Associate Attorney

Tyson & Mendes LLP•Los Angeles, CA

5d•$115,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is seeking an experienced Insurance Defense Associate Attorney to join its Los Angeles team. The role offers meaningful case ownership, sophisticated litigation work, courtroom experience, direct client relationships, and opportunities to grow into leadership and pursue partnership. The Los Angeles practice operates primarily remotely, with attorneys coming together as needed for court appearances, trial preparation, client needs, and team events; remote, hybrid, and onsite options are available. Associates manage matters and develop case strategy, take and defend depositions, argue motions, attend mediations, work directly with clients and insurance carriers, and prepare cases for trial. Matters span catastrophic injury, wrongful death, general and premises liability, transportation and trucking, construction-related litigation, hospitality, medical malpractice, habitability, and complex high-exposure litigation. The Los Angeles office is led by Branch Managing Partner David Frishman, who leads the Los Angeles Complex Trial Team. The firm describes itself as a fast-growing civil defense firm that invests in attorneys through specialized training, professional development, leadership opportunities, and clear paths to advancement. The position offers a base salary of $115,000–$160,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications, along with eligibility for an annual billable-hours bonus and the benefits described in the posting.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active California Bar license.
At least 3 years of insurance defense litigation experience.
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.
Experience managing a caseload and meeting billable requirements.
Strong deposition, motion practice, and client communication skills.
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.
Proactive approach to moving cases forward, ability to collaborate, and desire to continue growing.

Nice To Haves

Prior insurance defense experience is listed as preferred, although insurance defense experience is also stated as a requirement.
Interest in taking initiative, accepting greater responsibility, developing client relationships, mentoring others, advancing into leadership, and pursuing partnership.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case strategies and drive results.
Independently manage court appearances, depositions, motion practice, and trials.
Manage a full caseload from discovery through trial and prepare cases for trial.
Collaborate with attorneys and staff at all experience levels.
Maintain consistent, professional communication with clients and carriers.
Build and nurture relationships with existing and prospective clients.
Mentor and guide junior attorneys, contributing to team growth.
Take and defend depositions, argue motions, and attend mediations.

Benefits

Annual billable-hours bonus starting at $10,000, with an additional $7,500 for each further 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, at $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.
Remote, hybrid, or onsite work options.