Senior Counsel (Sexual Torts Defense)

Tyson & Mendes•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is seeking a Senior Counsel to join its Complex Trial Team and defend sensitive, high-exposure civil litigation involving allegations such as sexual assault, child sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and institutional liability. The position handles sophisticated matters involving complex factual and legal issues, extensive discovery, expert testimony, and significant client reputational considerations. It is described as distinct from traditional insurance defense work. The Senior Counsel will take an active role in case strategy, discovery, depositions, experts, dispositive motions, client counseling, and trial preparation, while independently managing court appearances, briefs, and trials. The role offers collaboration, mentorship, trial training, litigation support, and flexibility, with remote, hybrid, or onsite work options available. The team is led by Equity Partner Susan Oliver and includes other experienced trial attorneys. The role is intended for an experienced civil litigator with strong judgment, discretion, analytical and writing skills, and effective communication abilities. Relevant experience may include sexual assault, abuse, institutional liability, catastrophic injury, professional liability, medical malpractice, or similarly complex litigation. The base salary is $160,000–$200,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Attorneys may also be eligible for an annual billable-hours bonus.

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, depositions, 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.
Excellent judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and emotionally complex matters.

Nice To Haves

Experience handling insurance defense matters.
Experience involving sexual assault, abuse, institutional liability, catastrophic injury, professional liability, medical malpractice, or similarly complex litigation.
Experience with sophisticated, high-exposure litigation and trial preparation.

Responsibilities

Develop a case theme that is more compelling than plaintiff arguments intended to elicit sympathy or anger.
Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs, and trials.
Manage full case-handling responsibilities, including all facets of discovery and trial preparation.
Participate in strategy, discovery, depositions, expert matters, dispositive motions, client counseling, and trial preparation.
Communicate routinely with clients.
Cultivate relationships with existing and prospective firm clients.
Work collaboratively with colleagues at all experience levels.
Provide leadership and direction to less experienced attorneys.
Maintain high standards and refuse to accept mediocrity or the average, standard, or norm.

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; the stated 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 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.