Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney | Insurance Defense | San Diego

Build Your Litigation Career with a Team That Will Help You Grow

An active California Bar license is required.

You know the fundamentals of litigation. Now you’re ready for more experience, more responsibility, and the opportunity to become a stronger attorney.

Tyson & Mendes is seeking an Associate Attorney to join our San Diego team. This is a great opportunity for an attorney with civil litigation experience who wants to continue developing their skills while working alongside experienced insurance defense attorneys and trial lawyers.

Our San Diego attorneys handle a broad range of matters, including personal injury and wrongful death, premises liability, automobile and transportation liability, professional liability, medical malpractice, construction and construction defect, products liability, employment, and other complex civil litigation.

Build Real Litigation Experience

We’re not expecting you to walk in as a finished trial attorney.

We’re looking for someone who understands the foundations of litigation, including discovery, pleadings, motions, reporting, depositions, case management, and client communication , and wants to keep building from there.

Depending on your experience and team, you’ll have opportunities to take on greater case responsibility, participate in depositions and court appearances, work directly with clients and carriers, develop case strategy, and learn from attorneys with significant litigation and trial experience.

Our goal is to give you the foundation, guidance, and opportunities to continue becoming a better litigator.

Experienced Leaders. Different Paths to Grow.

The San Diego office is led by Daniel Fallon , an experienced litigator and former Board Member of the San Diego Defense Lawyers, and overseen regionally by Kristi Blackwell, California Regional Managing Partner .

Across the office, our team leaders bring different practice areas, personalities, and approaches to litigation, giving associates the opportunity to find the environment where they can be most successful.

Many of our current partners and team leaders grew their careers within these San Diego teams , creating opportunities for associates who demonstrate initiative, strong judgment, and the ability to take on increasing responsibility.

Flexibility + Connection

Our San Diego attorneys work in a highly flexible, primarily remote environment , with office space available for attorneys who prefer to come in. Some teams also hold collaborative in office workdays, and attorneys come together for team events and celebrations.

Success here isn’t about sitting in an office every day. It’s about communication, accountability, adaptability, and getting the work done.

We’re looking for attorneys who are comfortable taking initiative, asking questions, communicating what they need, and building relationships with their team, even when working remotely.

Bring Your Foundation. We’ll Help You Build on It.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to strengthen your litigation skills, take on greater responsibility, and build your career alongside experienced defense attorneys, we’d love to meet you.

Build your skills. Own your growth. See where your career can take you at Tyson & Mendes.

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

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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

$115,000—$160,000 USD