Associate Attorney

Tyson & Mendes LLP•San Diego, CA

5d•$115,000 - $160,000•Remote

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its San Diego team. The position is intended for an attorney with civil litigation experience who wants to develop litigation skills and take on increasing responsibility while working alongside experienced insurance defense attorneys and trial lawyers. The San Diego office handles personal injury and wrongful death, premises liability, automobile and transportation liability, professional liability, medical malpractice, construction and construction defect, products liability, employment, and other complex civil litigation matters. The attorney will build on litigation fundamentals such as discovery, pleadings, motions, reporting, depositions, case management, and client communication. Depending on experience and team assignment, the role may offer opportunities for greater case responsibility, depositions and court appearances, direct work with clients and carriers, case strategy development, and learning from experienced litigators and trial lawyers. The office is highly flexible and primarily remote, with office space available and some teams holding collaborative in-office workdays. The San Diego office is led by Daniel Fallon and overseen regionally by Kristi Blackwell, California Regional Managing Partner. The firm describes opportunities for associates who demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to take on increasing responsibility.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active bar license in California.
1–8 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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Prior insurance defense experience.

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 and success.

Benefits

Annual billable-hours bonus starting at $10,000, with an additional $7,500 for every subsequent tier.
Comprehensive benefits coverage, including plans available at zero employee cost; the 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 of $100–$200 per month for full-time attorneys after one year with the firm.
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.