Associate Attorney

Tyson & Mendes LLP•San Francisco, CA

5d•$115,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is hiring an Associate Attorney for its Northern California team, based out of the Novato office and handling matters throughout Northern California and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The role offers substantive civil litigation work and increasing responsibility, with opportunities to work on discovery, depositions, motion practice, case strategy, client communication, mediation, trial preparation, court appearances, and trials. Associates work with experienced trial attorneys, receive guidance and feedback, and are encouraged to develop their judgment and independence. The team emphasizes collaboration, initiative, professional growth, and advancement based on performance and contribution. The position may 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. The firm provides legal assistant, paralegal, administrative, and trial support resources.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active California Bar license.
1–8 years of solid litigation experience, including case strategy, depositions, and trial preparation; 3+ years is preferred in the narrative description.
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.
Grit, curiosity, follow-through, initiative, responsibility for work, and receptiveness to feedback.

Nice To Haves

Prior insurance defense experience is preferred and described as a strong plus.
Substantive experience in 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 high standard of work and pursue excellence.
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.
Manage litigation matters from discovery through trial.
Participate in client communication, mediation, trial preparation, and other substantive litigation work.

Benefits

Annual billable-hours bonus starting at $10,000, with an additional $7,500 for each subsequent tier.
Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life coverage, including plans available at zero employee cost.
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.
Remote, hybrid, or onsite work options.