Senior Counsel (Complex Trial)

Tyson & Mendes LLP

$160K — $190K *
Legal & Accounting
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
  • Active California bar license and eligibility for federal court practice
  • 8+ years of experience in insurance defense litigation with emphasis on complex trials
  • Successful track record as lead counsel in high-stakes cases
  • Expertise in civil procedure, tort law, insurance law, and trial strategies
  • Proficient in managing large caseloads autonomously
  • Strong oral advocacy, legal writing, and negotiation skills
  • Excellent client management and communication of complex legal strategies

Responsibilities

  • Lead representation in complex insurance defense cases, including catastrophic injuries and wrongful death
  • Develop and implement case strategies focusing on risk assessment and trial preparation
  • Advise clients and insurance carriers with clear legal insights and case updates
  • Manage all litigation stages from pleadings to settlement negotiations
  • Act as lead counsel in jury and bench trials, presenting effectively
  • Mentor junior attorneys and support staff while ensuring high work standards
  • Collaborate with expert witnesses to enhance case arguments

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits coverage at zero employee cost
  • 401(k) matching program to support retirement savings
  • Student loan repayment assistance or 529 savings plan after one year
  • Paid parental leave at base pay
  • Monthly technology reimbursement to support work-from-home needs
  • Flexible vacation policy that promotes work-life balance
  • Defined pathway to partnership within the firm
  • Engagement in diversity and inclusion initiatives and firm-wide charitable programs
  • Opportunities for in-house training and professional development
Full Job Description
Please note: An active bar license in the State of California is required.

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
  • 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


Compensation Package
  • The base salary for this position ranges from $160,000-$190,000 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


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Pay Range

$160,000-$190,000 USD

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