Senior Counsel

Tyson & Mendes LLP•San Francisco, CA

1d•$160,000 - $190,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is seeking experienced litigators for its Northern California team, specifically for its Novato office. This role involves handling substantive insurance defense and civil litigation, with opportunities to manage cases from inception to completion. The firm emphasizes a meritocracy where performance, initiative, and leadership determine advancement, rather than just years of practice. Attorneys will have significant responsibility, including developing strategy, managing client relationships, handling discovery and motions, taking and defending depositions, preparing for trial, and making case-critical decisions. The firm offers a collaborative environment with flexibility in work arrangements (remote, hybrid, or onsite), aiming to provide an environment where experienced attorneys can do their best work. The ideal candidate is proactive, takes ownership, communicates well, and is looking for meaningful responsibility and the freedom to practice with confidence, supported by experienced trial lawyers and a collaborative team.

Requirements

JD from an ABA approved school
Must be licensed in the State of California
8+ years of solid litigation experience, specifically with 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 MS Suite, specifically Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
Ability to think and act independently and with minimal supervision
Outstanding listening, verbal and written communication skills
Professional appearance and demeanor

Nice To Haves

Experience handling insurance defense matters preferred
Insurance defense experience is highly valued, but we also recognize that great litigators come from different backgrounds. Attorneys with substantive civil litigation, plaintiff-side, criminal, construction, professional liability, or other complex litigation experience may bring skills that translate well to our practice.

Responsibilities

Develop a case theme that is more compelling than any plaintiff ploy for sympathy or anger
Refuse to accept mediocrity, the average, the standard or the norm in anything
Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs and trials
Work as part of a team with all levels of experiences
Routine communications with clients
Cultivate relationships with the firm’s existing and future clients
Provide leadership and direction with respect to less experienced attorneys

Benefits

The base salary for this position ranges from $160,000-$190,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
Attorneys are eligible for an annual billable hours bonus ranging from $10,000 and then aggregating with $7,500 for every additional tier
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)
Employees benefit from a 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
Employees receive a 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
Flexible Work Model: Remote, hybrid, or onsite options available