Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney | Insurance Defense | Orange County

Build Your Skills. Take Ownership. Become a Stronger Litigator.

An active California Bar license is required.

Tyson & Mendes is seeking an Associate Attorney with 2+ years of civil litigation experience to join our growing Orange County team in Costa Mesa.

If you have built a strong litigation foundation and are ready for more responsibility, this is an opportunity to take the next step. We are looking for attorneys who want to dive into their cases, solve problems, develop their judgment, and become increasingly independent litigators.

Insurance defense experience is preferred, but we are also interested in strong civil litigators who understand the litigation process and are ready to learn insurance defense.

Our Orange County attorneys handle a broad range of matters, including general liability, premises liability, personal injury, construction defect, medical malpractice, toxic and mass torts, employment, and other complex civil litigation.

Associates have opportunities to build experience across the litigation lifecycle, including discovery, depositions, motions, court appearances, case strategy, client and carrier communication, mediation, and trial preparation.

We want attorneys who are eager to take ownership.

You do not need to know everything on day one. You do need the initiative to dig in, think through the issue, propose a solution, and ask thoughtful questions when you need guidance.

The Orange County office is managed by Partner Michelle Campbell, a member of the firm's Complex Trial Team and an experienced insurance defense litigator.

Michelle has served as first or second chair in multiple trials and has handled complex, high exposure matters from inception through trial. Her approach combines creative strategy, an aggressive defense, and close communication with clients throughout the litigation process.

The office also includes experienced partners, senior attorneys, mentors, and trial lawyers who are accessible and willing to help associates develop their skills.

It is an environment where you are encouraged to try, learn, ask questions, and keep growing.

We are looking for associates who want to become confident case handlers, not attorneys who want to wait to be told every next step.

The attorneys who thrive here are driven, curious, adaptable, and proactive. They understand the fundamentals of litigation, take initiative, communicate well, and want increasing responsibility.

At the same time, independence does not mean figuring everything out alone. Our Orange County attorneys value accessibility, timely feedback, and collaboration, particularly when associates are preparing for depositions, court appearances, or other important moments in a case.

Our Costa Mesa office offers flexibility while maintaining the connection of a local team.

Several of our experienced attorneys work hybrid schedules and spend time in the office throughout the week. Associates have the opportunity to work alongside senior attorneys in person, connect with colleagues, and take advantage of hands on learning while still enjoying flexibility.

We are looking for attorneys who have clear goals and the drive to reach them.

If you want to strengthen your litigation skills, take on greater case responsibility, learn from experienced attorneys, and build toward the next stage of your career, we would love to meet you.

Bring your foundation. Take ownership. Build your career with Tyson & Mendes Orange County.

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling case strategies that cut through emotional arguments and drive results
• Set a higher standard—challenge mediocrity and push for excellence in every aspect of your work
• Independently manage court appearances, depositions, motion practice, and trials
• Collaborate seamlessly with attorneys and staff at all experience levels
• Maintain consistent and professional communication with clients
• Build and nurture relationships with existing and prospective clients
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior attorneys, contributing to team growth and success

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active bar license in the state of CA
• 1–8 years of solid litigation experience, including case strategy, depositions, and trial preparation
• Ability to independently manage a full caseload, from discovery through trial
• Prior insurance defense experience preferred
• Familiarity with litigation timekeeping and billing systems
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Self-motivated with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities
• Professional appearance and demeanor

Compensation Package

• The base salary for this position ranges from $115,000-160,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
• Attorneys are eligible for an annual billable hours bonus ranging from $10,000 and then aggregating with $7,500 for every additional tier
• Comprehensive benefits coverage offered, including plans available at zero employee cost (average annual employer contribution for health/vision/dental/life coverage is $700-$1,700)
• Employees benefit from a 401(k) program that includes a 100% match on the first 3% contributed and a 50% match on the following 4-5%
• Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan (full-time attorneys after one year with the firm) $100-$200/month
• Paid parental leave at base pay
• Employees receive a monthly technology reimbursement of $60

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program through HealthAdvocate
• Comprehensive 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, such as the Women's Initiative and Young Professionals Initiative
• Firm-wide charitable giving program
• Numerous social and off-site events each year to enrich your relationships with your colleagues
• Flexible Work Model: Remote, hybrid, or onsite options available

About Tyson & Mendes

We're one of the fastest-growing civil defense firms in the country—known for breaking the mold of the traditional law firm. Our dynamic, diverse team of trial attorneys delivers exceptional results, from landmark cases like Howell v. Hamilton Meats to numerous defense verdicts across the nation.

But we don't stop at great legal work—we invest in our people. With specialized training in our proven defense methods, clear paths to leadership, and robust professional development, we empower attorneys to grow their careers, build their personal brands, and become leaders in the field.

Equal Opportunity Employer Notice

It is Tyson & Mendes' policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.