Associate Attorney

Tyson & Mendes LLP•Jersey City, NJ

10d•$100,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is hiring an Associate Attorney to join its growing New Jersey civil defense litigation practice. The role offers substantive experience with complex, high-exposure matters, including multimillion-dollar losses, professional liability, medical malpractice, catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, insurance coverage, and other significant civil defense cases. The associate will develop experience throughout the life of a case, including discovery, depositions, motion practice, expert work, case evaluation, client communication, mediation, witness preparation, and trial preparation. As skills and judgment develop, the attorney will have opportunities to take greater ownership of matters, contribute to case strategy, and build client relationships. The New Jersey office is led by Branch Office Managing Partner Danielle DeGeorgio. The firm describes her mentorship approach as balancing guidance with autonomy, helping associates develop judgment and become increasingly capable of managing cases independently. Associates will have access to modern legal and case-management resources, AI-enabled tools, the APEX methodology, Trial Academy, and the firm's approach to Stopping Nuclear Verdicts®. The firm offers flexibility to work remotely, in a hybrid arrangement, or onsite while maintaining connection with colleagues and leadership. Associates may work together in person when collaboration or learning would benefit from it. The position is intended for a New Jersey attorney with a litigation foundation, initiative, curiosity, strong communication and writing skills, and an interest in developing as a defense litigator. The stated base salary range is $100,000–$160,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Attorneys are eligible for an annual billable-hours bonus, with a stated starting amount of $10,000 and additional amounts by tier. Benefits and programs listed include health, vision, dental, and life 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; a monthly technology reimbursement; an Employee Assistance Program; training and leadership development; CLE programs and paid bar-license renewal fees; flexible vacation; partnership pathways; diversity and inclusion initiatives; and firm-wide charitable giving and social events.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active New Jersey bar license.
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.
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; the posting also states insurance defense experience is strongly valued.
Understanding of carrier relationships, billing requirements, and the fundamentals of defense practice.
Interest in learning New Jersey litigation and developing a practice in the state.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case strategies that cut through emotional arguments and drive results.
Independently manage court appearances, depositions, motion practice, and trials.
Handle litigation work across discovery, depositions, substantive motions, expert work, case evaluation, mediation, witness preparation, and trial preparation.
Communicate consistently and professionally with clients.
Build and nurture relationships with existing and prospective clients.
Collaborate with attorneys and staff at all experience levels.
Anticipate deadlines, communicate proactively, follow through, and take increasing ownership of matters as capabilities develop.
Mentor and provide guidance to junior attorneys, contributing to team growth and success.

Benefits

Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life 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: $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 for colleagues.
Annual billable-hours bonus, starting at $10,000 and increasing by $7,500 for each additional tier.