Senior Counsel (Complex Trial)

Tyson & Mendes LLP

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

Qualifications

  • Jurisdiction Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
  • Active California law license and eligibility for federal court practice.
  • 8+ years of experience in insurance defense litigation with a focus on complex trials.
  • Proven track record as lead counsel in high-stakes cases.
  • Strong understanding of tort and insurance law, civil procedure, and trial strategies.
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
  • Effective client relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead complex trials for high-exposure insurance defense cases.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive case strategies and risk assessments.
  • Advise clients and insurance carriers on legal matters and case developments.
  • Manage all aspects of litigation from discovery to trial preparation.
  • Represent clients effectively in jury trials, bench trials, and mediations.
  • Mentor junior attorneys and support staff to ensure quality work.
  • Collaborate with expert witnesses to bolster case arguments.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life coverage with low to zero employee costs.
  • 401(k) with 100% match on first 3% and 50% match on next 4-5%.
  • Monthly technology reimbursement of $60.
  • Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan after one year.
  • Paid parental leave at base pay.
  • Employee Assistance Program for personal support.
  • In-house training and leadership opportunities to foster professional growth.
  • Flexible vacation policy to promote work-life balance.
  • Path to partnership within the firm.
  • Diversity and inclusion initiatives to support a varied workforce.
Full Job Description
Join Tyson & Mendes - Senior Counsel, Complex Trial Teams

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 the State of 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%
  • Employees receive a monthly technology reimbursement of $60
  • 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

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


About Tyson & Mendes

Click here to learn more about the Tyson & Mendes Office! (944) The Tyson & Mendes Office - YouTube

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.

But we don't stop at great legal work-we invest in our people. With specialized training in our proven defense methods, clear paths to leadership, and robust professional development, we empower attorneys to grow their careers, build their personal brands, and become leaders in the field.

Follow along with the firm on Twitter and LinkedIn or visit www.tysonmendes.com.

#li-remote

Pay Range

$160,000-$190,000 USD

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Tyson & Mendes LLP

More Legal & Accounting Jobs

Find similar Senior Counsel (Complex Trial) jobs: