Associate Attorney

Tyson & Mendes•Houston, TX

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is seeking an Associate Attorney for its Houston office to handle insurance defense litigation. The role involves complex state and federal matters, including trucking and transportation, premises liability, products liability, construction, catastrophic injury, and complex casualty litigation at primary and excess coverage levels. The attorney will manage cases from discovery through trial, develop defense strategies, handle litigation tasks independently, communicate with clients, and collaborate with attorneys and staff. The position offers mentorship, professional development, trial training, and potential pathways to leadership and partnership. Remote, hybrid, or onsite work options may be available based on position requirements, team needs, and performance.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active Texas Bar license in good standing.
The posting states 5+ years of insurance defense litigation experience is required; its requirements section also lists 1–8 years of solid litigation experience, including case strategy, depositions, and trial preparation.
Ability to independently manage litigation matters and a full caseload from discovery through trial.
Experience conducting depositions, drafting substantive motions, developing defense strategies, handling discovery, case evaluations, settlement negotiations, and client communications.
Strong legal writing, analytical, organizational, critical-thinking, problem-solving, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Familiarity with litigation timekeeping and billing systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Self-motivated, collaborative, and committed to exceptional client service.
Professional appearance and demeanor.

Nice To Haves

Experience in trucking and transportation liability, premises liability, products liability, construction litigation, general liability, complex casualty litigation, or catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death defense.
Trial experience or a strong interest in developing courtroom and trial advocacy skills.
Interest in continued professional development, mentorship, and potential future leadership opportunities.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case strategies and effective defense approaches.
Independently manage a full caseload, including discovery, court appearances, depositions, motion practice, trial preparation, and trials.
Handle case evaluations and settlement negotiations.
Maintain consistent, professional communication with clients.
Build and nurture relationships with existing and prospective clients.
Collaborate with attorneys and staff at all experience levels.
Mentor and provide guidance to junior attorneys.
Contribute to high standards of work, client service, and team success.

Benefits

Annual billable-hours bonus, beginning at $10,000 and increasing by $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.
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.