Associate Attorney

Tyson & Mendes LLP•Fresno, CA

5d•$115,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is hiring an Associate Attorney for its Fresno, California litigation team, led by Partner Alexandra Noyes. The role focuses on insurance defense and offers hands-on mentorship, meaningful litigation experience, and opportunities to take ownership of cases. The Fresno practice handles agricultural and agribusiness disputes, premises liability and personal injury defense, products liability, automobile liability, landlord-tenant and habitability matters, and complex civil litigation. Attorneys may develop their skills through discovery, depositions, motion practice, court appearances, expert investigations, case management, and trial preparation. The team offers flexible work arrangements, including remote, hybrid, or onsite options depending on the position, experience, and needs of the practice. It combines personalized team support with national-firm resources, including paralegal and legal assistant support, access to attorneys and mentors throughout California, legal research and technology resources, established litigation processes, trial training, and professional development. The firm emphasizes collaboration, quality work, mentorship, and career advancement. The base salary is $115,000–$160,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Attorneys are eligible for a billable-hours bonus. Benefits include comprehensive coverage, a 401(k) match, student loan repayment assistance or a 529 college savings plan for full-time attorneys after one year, paid parental leave, technology reimbursement, and additional programs and resources.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active California bar license.
1–8 years of 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 and strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
Professional appearance and demeanor.

Nice To Haves

Prior insurance defense experience is preferred.
Spanish language proficiency is a plus.
Experience with discovery, legal research and writing, depositions, and case management is valuable.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case strategies that cut through emotional arguments and drive results.
Set a high standard of work and pursue excellence in all aspects of the role.
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 and success.
Manage litigation matters through discovery, depositions, motion practice, court appearances, expert investigations, case management, and trial preparation.

Benefits

Competitive compensation and performance-based billable-hours bonus.
Comprehensive benefits coverage, including plans available at zero employee cost.
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, at $100–$200 per month.
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.