Associate Attorney

Tyson & Mendes LLP•Sacramento, CA

10d•$115,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is hiring an Associate Attorney for its growing Sacramento litigation team, led by Partner Bill Jenkins. The role offers hands-on civil defense litigation work and direct mentorship from an experienced partner, with opportunities to develop practical skills, take increasing ownership of matters, and grow alongside a smaller, connected office backed by a national litigation firm’s resources, training, and technology. The practice includes construction defect, premises liability, habitability, and professional liability matters. Work may involve discovery, legal research and writing, motion practice, depositions, client communication, case strategy, mediation, expert work, and trial preparation. The firm offers remote, hybrid, or onsite work options. The position requires an active California Bar license and a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.

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.
Curiosity, dependability, clear communication, follow-through, attention to detail, receptiveness to feedback, and willingness to learn.

Nice To Haves

Prior insurance defense experience is preferred.
Experience involving construction defect, premises liability, habitability, professional liability, or related matters is valued.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case strategies that cut through emotional arguments and drive results.
Set a high standard of work, challenge mediocrity, and pursue 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 and success.
Manage a full caseload from discovery through trial.
Handle litigation work including discovery, legal research and writing, substantive motion practice, depositions, case strategy, mediation, expert work, and trial preparation.
Take increasing ownership of matters as capabilities develop.

Benefits

Annual billable-hours bonus starting at $10,000, with an additional $7,500 for each additional tier.
Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life coverage, including plans available at zero employee cost.
401(k) 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 throughout the year.
Remote, hybrid, or onsite work options.