Senior Counsel (Sexual Torts Defense)

Tyson & Mendes LLP•San Diego, CA

7d•$160,000 - $200,000

About The Position

Tyson & Mendes is seeking an experienced Senior Counsel to join its Complex Trial Team in California, defending sensitive, high-exposure civil litigation involving allegations such as sexual assault, child sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and institutional liability. The work may involve complicated legal and factual issues, extensive discovery, expert testimony, and significant reputational considerations for clients. This is described as a specialized practice rather than a traditional insurance defense position, and calls for sound judgment, discretion, strategic thinking, and professionalism. The Senior Counsel will take an active role in case strategy, discovery, depositions, experts, dispositive motions, client counseling, and trial preparation, while independently handling court appearances, briefs, and trials. The role offers collaboration and mentorship from experienced trial attorneys, meaningful case ownership, national litigation resources, and flexibility in work location. The position also includes responsibility for client communications, cultivating client relationships, and providing leadership and direction to less experienced attorneys.

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, 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.
Strong judgment, discretion, writing and analytical skills, and ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, experts, and opposing counsel.

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.

Responsibilities

Develop a case theme that is more compelling than any plaintiff ploy for sympathy or anger.
Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs, and trials.
Work as part of a team with 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.
Take an active role in strategy, discovery, depositions, experts, dispositive motions, client counseling, and trial preparation.
Handle all facets of discovery and trial.

Benefits

Annual billable-hours bonus, starting at $10,000 and aggregating by $7,500 for each additional tier.
Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life coverage, including plans available at zero employee cost.
401(k) 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: $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.
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.
Remote, hybrid, or onsite work options.