Associate Attorney

Tyson & Mendes LLP•Sacramento, CA

5d•$115,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is hiring an Associate Attorney for its Sacramento litigation team, working with Partner Bill Jenkins. The role offers mentorship and substantive civil defense experience in areas including construction defect, premises liability, habitability, and professional liability. The associate will develop litigation skills through work on discovery, legal research and writing, motion practice, depositions, client communication, case strategy, mediation, expert matters, and trial preparation. As the associate gains experience, they will have opportunities to take greater ownership of cases and grow toward independent practice. The Sacramento office is described as a smaller, collaborative team with access to experienced partners, regular meetings, team events, and day-to-day collaboration. The firm offers the resources, training, technology, and stability of a national litigation firm alongside the relationships and visibility of a local team. The position can be remote, hybrid, or onsite.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active California Bar license.
1–8 years of 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.
Curiosity, dependability, clear communication, follow-through, receptiveness to feedback, attention to detail, and interest in developing as a litigator.

Nice To Haves

Prior insurance defense experience is preferred.
Experience involving construction defect, premises liability, habitability, professional liability, or related matters is valued.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case strategies that cut through emotional arguments and drive results.
Challenge mediocrity and pursue excellence in all aspects of 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.
Handle litigation work including discovery, legal research and writing, motion practice, depositions, case strategy, mediation, expert work, and trial preparation.

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; average annual employer contribution for health, vision, dental, and life coverage is $700–$1,700.
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, available to 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.