Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Associate Attorney | Denver, Colorado

An 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.

Our 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.

Our 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.

If 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.

Our 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.

A 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.

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.

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.

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 Colorado
• 2+ years insurance defense experience
• 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
• 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 $100,000-150,000 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

Click here to learn more about the Tyson & Mendes Office!  (944) The Tyson & Mendes Office - YouTube 

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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