Senior Counsel (Remote or Hybrid)

About the Role

Tyson & Mendes is looking for an experienced Florida defense attorney to join a busy litigation team handling sophisticated, high-exposure matters throughout Central Florida. This is an opportunity for an attorney who already has a strong foundation in litigation but wants to sharpen their skills alongside attorneys who are regularly in the courtroom. You'll work closely with two of Tyson & Mendes' accomplished trial attorneys, Holly Howanitz and Stefani Cogsdale, gaining meaningful exposure to case strategy, motion practice, discovery, depositions, trial preparation, and trials themselves.

About the Team

The team handles sophisticated and often high-exposure litigation, including trucking and motor vehicle matters, premises liability, surgical and medical-related cases, and other complex liability matters. Stefani is based in Orlando and handles significant work throughout Central Florida, making Orlando an especially attractive location for this position. While the team is connected to the Jacksonville office, the role offers the opportunity to build alongside a growing presence in Central Florida without an expectation of constant travel. You'll have the resources, technology, training, and opportunities of a large organization while working closely with a team where your contribution is visible.

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 experiences
• Routine communications with clients
• Cultivate relationships with the firm's existing and future clients
• Provide leadership and direction with respect to less experienced attorneys

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA approved school
• Active Florida Bar license required
• 5–8 years of litigation experience preferred, including insurance defense
• Substantive experience in discovery and motion practice
• Strong legal writing skills
• Law Review or another demonstrated record of exceptional legal research and writing is particularly attractive
• Ability to manage full case handling responsibilities, including all facets of discovery and trial
• Ability to think and act independently and with minimal supervision
• Outstanding listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Experience with time management systems
• Proficiency in MS Suite, specifically Word, PowerPoint and Outlook

Pay

• Base salary ranges from $150,000–190,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
• Attorneys are eligible for an annual billable hours bonus starting at $10,000 and then aggregating with $7,500 for every additional tier
• Pay range: $150,000 USD – $190,000 USD

Benefits

• 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)
• 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 for full-time attorneys after one year with the firm — $100–$200/month
• Paid parental leave at base pay
• Monthly technology reimbursement of $60
• 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 your relationships with your colleagues
• Flexible Work Model: Remote, hybrid, or onsite options available