Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney

Inland Empire, CA

Build Your Career While We Build Something New

Please note: An active California Bar license is required.

Tyson & Mendes is growing in the Inland Empire, and we're looking for motivated litigation associates who want to grow right along with us.

This isn't simply another associate opening. We're building a new team in the Inland Empire with plans for a permanent office in the Redlands area and the attorneys who join us now will have the opportunity to be part of that growth from the beginning.

You'll work alongside experienced litigators, take on meaningful case responsibility, and receive the kind of hands-on mentorship that can make a real difference early in your career.

If you're looking for a place where you can learn, contribute, and build toward something, we'd love to meet you.

Why Join Our Inland Empire Team?

Mentorship That Meets You Where You Are The office is led by Pat Ferraris, an experienced litigator, former professor, and highly regarded mentor. His approach is individualized; giving attorneys the guidance and feedback they need while building the confidence and skills to work more independently as they develop.

Real Experience. Real Responsibility. You won't spend years waiting for an opportunity to do substantive work. Our attorneys are encouraged to take ownership, build relationships with clients, strengthen their writing and advocacy skills, and develop the judgment needed to become confident litigators.

Grow Alongside the Office We're building toward a team of approximately 10 attorneys in the Inland Empire. Joining during this stage means becoming part of the office early, developing alongside experienced attorneys and future team leaders, and positioning yourself for opportunities as the team expands.

Interesting, Varied Litigation Our current matters include automobile liability, premises liability, product liability, and other civil litigation throughout the Inland Empire and beyond. We also welcome attorneys coming from related practices such as medical malpractice, professional liability, construction defect, and broader civil litigation.

A Team Where People Help Each Other We're intentionally building a culture around trust, camaraderie, communication, and mutual respect. We want attorneys who care about doing excellent work and who also believe being a great colleague matters.

Who Will Thrive Here

You're curious, motivated, and ready to become a stronger litigator.

You take ownership of your work, communicate when you need guidance, and are receptive to feedback. You're comfortable working independently but appreciate having experienced attorneys available when you need them. Most importantly, you want to learn.

Insurance defense experience is preferred, but it isn't the only path to this team. We're open to attorneys with substantive civil litigation experience who are excited to develop their defense practice.

Experience with discovery, depositions, motion practice, case strategy, and trial preparation is valuable, and we're particularly interested in attorneys who want greater exposure to the courtroom as their careers progress.

Small-Team Experience. National-Firm Resources.

There's something unique about joining an office while it's still being built.

You get the visibility, relationships, and opportunities that come with a smaller team, while having the resources, training, technology, and stability of a national litigation firm behind you.

Our Inland Empire team is currently working from collaborative office space as we grow, with plans to establish a permanent office in the Redlands area based on the needs of the expanding team.

And as the office grows, we want our attorneys to grow with it.

Come Grow With Us

You don't need to have your entire legal career mapped out. You need the right environment, meaningful opportunities, great people to learn from, and the drive to keep getting better.

Bring your ambition. We'll bring the opportunity.

Join Tyson & Mendes and be part of what we're building in the Inland Empire. Apply today! We'd love to meet you.

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 California
• 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.