Associate Attorney (3+ years)

Tyson & Mendes LLP•Costa Mesa, CA

1d•$115,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is seeking an experienced Associate Attorney to join Partner Margaret “Peggy” Holm’s litigation team in their Orange County office. This is a unique opportunity for an attorney who already understands insurance defense and is ready to take their skills further. You’ll work alongside an accomplished trial attorney, handle substantive and sophisticated matters, receive direct feedback and guidance, and have opportunities to develop the judgment and courtroom skills that come from working closely with attorneys who have spent decades trying complex cases. Peggy Holm is Chair of the Tyson & Mendes Healthcare Practice and one of the country’s leading trial and appellate litigators for healthcare entities and other organizations facing complex civil litigation. Her team handles an interesting mix of sophisticated matters, including medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, elder abuse, institutional liability, trucking and automobile matters, and complex claims involving healthcare and entertainment organizations. Some matters involve difficult and sensitive facts and require maturity, sound judgment, and professionalism. You’ll have the opportunity to work on cases directly, participate in depositions, develop strategy, handle discovery and motions, communicate with clients, prepare for court, and build toward greater courtroom and trial responsibility. Peggy has high standards, but she also believes strongly in developing attorneys. Newer attorneys receive a manageable caseload and guidance as they build their skills. Peggy interacts regularly with her team, encourages attorneys to pick up the phone and talk through issues, and holds weekly team meetings focused on both the work and supporting one another. You will be expected to think independently. Look at the problem. Do the work. Think through possible solutions. Then come to the team with your questions and ideas. You won’t be expected to know everything, but you will be expected to engage. We’re looking for an attorney with 3+ years of insurance defense experience who understands civil litigation, discovery, and case management and is ready for more. You are proactive, inquisitive, hardworking, and accountable. You communicate openly, treat clients, colleagues, judges, and opposing counsel with respect, and take ownership when something doesn’t go as planned. Most importantly, you want to become a better litigator and are willing to put in the work to get there. Peggy’s team genuinely enjoys working together. They communicate frequently, help one another, and believe no task is too big or too small when the team needs support. Peggy plans to spend approximately three days a week in the Costa Mesa office, creating opportunities for in person collaboration and mentorship while maintaining flexibility. And for attorneys who want courtroom experience, there is room to grow. Peggy is the primary trial lawyer on the team today and is specifically looking for other attorneys who can develop toward taking on that responsibility. If you have the insurance defense foundation and are ready to challenge yourself, learn from exceptional attorneys, take meaningful ownership of your work, and build toward the courtroom, we’d love to meet you. Bring your experience. Bring your initiative. We’ll give you the opportunity to build from there.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school
Active bar license in the state of CA
3–8 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
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Self-motivated with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities
Professional appearance and demeanor

Nice To Haves

Prior insurance defense experience preferred

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case strategies that cut through emotional arguments and drive results
Set a higher standard—challenge mediocrity and push for excellence in every aspect of your work
Independently manage court appearances, depositions, motion practice, and trials
Collaborate seamlessly 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 provide guidance to junior attorneys, contributing to team growth and success

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits coverage offered, including plans available at zero employee cost (average annual employer contribution for health/vision/dental/life coverage is $700-$1,700)
401(k) program that includes a 100% match on the first 3% contributed and a 50% match on the following 4-5%
Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan (full-time attorneys after one year with the firm) $100-$200/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, such as the Women’s Initiative and Young Professionals Initiative
Firm-wide charitable giving program
Numerous social and off-site events each year to enrich your relationships with your colleagues