Associate Attorney

Tyson & Mendes•Jersey City, NJ

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its New Jersey team and handle complex, high-exposure civil defense litigation. Matters include premises liability, medical malpractice, nursing home and assisted living malpractice, construction defect, automobile liability, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death. The role offers hands-on experience across discovery, depositions, motion practice, expert work, case evaluation, client communication, mediation, witness preparation, and trial preparation. Associates can take increasing ownership of cases, strategy, and client relationships as their capabilities develop. The New Jersey office is led by Branch Office Managing Partner Danielle DeGeorgio. The position offers mentorship alongside autonomy, with guidance intended to help attorneys develop judgment and manage cases independently. The firm seeks attorneys interested in practicing in New Jersey and building familiarity with its courts and litigation practices. Insurance defense experience is valued, including familiarity with carrier relationships and billing requirements. The office is a developing practice where associates can work closely with colleagues and leadership and take on greater responsibility as the team grows. Attorneys have flexibility to work remotely while staying connected to colleagues; in-person collaboration may be useful for strategy, witness preparation, depositions, and trial development. Firm resources include AI-enabled legal tools, research resources, case-management technology, the APEX methodology, Trial Academy, and the firm’s approach to Stopping Nuclear Verdicts®. The base salary range is $100,000–$160,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Attorneys are eligible for an annual billable-hours bonus. The firm offers comprehensive benefits, training and leadership development, CLE programs, paid bar-license renewal fees, a flexible vacation policy, and a defined pathway to partnership. Remote, hybrid, or onsite work options are available.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active New Jersey bar license.
The requirements section specifies 5+ years of solid litigation experience, including case strategy, depositions, and trial preparation.
Ability to independently manage a full caseload from discovery through trial.
Familiarity with litigation timekeeping and billing systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Self-motivation, strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
Professional appearance and demeanor.

Nice To Haves

Prior insurance defense experience is preferred.
The posting says the ideal candidate has 5+ years of defense litigation experience, but attorneys with 2–3 years of relevant experience and additional judicial clerkship experience will also be considered.
Familiarity with carrier relationships and defense-practice billing requirements.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case strategies that address emotional arguments and drive results.
Set a high standard of work and push for excellence.
Independently manage court appearances, depositions, motion practice, and trials.
Collaborate with attorneys and staff at all experience levels.
Maintain consistent, professional communication with clients.
Build and nurture relationships with existing and prospective clients.
Mentor and guide junior attorneys, contributing to team growth.
Handle litigation work involving discovery, expert matters, case evaluation, mediation, witness preparation, and trial preparation.
Take increasing ownership of cases, case strategy, and client relationships as capabilities develop.

Benefits

Annual billable-hours bonus, with a stated range beginning at $10,000 and additional amounts for subsequent tiers.
Comprehensive benefits coverage, including plans available at zero employee cost; stated average annual employer contribution for health, vision, dental, and life coverage is $700–$1,700.
401(k) program with a 100% match on the first 3% contributed and a 50% match on the following 4–5%.
Student loan repayment assistance or a 529 college savings plan for full-time attorneys after one year with the firm.
Paid parental leave at base pay.
Monthly technology reimbursement of $60.
Employee Assistance Program through HealthAdvocate.
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, including the Women’s Initiative and Young Professionals Initiative.
Firm-wide charitable giving program.
Social and off-site events.
Remote, hybrid, or onsite work options.