Senior Counsel

Tyson & Mendes•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is hiring an experienced litigator 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 focuses on substantive insurance defense and civil litigation, with opportunities to develop cases from beginning to end and meaningful exposure to trial work. Attorneys are trusted to take ownership of their cases and client relationships while working within a collaborative team of experienced trial lawyers. The firm offers flexibility to work onsite, hybrid, or remotely. Attorneys who regularly work from the Novato office at least twice a week can establish a permanent office space. The firm emphasizes autonomy, accountability, performance-based advancement, collaboration, professional development, and support from colleagues without unnecessary oversight. The role includes providing leadership and direction to less experienced attorneys and cultivating relationships with existing and prospective clients. The base salary is $160,000–$190,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications, with eligibility for an annual billable-hours bonus. A comprehensive benefits package is offered.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree 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 preparation, and trial preparation.
Ability to manage full case-handling responsibilities, including all facets of discovery and trial.
Ability to think and act independently with minimal supervision.
Experience with time management systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Outstanding listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
Professional appearance and demeanor.
Ability to take ownership of cases and client relationships, communicate proactively, and maintain excellent work product and client service.

Nice To Haves

Insurance defense experience is preferred.
Experience in substantive civil litigation, plaintiff-side litigation, criminal, construction, professional liability, or other complex litigation may be relevant.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case themes.
Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs, and trials.
Work as part of a team with attorneys at all experience levels.
Communicate routinely with clients.
Cultivate relationships with the firm’s existing and future clients.
Provide leadership and direction to less experienced attorneys.
Develop case strategy and manage client relationships, discovery, motion practice, depositions, and trial preparation.
Take ownership of cases and move them toward the best possible outcomes.

Benefits

Annual billable-hours bonus starting at $10,000, with an additional $7,500 for every additional 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.
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.