Senior Counsel (Complex Trial - Remote)

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. We invest in our people with specialized training in our proven defense methods, clear paths to leadership, and robust professional development, empowering attorneys to grow their careers, build their personal brands, and become leaders in the field.

About the Role

At Tyson & Mendes, we don’t just litigate—we lead. As a national force in insurance defense and trial advocacy, we’re expanding our Complex Trial Teams and seeking accomplished Senior Counsel ready to make an impact in the courtroom and beyond. This role is ideal for an experienced trial lawyer who thrives on complex, high-stakes cases, values strategy over spectacle, and wants to be part of a team reshaping the future of civil defense.

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

Why Tyson & Mendes?

• Lead with Impact – Take the reins on challenging, high-value matters with the support of a firm built for trial success.
• Elite Training + Resources – Access our Trial Academy, dedicated jury research, and litigation support to succeed at the highest level.
• Stability + Momentum – Join a financially strong, nationally scaled firm with an agile, no-silos culture prioritizing long-term success.
• Authentic Inclusion – Diverse perspectives and lived experiences are essential to our approach, outcomes, and culture.
• Results Matter, Not Where You Work – Office-based, hybrid, or remote options available; we focus on performance and outcomes.

Responsibilities

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

Pay

The base salary for this position ranges from $160,000 to $190,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Attorneys are eligible for an annual billable hours bonus ranging from $10,000 and aggregating with $7,500 for every additional tier.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits coverage, including plans available at zero employee cost (average annual employer contribution for health/vision/dental/life coverage is $700–$1,700).
• 401(k) program with 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 technology reimbursement.
• Paid parental leave at base pay.
• Employee Assistance Program through HealthAdvocate.
• 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 relationships with colleagues.

Schedule

Flexible Work Model: Remote, hybrid, or onsite options available.