Senior Counsel (Sexual Torts Defense)

Senior Counsel | Complex Trial Team – Sexual Torts Defense | California

Sophisticated Cases. Exceptional Trial Attorneys. Meaningful Work.

Please note: An active California Bar license is required.

Tyson & Mendes is seeking an accomplished Senior Counsel to join a specialized Complex Trial Team defending some of the most sensitive and high-exposure matters in civil litigation, including cases involving allegations of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and institutional liability .

This is not a traditional insurance defense position. These matters require exceptional judgment, discretion, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex factual and legal issues with professionalism and sensitivity.

For an experienced litigator looking to deepen their expertise in this highly specialized practice area, this is an opportunity to work alongside exceptional trial attorneys and mentors while taking on sophisticated, meaningful litigation.

Work Alongside Proven Trial Leaders

The team is led by Equity Partner Susan Oliver , an accomplished California litigator with extensive experience handling catastrophic personal injury, sexual torts, employment practices, and medical malpractice matters.

Susan is known for identifying creative and novel legal strategies in complex cases. Her recent successes include obtaining summary judgment in two significant matters, collectively saving clients more than $100 million. Her experience extends from California state and federal courts to the California Courts of Appeal and the Ninth Circuit, as well as stepping into major cases late in litigation to evaluate, reposition, and prepare them for trial.

She works alongside other highly experienced partners and trial attorneys who are committed to collaboration, mentorship, and developing the next generation of sophisticated litigators .

Build Expertise in a Highly Specialized Practice

You’ll work on complex matters involving allegations of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, misconduct, and institutional liability; cases that can involve significant exposure, complicated legal issues, extensive discovery, expert testimony, and substantial reputational considerations for clients.

Senior Counsel are trusted to bring their own experience and judgment to the table while having access to seasoned trial attorneys for strategy, collaboration, and mentorship.

Why Tyson & Mendes?

Sophisticated, High-Exposure Work – Handle challenging matters that demand thoughtful strategy and strong litigation skills.

Exceptional Mentorship – Work alongside Susan Oliver and other accomplished trial attorneys who understand what it takes to successfully position and try complex cases.

Meaningful Case Ownership – Take an active role in strategy, discovery, depositions, experts, dispositive motions, client counseling, and trial preparation.

National Resources – Benefit from the resources of a national litigation firm, including trial training and experienced litigation support.

Collaborative Culture – Join a team where experienced attorneys share ideas, strategize together, and support one another.

Flexibility – We offer flexibility while maintaining the collaboration and connection necessary for complex litigation.

Who Will Thrive Here

This opportunity is ideal for a seasoned civil litigator who is comfortable handling sensitive, emotionally complex, and high-exposure matters and wants to continue developing as a trial attorney.

Experience involving sexual assault, abuse, institutional liability, catastrophic injury, professional liability, medical malpractice, or similarly complex litigation is highly valuable. Just as important are excellent judgment, discretion, strong writing and analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, experts, and opposing counsel.

Bring Your Experience. Deepen Your Expertise.

If you’re looking for more than another insurance defense position, and want the opportunity to develop a highly specialized practice alongside accomplished trial attorneys, we’d love to talk.

Join Tyson & Mendes and help shape the next generation of our Complex Trial Team.

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 anything
• Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs and trials
• Work as part of a team with all levels of experiences
• Routine communications with clients
• Cultivate relationships with the firm’s existing and future clients
• Provide leadership and direction with respect to less experienced attorneys

Requirements

• JD from an ABA approved school
• Must be licensed in the State of California
• 8+ years of solid litigation experience, specifically with 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 preferred
• Experience with time management systems
• Proficiency in MS Suite, specifically Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Ability to think and act independently and with minimal supervision
• Outstanding listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Professional appearance and demeanor

Compensation Package

• The base salary for this position ranges from $160,000-$200,000 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

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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.

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Equal Opportunity Employer Notice

OK, now for the legal copy (we are a law firm, after all). 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. By the way, if you read all of this, congratulations – we can already tell your attention to detail is exceptional.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS/EMPLOYEES OF TYSON & MENDES: Please take notice that the Firm collects certain information about you. For more information on the Firm’s policies, please refer to the document provided here .

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Pay Range

$160,000—$200,000 USD