Associate Attorney (Insurance Coverage)

Tyson & Mendes LLP•Seattle, WA

4d•$100,000 - $145,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is hiring an Associate Attorney for its Seattle office to develop a broad litigation practice focused on insurance-related matters. The role offers a close-knit team, accessible partner mentorship, meaningful responsibility, and the resources, technology, training, and infrastructure of a national litigation firm. The attorney will work alongside Partner David Heemann, whose practice includes insurance coverage, bad faith, claims management, general liability, auto liability, construction defect, and other complex insurance matters. Approximately 10% of the practice involves first-party and coverage-related work, with the remainder spanning a varied mix of tort litigation, including auto and UIM matters, premises liability, products liability, construction-related litigation, complex bodily injury claims, and high-value or unusual matters involving sophisticated liability issues. The attorney will manage cases, develop judgment, and take ownership of their practice while receiving mentorship and opportunities to work on complex legal issues and significant injuries. The Seattle office provides access to a national network of litigators, 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. Remote, hybrid, and onsite work options are available.

Requirements

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

Exposure to insurance coverage issues.
Experience with first-party claims or first-party bad faith.
Interest in developing deeper insurance knowledge and a broader litigation practice.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case strategies that cut through emotional arguments and drive results.
Set a higher standard by challenging mediocrity and pursuing excellence in all aspects of the 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.
Manage cases from discovery through trial.
Handle case strategy, depositions, motion practice, and trial preparation.

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, 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 throughout the year.
Remote, hybrid, or onsite work options.