Associate Attorney

Tyson & Mendes LLP•San Francisco, CA

10d•$115,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is hiring an Associate Attorney based out of its Novato office to handle litigation matters throughout Northern California and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The role offers substantive responsibility across discovery, depositions, motion practice, case strategy, client communication, mediation, trial preparation, and courtroom work. Associates work alongside experienced trial attorneys, receive guidance and feedback, and are expected to build judgment and independence as their skills develop. The firm values initiative, performance, growth, and contribution in career progression. Attorneys collaborate with colleagues across the Northern California team through office and team meetings, monthly Friday meetings, social events, and shared resources. The role can be performed remotely, in a hybrid arrangement, or onsite; the Novato office is available, and attorneys working from the office at least twice weekly may establish a permanent office space. Support resources include legal assistants, paralegals, administrative staff, and trial support professionals. The position requires an active California Bar license and a JD from an ABA-accredited law school. The posting prefers attorneys with at least three years of litigation experience, while the requirements section states one to eight years of solid litigation experience. Insurance defense is preferred, though the firm will consider other substantive litigation backgrounds. The stated base salary range is $115,000–$160,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications, with eligibility for an annual billable-hours bonus. The firm also describes benefits, professional development, and a defined pathway to partnership.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active California Bar license.
One to eight 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 skills, and problem-solving ability.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Professional appearance and demeanor.
Grit, curiosity, follow-through, initiative, responsibility, openness to feedback, and willingness to keep learning.

Nice To Haves

At least three years of litigation experience is preferred.
Prior insurance defense experience is preferred and described as a strong plus.
Experience in substantive civil litigation, plaintiff work, criminal litigation, construction, professional liability, or related practices may be valuable.

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 work.
Independently manage court appearances, depositions, motion practice, and trials.
Manage a full caseload from discovery through trial.
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.
Participate in discovery, mediation, trial preparation, and other litigation work.
Take ownership of professional development, seek feedback, and apply learning to build judgment and independence.

Benefits

Annual billable-hours bonus, starting at $10,000 and increasing by $7,500 for each additional tier.
Comprehensive benefits coverage, including plans available at zero employee cost; the 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, 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.
Flexible work model with remote, hybrid, or onsite options.