Senior Counsel (Sexual Torts Defense)

Tyson & Mendes•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is seeking an accomplished Senior Counsel to join its Complex Trial Team, defending sensitive, high-exposure civil litigation involving allegations such as sexual assault, child sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and institutional liability. The matters may involve complex legal and factual issues, extensive discovery, expert testimony, significant exposure, and reputational considerations. This is described as a specialized practice rather than a traditional insurance defense position. The Senior Counsel will handle meaningful case responsibilities, including strategy, discovery, depositions, expert work, dispositive motions, client counseling, and trial preparation. The role offers collaboration, mentorship, and trial training alongside experienced partners and trial attorneys. The team is led by Equity Partner Susan Oliver, whose practice includes catastrophic personal injury, sexual torts, employment practices, and medical malpractice. The firm describes a collaborative culture, national litigation resources, professional development, and flexible remote, hybrid, or onsite work options. The position requires an active California Bar license and at least eight years of litigation experience. The stated base salary range is $160,000–$200,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications, with an additional billable-hours bonus opportunity and benefits.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law 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 handling insurance defense matters is preferred.
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, discretion, strong writing and analytical skills, and effective communication with clients, witnesses, experts, and opposing counsel.

Nice To Haves

Experience involving sexual assault, abuse, institutional liability, catastrophic injury, professional liability, medical malpractice, or similarly complex litigation.
Experience handling insurance defense matters.

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 any work.
Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs, and trials.
Work as part of a team with attorneys at all levels of experience.
Communicate routinely with clients.
Cultivate relationships with the firm’s existing and future clients.
Provide leadership and direction to less experienced attorneys.
Handle case strategy, discovery, depositions, expert work, dispositive motions, client counseling, and trial preparation.

Benefits

Annual billable-hours bonus opportunity, starting at $10,000 and aggregating with $7,500 for every additional tier.
Comprehensive benefits coverage, including plans available at zero employee cost; 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 throughout the year.
Flexible remote, hybrid, or onsite work options.