Associate Attorney

Tyson & Mendes•San Diego, CA

4d•Remote

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is hiring an Associate Attorney for its San Diego team to handle insurance defense and other civil litigation matters. The role is suited to an attorney with civil litigation experience who wants to develop litigation skills, take on increasing responsibility, and work alongside experienced insurance defense attorneys and trial lawyers. Matters handled by the San Diego office include personal injury and wrongful death, premises liability, automobile and transportation liability, professional liability, medical malpractice, construction and construction defect, products liability, employment, and other complex civil litigation. The position involves managing litigation work from discovery through trial, with opportunities to develop case strategy, participate in depositions and court appearances, work directly with clients and insurance carriers, and learn from experienced litigators. The firm describes its San Diego work environment as highly flexible and primarily remote, with office space available and some teams holding collaborative in-office workdays. Attorneys are expected to communicate, take initiative, remain accountable, and build relationships with their teams. The firm offers training and leadership development, in-house CLE programs, a defined pathway to partnership, and opportunities to mentor junior attorneys. Compensation includes a base salary of $115,000–$160,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications, and eligibility for an annual billable-hours bonus. Benefits include comprehensive coverage, a 401(k) match, student loan repayment assistance or a 529 college savings plan for eligible full-time attorneys after one year, paid parental leave, technology reimbursement, flexible vacation, paid bar license renewal fees, and other programs and events.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active California 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.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case strategies that cut through emotional arguments and drive results.
Set a higher standard by challenging mediocrity and pursuing excellence in 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 foundations and casework, including discovery, pleadings, motions, reporting, case management, and client communication.

Benefits

Annual billable-hours bonus, with a stated amount starting at $10,000 and additional tiers aggregating at $7,500 for each additional tier.
Comprehensive benefits coverage, including plans available at zero employee cost; the posting states an average annual employer contribution of $700–$1,700 for health, vision, dental, and life coverage.
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.