Associate Attorney

Associate AttorneyDenver, COSerious Cases. Strong Mentors. Become the Litigator You Want to Be.Associate Attorney | Denver, ColoradoAn active Colorado Bar license is required.There comes a point in your career when getting more assignments is not enough.You want to understand the strategy behind the case. You want to take depositions, argue motions, work directly with clients, prepare cases for trial, and learn from attorneys who have actually done all of it.That is the opportunity we are building at Tyson & Mendes in Denver.Our growing Colorado team is looking for an Associate Attorney who wants substantive litigation experience, meaningful responsibility, and the opportunity to develop alongside accomplished litigators handling sophisticated civil defense matters.If you have built a solid litigation foundation and are ready to become a more complete lawyer, we would like to meet you.Work on Cases That Will Challenge YouOur Colorado practice handles significant matters where strategy, judgment, preparation, and strong advocacy matter.The work includes catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death, trucking and transportation, construction defect, premises liability, professional liability, commercial litigation, automobile liability, and other complex civil defense matters.These are cases that give associates an opportunity to develop real litigation skills.You will have the opportunity to work on discovery, depositions, substantive motion practice, case evaluation and strategy, expert work, client communication, mediation, and trial preparation.The goal is not simply to help you manage more files.It is to help you become a better litigator.Learn From Attorneys Who Know the CourtroomOur Denver practice is led regionally by Michael Drews, Northwest Regional Managing Partner, an experienced trial attorney whose practice spans professional liability, catastrophic injury and wrongful death, trucking and transportation, construction, premises liability, products liability, employment, bad faith, and other complex litigation.Michael has handled significant matters across multiple jurisdictions, including catastrophic trucking cases in Colorado, and is known for his ability to evaluate complex cases, develop strong case theories, communicate effectively with clients, and take cases into the courtroom when necessary.Associates also have the opportunity to work with David Anderson, Senior Counsel in our Denver and New Mexico offices, an experienced Colorado litigator whose practice includes serious personal injury defense, construction defect, trucking, automobile accidents, and commercial litigation.David brings extensive Colorado courtroom experience and a particularly strong background in legal writing and dispositive motion practice, including successful dismissals and summary judgment rulings.For an associate who wants to learn, that means access to lawyers who can teach you not only what to do next, but why.Get Closer to the CourtroomIf you want to become a trial lawyer, you need opportunities to develop the skills that eventually get you there.Tyson & Mendes is nationally recognized for our approach to Stopping Nuclear Verdicts®, and our attorneys have access to our Trial Academy and APEX methodology.But training is only part of development.You also need meaningful case responsibility, opportunities to watch experienced attorneys work, substantive assignments that challenge you, and increasing ownership as your skills develop.We want associates who are excited by that progression.A Smaller Team Where Your Development Is VisibleOur Denver office offers the connection of a smaller practice with the resources of a national litigation firm.You are not one of dozens of associates competing to be noticed.Your partners can know your work. They can understand where you are strong, where you need more experience, and what you want to accomplish next.As you demonstrate your judgment and capabilities, there is room to take on greater responsibility and become an increasingly important part of the team as the office grows.National Resources Behind Your PracticeA smaller office does not mean practicing without resources.Tyson & Mendes provides the technology, litigation support, professional development, training, and national network of a firm with attorneys across the country.We also continue to invest in AI enabled legal resources, modern case management systems, research technology, and tools designed to reduce unnecessary administrative friction and help attorneys work more effectively.You get the opportunity to build close relationships locally while having a national organization behind you.Who Will Thrive Here?We are looking for an attorney with an active Colorado Bar license and a solid foundation in litigation.Insurance defense experience is strongly preferred, particularly experience involving general liability, trucking and transportation, construction defect, premises liability, personal injury, professional liability, or related civil defense matters.You know how to manage deadlines and discovery. You produce thoughtful written work. You communicate professionally with clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel. You take responsibility for your assignments and understand that responsiveness matters.Just as importantly, you are curious.You want to understand the entire case, not simply complete your portion of it. You ask thoughtful questions. You welcome feedback. You think about what comes next. And as you gain experience, you want greater responsibility for strategy, depositions, motions, clients, and ultimately trials.Build More Than Experience. Build Your Career.The attorneys you work with and the cases you handle now will shape the lawyer you become later.Choose an environment where you can learn from accomplished litigators, work on sophisticated matters, take on increasing responsibility, and have access to the tools and resources you need to keep getting better.Bring us your foundation. Bring your curiosity. Bring your drive to become an excellent litigator.Join the Tyson & Mendes Denver team and build what comes next.ResponsibilitiesDevelop compelling case strategies that cut through emotional arguments and drive resultsSet a higher standard—challenge mediocrity and push for excellence in every aspect of your workIndependently manage court appearances, depositions, motion practice, and trialsCollaborate seamlessly with attorneys and staff at all experience levelsMaintain consistent and professional communication with clientsBuild and nurture relationships with existing and prospective clientsMentor and provide guidance to junior attorneys, contributing to team growth and successRequirementsJuris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law schoolActive bar license in the state of Colorado2+ years insurance defense experience1–8 years of solid litigation experience, including case strategy, depositions, and trial preparationAbility to independently manage a full caseload, from discovery through trialFamiliarity with litigation timekeeping and billing systemsProficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPointSelf-motivated with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skillsExcellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilitiesProfessional appearance and demeanorCompensation PackageThe base salary for this position ranges from $100,000-150,000 annually, depending on experience and qualificationsAttorneys are eligible for an annual billable hours bonus ranging from $10,000 and then aggregating with $7,500 for every additional tierComprehensive 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/monthPaid parental leave at base payEmployees receive a monthly technology reimbursement of $60BenefitsEmployee Assistance Program through HealthAdvocateComprehensive in-house training and leadership development opportunitiesFirm Provided CLE Programs and Paid Bar License Renewal FeesFlexible vacation policy for attorneysDefined pathway to partnershipInternal diversity and inclusion programs