Associate Attorney (Employment Defense)

Tyson & Mendes LLP•Fresno, CA

10d•$115,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is seeking a California-based Litigation Associate, with a strong preference for employment defense experience. The role offers hands-on litigation work, meaningful case responsibility, and opportunities for professional growth at a national civil defense firm focused on insurance defense and trial advocacy. The position may be performed remotely, onsite, or in a hybrid arrangement. The attorney will develop case strategies and independently manage litigation matters, including court appearances, depositions, motion practice, and trials. They will communicate with clients, collaborate with attorneys and staff, build client relationships, and mentor junior attorneys. The firm offers Trial Academy, mentorship, in-house training, leadership development, firm-provided CLE programs, and a pathway to partnership. The stated annual base salary range is $115,000–$160,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Attorneys may also qualify for an annual billable-hours bonus. Benefits include comprehensive coverage, a 401(k) with employer matching, student loan repayment assistance or a 529 college savings plan for eligible full-time attorneys after one year, paid parental leave, monthly technology reimbursement, an Employee Assistance Program, paid bar license renewal fees, and a flexible vacation policy for attorneys.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active California bar license.
3–7 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, strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
Professional appearance and demeanor.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of employment defense experience; strongly preferred.
Prior insurance defense experience.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case strategies that cut through emotional arguments and drive results.
Challenge mediocrity and pursue excellence in every aspect of the 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.

Benefits

Annual billable-hours bonus; the stated bonus begins at $10,000 and aggregates with $7,500 for every additional tier.
Comprehensive benefits coverage, including plans available at zero employee cost; stated average annual employer contribution for health, vision, dental, and life coverage is $700–$1,700.
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.
Comprehensive 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.