Associate Attorney

Tyson & Mendes•Sacramento, CA

4d•$115,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is hiring an Associate Attorney for its growing Sacramento litigation team, working with Partner Bill Jenkins. The role offers hands-on mentorship from an experienced litigator and exposure to a civil defense practice that includes construction defect, premises liability, habitability, and professional liability matters. Associates will build practical litigation skills and, as their capabilities grow, take greater ownership of matters and work toward increased independence. The Sacramento office is a smaller, collaborative team backed by the resources, training, technology, and stability of a national litigation firm. Remote, hybrid, and onsite work options are available.

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, ownership of assignments, follow-through, receptiveness to feedback, attention to detail, strong writing, preparation, responsiveness, and sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

Prior insurance defense experience is preferred.
Experience in 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.
Challenge mediocrity and pursue excellence in all aspects of work.
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.
Handle litigation work that may include discovery, legal research and writing, motion practice, depositions, client communication, case strategy, mediation, expert work, and trial preparation.

Benefits

Annual billable-hours bonus, starting at $10,000 and increasing by $7,500 for each additional tier.
Comprehensive benefits coverage, including plans available at zero employee cost; the 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 throughout the year.
Remote, hybrid, or onsite work options.