Senior Counsel (Complex Trial)

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
• Prioritized and managed 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

Benefits

• Base salary ranging from $160,000-$190,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
• 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)
• Technology reimbursement of $60 per month
• Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan (full-time attorneys after one year with the firm)
• Monthly 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
• Multiple social and off-site events each year to enrich your relationships with your colleagues

Pay

Pay Range: $160,000 USD - $190,000 USD

About Tyson & Mendes

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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

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.