Associate Attorney (Employment Defense)

Tyson & Mendes LLP•Fresno, CA

9d•$115,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is seeking a California Litigation Associate with 3–7 years of litigation experience and a strong preference for employment defense experience. The role offers hands-on litigation work, meaningful case responsibility, and opportunities to grow within a high-performing insurance defense firm. The position is available in California with remote, hybrid, or onsite work options. The attorney will develop case strategies and independently handle litigation matters from discovery through trial, including court appearances, depositions, motion practice, and trials. The role also involves client communication, relationship development, collaboration across the legal team, and mentoring junior attorneys. The firm highlights Trial Academy, mentorship, training, leadership development, and a pathway to partnership. The stated base salary range is $115,000–$160,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Attorneys may also be eligible for an annual billable-hours bonus. Benefits 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; technology reimbursement; flexible vacation; CLE programs; and paid bar license renewal fees.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active California bar license.
3–7 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

At least 2 years of employment defense experience; strongly preferred.
Prior insurance defense experience; preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case strategies that cut through emotional arguments and drive results.
Set a higher standard by challenging mediocrity and pursuing excellence in all aspects of the work.
Independently manage court appearances, depositions, motion practice, and trials.
Collaborate with attorneys and staff at all experience levels.
Maintain consistent and professional communication with clients.
Build and nurture relationships with existing and prospective clients.
Mentor and guide 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 ($100–$200 per month) 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 throughout the year.
Flexible work model with remote, hybrid, or onsite options.
Annual billable-hours bonus, starting at $10,000 and aggregating with $7,500 for each additional tier.