Senior Counsel (Landlord/Tenant - Remote)

About the role

Landlord tenant litigation requires more than knowing the law. The cases can be fact intensive, highly personal, and increasingly complex. They require attorneys who can see the bigger picture, communicate clearly with clients, and confidently take ownership from the first evaluation through resolution or trial. Tyson & Mendes is growing our Northern California team, and we are looking for an experienced attorney with a strong background in landlord tenant and habitability litigation who is ready for meaningful responsibility and the opportunity to continue developing as a trial lawyer. Based out of our Novato office and handling matters throughout Northern California and the greater San Francisco Bay Area, you will join a collaborative group of litigators handling sophisticated civil defense matters with the resources of a national trial firm behind them. If you know this practice, enjoy the strategy behind complex cases, and want an environment where your experience and initiative are valued, we would love to meet you.

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
• Maintain routine communications with clients
• Cultivate relationships with the firm’s existing and future clients
• Provide leadership and direction with respect to less experienced attorneys
• Take ownership of sophisticated matters: develop strategy, manage discovery, handle substantive motion practice, take and defend depositions, work with experts, evaluate exposure, prepare matters for mediation and trial, and guide cases toward resolution
• Build on your landlord tenant experience: handle habitability, premises liability, property‑related disputes, and other landlord tenant claims
• Gain real trial exposure: work with attorneys who regularly take cases to trial and strengthen your courtroom experience
• Collaborate with experienced litigators: share ideas, resources, and experience while maintaining autonomy
• Let your performance create opportunity: contribute to team success, demonstrate initiative, and pursue career growth based on merit
• Embrace flexibility with connection: work remotely, hybrid, or onsite; participate in monthly office meetings, team meetings, social events, and informal gatherings
• Bring your experience and keep building: own your practice, handle challenging matters, learn from seasoned trial lawyers, and continue developing toward the next stage of your career

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA‑approved law school
• Active California Bar license

Requirements

• 8+ years of solid litigation experience, with emphasis on litigation support, deposition and trial preparation
• Ability to manage full case handling responsibilities, including all facets of discovery and trial
• Experience handling insurance defense matters preferred
• Experience with time‑management systems
• Proficiency in MS Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to think and act independently with minimal supervision
• Outstanding listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Professional appearance and demeanor

Skills

• Discovery management
• Deposition taking and defending
• Substantive motion practice
• Working with experts
• Mediation and trial preparation
• Case strategy development and client communication
• Leadership and mentoring of less‑experienced attorneys

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits coverage (health, vision, dental, life) – average annual employer contribution $700‑$1,700; plans available at zero employee cost
• 401(k) plan with 100% match on first 3% contributed and 50% match on next 4‑5%
• Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan ($100‑$200/month) after one year
• Paid parental leave at base pay