Senior Counsel

Tyson & Mendes LLP•San Francisco, CA

8d•$160,000 - $190,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is seeking an experienced litigator to join 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 involves substantive insurance defense and civil litigation, with opportunities to develop cases from beginning to end and meaningful exposure to trials. Attorneys are trusted to exercise autonomy, take ownership of their matters and client relationships, and contribute to a collaborative team while receiving support from experienced trial lawyers. The firm offers remote, hybrid, and onsite work options. Attorneys who regularly work from the Novato office at least twice a week may establish a permanent office space. The firm emphasizes advancement based on contribution, performance, initiative, and leadership, and offers professional development, training, and a defined pathway to partnership. The position requires an active California Bar license, a JD from an ABA-approved school, and at least eight years of solid litigation experience. The base salary is $160,000–$190,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Attorneys are also eligible for an annual billable-hours bonus. Benefits include comprehensive coverage, a 401(k) match, student loan repayment assistance or a 529 college savings plan for eligible full-time attorneys after one year, paid parental leave, and a monthly technology reimbursement.

Requirements

JD from an ABA-approved school.
Active license to practice law in California.
At least 8 years of solid litigation experience, specifically including litigation support, deposition, and trial preparation.
Ability to manage full case-handling responsibilities, including all facets of discovery and trial.
Experience with time management systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Ability to think and act independently with minimal supervision.
Outstanding listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
Professional appearance and demeanor.

Nice To Haves

Insurance defense experience is preferred.
Substantive civil litigation, plaintiff-side, criminal, construction, professional liability, or other complex litigation experience may be applicable.
Experience or interest in trial practice.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case themes.
Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs, and trials.
Manage cases from beginning to end, including strategy, discovery, motion practice, depositions, and trial preparation.
Communicate routinely with clients and manage client relationships.
Cultivate relationships with the firm’s existing and future clients.
Work collaboratively as part of a team with colleagues at all experience levels.
Provide leadership and direction to less experienced attorneys.
Take ownership of cases, follow up proactively, and maintain excellent work product and client service.

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; health, vision, dental, and life coverage are included.
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, $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 for colleagues.
Remote, hybrid, or onsite work options.