Senior Counsel

Tyson & Mendes LLP•Houston, TX

8d•$150,000 - $200,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is seeking a Senior Counsel attorney for its Houston practice. The role is for an experienced insurance defense litigator who can independently manage complex, high-exposure matters, develop effective defense strategies, and guide cases from inception through resolution. The Houston team handles state and federal litigation involving trucking and transportation, premises liability, products liability, construction, general liability, and complex casualty matters at primary and excess coverage levels. The attorney will contribute to a collaborative team, communicate with clients, cultivate client relationships, and provide leadership and direction to less experienced attorneys. The position offers opportunities to develop trial skills, mentor colleagues, and pursue future leadership or partnership opportunities. Hybrid, remote, or onsite arrangements may be available depending on position requirements, team needs, and performance. The position requires an active Texas Bar license and at least eight years of insurance defense litigation experience. Compensation is listed at $150,000–$200,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications, with eligibility for an annual billable-hours bonus. The firm describes comprehensive benefits, training, professional development, and advancement opportunities.

Requirements

Active Texas Bar license in good standing.
Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved school.
At least eight years of insurance defense litigation experience.
Ability to independently manage complex litigation matters and full case-handling responsibilities, including discovery and trial.
Strong experience conducting depositions, managing discovery, drafting and arguing substantive motions, and developing litigation strategies.
Experience with litigation support, deposition preparation, and trial preparation.
Experience evaluating exposure, advising clients, negotiating settlements, and managing insurance carrier relationships.
Ability to think and act independently with minimal supervision.
Excellent legal writing, analytical, listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including experience with time-management systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Professional appearance and demeanor.
Commitment to exceptional client service, professional accountability, continued growth, and collaborative team development.

Nice To Haves

Trial experience and confidence taking an active role in courtroom proceedings.
Experience in trucking and transportation liability, premises liability, products liability, construction litigation, general liability, complex casualty litigation, or catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death defense.
Interest in mentoring attorneys and contributing to team development.

Responsibilities

Develop case themes that counter plaintiff appeals for sympathy or anger.
Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs, and trials.
Manage complex litigation matters from inception through resolution, including discovery and trial preparation.
Develop defense strategies and evaluate exposure.
Advise clients, negotiate settlements, and manage insurance carrier relationships.
Communicate routinely with clients and cultivate relationships with existing and future clients.
Work collaboratively with colleagues at all experience levels.
Provide leadership and direction to less experienced attorneys and contribute to their development.
Maintain high standards of work and professional accountability.

Benefits

Annual billable-hours bonus, starting at $10,000 and increasing by $7,500 for each 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, at $100–$200 per month.
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.
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.