Associate Attorney (Insurance Coverage)

Tyson & Mendes LLP•Seattle, WA

10d•$100,000 - $145,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is hiring an Associate Attorney for its Seattle office to handle a varied litigation practice combining insurance coverage and first-party matters with tort litigation. Approximately 10% of the practice will involve first-party and coverage-related work; the remainder includes matters such as auto and UIM litigation, premises liability, products liability, construction-related litigation, complex bodily injury claims, and high-value or unusual liability matters. The role offers the opportunity to work closely with Partner David Heemann, whose practice includes insurance coverage, bad faith, claims management, general liability, auto liability, construction defect, and other complex insurance matters. The attorney will manage cases and develop their own judgment while receiving mentorship and access to the firm’s national resources. These include firmwide training and professional development, the Trial Academy, litigation methodologies, advanced technology and AI-enabled legal resources, case-management and billing tools, and cross-office collaboration. The firm describes its Seattle office as a close-knit team with accessible leadership and meaningful responsibility. The ideal candidate has a solid Washington litigation foundation, including experience handling Washington UIM matters and exposure to first-party bad faith claims or insurance coverage. The position involves case strategy, client communication, depositions, motion practice, court appearances, trial preparation, and trials, as well as relationship-building and mentoring junior attorneys.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active Washington state bar license.
At least 3 years of insurance defense experience.
3–5 years of litigation experience, including handling Washington UIM matters and exposure to first-party bad faith claims.
The posting also specifies 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

Experience with insurance coverage issues.
Exposure to first-party bad faith or insurance coverage matters.
Interest in developing deeper insurance knowledge and becoming a versatile insurance litigator.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case strategies that cut through emotional arguments and drive results.
Set a higher standard, 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 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.
Manage cases from discovery through trial.
Handle a varied litigation caseload, including insurance coverage, first-party, UIM, and tort matters.

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 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.
Annual billable-hours bonus, starting at $10,000 and increasing by $7,500 for each additional tier.