Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney | Sacramento, California Please note: An active California Bar license is required. The attorney you work for early in your career can have an enormous impact on the lawyer you become. Tyson & Mendes is growing our Sacramento office, and Partner Bill Jenkins is looking for an Associate Attorney to join his expanding litigation team. With more than 30 years of experience, Bill brings a wealth of litigation knowledge and a leadership style that is patient, approachable, and even tempered. He believes in giving attorneys the opportunity to learn, ask questions, develop their judgment, and take on greater responsibility as they grow. For an associate who wants meaningful litigation experience and the chance to learn directly from a seasoned attorney who is invested in building both his team and the lawyers on it, this is an exciting opportunity. Why Join Bill's Team? Learn From More Than 30 Years of Experience Bill is an AV rated attorney with more than three decades of litigation experience. His practice includes construction defect, premises liability, habitability, and professional liability, giving associates exposure to a varied and substantive civil defense practice. You will have the opportunity to learn not only how to complete an assignment, but how an experienced litigator thinks about the entire case. Mentorship Without Intimidation Learning requires an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions. Bill is known for being patient, steady, and even tempered. He understands that developing attorneys need guidance, feedback, and opportunities to work through challenging issues. The goal is not to have you dependent on a partner forever. It is to help you build the skills and confidence to become increasingly independent as your experience grows. Do Meaningful Litigation Work This is an opportunity to build practical skills that will serve you throughout your career. You will gain experience with discovery, legal research and writing, substantive motion practice, depositions, client communication, case strategy, mediation, expert work, and trial preparation. As you demonstrate your capabilities, you will have opportunities to take greater ownership of your matters and continue expanding your litigation experience. Grow With the Team Bill's team is growing, and joining during that growth creates opportunity. Rather than stepping into a large team where it can be difficult to distinguish yourself, you will have the chance to develop alongside the practice, build strong relationships with your partner and colleagues, and become an important part of the team as it expands. Who Will Thrive Here? We are looking for an attorney who is curious, dependable, communicative, and genuinely interested in becoming a strong litigator. Insurance defense or civil litigation experience is valued, particularly experience involving construction defect, premises liability, habitability, professional liability, or related matters. Just as important is how you approach the work. You take ownership of your assignments. You communicate when you have questions. You follow through. You are receptive to feedback and willing to learn from it. You pay attention to details and understand that strong writing, preparation, responsiveness, and judgment are the foundation of an excellent litigation practice. You do not need to know everything when you arrive. You do need to want to learn. A Sacramento Team That Will Know Your Name Our Sacramento office is intentionally connected. It is a smaller team where attorneys have access to experienced partners, support one another, and stay connected through regular meetings, team dinners, calls, and day to day collaboration. You will also be joining an office led by experienced litigators who believe strongly in attorney development and substantive mentorship. That means you get something valuable from both sides: the resources, training, technology, and stability of a national litigation firm combined with the relationships and visibility of a smaller local team. Come Grow With Us A great associate opportunity should give you more than cases to work on. It should give you someone to learn from, room to make progress, meaningful experience, and a team that wants to see you succeed. If you are looking for a place to strengthen your litigation skills while working with a patient and experienced mentor who is actively building his team, we would love to meet you. Join Bill Jenkins and the Tyson & Mendes Sacramento team and build the foundation for what comes next in your career. RESPONSIBILITIES • Develop compelling case strategies that cut through emotional arguments and drive results • Set a higher standard-challenge mediocrity and push for excellence in every aspect of your work • Independently manage court appearances, depositions, motion practice, and trials • Collaborate seamlessly with attorneys and staff at all experience levels • Maintain consistent and professional communication with clients • Build and nurture relationships with existing and prospective clients • Mentor and provide guidance to junior attorneys, contributing to team growth and success REQUIREMENTS • Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school • Active bar license in the state of CA • 1-8 years of solid litigation experience, including case strategy, depositions, and trial preparation • Ability to independently manage a full caseload, from discovery through trial Prior insurance defense experience preferred • Familiarity with litigation timekeeping and billing systems • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint • Self-motivated with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities • Professional appearance and demeanor COMPENSATION PACKAGE • The base salary for this position ranges from $115,000-160,000 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 BENEFITS • 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 Pay Range $115,000-$160,000 USD