sensitive, high‑stakes litigation. If you’re ready to elevate your impact in landlord‑tenant defense, we want to hear from you.

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

• Develop a case theme that is more compelling than any plaintiff ploy for sympathy or anger
• Refuse to accept mediocrity, the average, the standard or the norm in anything
• Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs and trials
• Work as part of a team with all levels of experience
• Routine communications with clients
• Cultivate relationships with the firm’s existing and future clients
• Provide leadership and direction with respect to less experienced attorneys

Requirements

• JD from an ABA approved school
• Must be licensed in the State of California
• 8+ years of solid litigation experience, specifically with litigation support, deposition and trial preparation
• Ability to manage full case handling responsibilities, including all facets of discovery and trial
• Experience with time management systems
• Proficiency in MS Suite, specifically Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Ability to think and act independently and with minimal supervision
• Outstanding listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Professional appearance and demeanor

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

About Tyson & Mendes

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.

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.

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.