Associate Attorney

Want to Become a Better Litigator? Come Practice Litigation.

Associate Attorney | Northern California

Please note: An active California Bar license is required.

There is a difference between working on litigation and actually becoming a litigator .

At Tyson & Mendes, our Northern California associates have the opportunity to take meaningful responsibility for their cases, work alongside experienced trial attorneys, develop relationships with clients, and build the practical skills that turn promising lawyers into confident advocates.

Based out of our Novato office and handling matters throughout Northern California and the greater San Francisco Bay Area , our team is looking for associates who are curious, hardworking, proactive, and ready to grow.

If you want substantive experience and you are willing to take ownership of your development, we would love to meet you.

Why Our Northern California Team?

Get Real Litigation Experience

You will not build your career sitting on the sidelines. Our associates gain substantive experience with discovery, depositions, motion practice, case strategy, client communication, mediation, trial preparation, and more. As your skills develop, so does your responsibility.

Get Closer to the Courtroom

Our Northern California team handles true litigation, and several of our attorneys regularly take cases to trial. That creates opportunities for associates who want courtroom exposure and the chance to learn from attorneys who actually try cases.

You do not need to arrive as a trial lawyer. You should want to become one.

Learn From Experienced Litigators

You will work with accomplished attorneys who know their cases, know their clients, and know what it takes to succeed in the courtroom. They are available and responsive when you need guidance, while also giving you the opportunity to think through problems, develop your judgment, and become increasingly independent.

The associates who thrive here ask questions, seek feedback, communicate, and then take what they have learned and put it into action.

Grow Based on What You Do

Tyson & Mendes is a meritocracy. We recognize initiative, performance, growth, and contribution rather than relying solely on years of experience to determine career progression.

If you work hard, become someone clients and colleagues trust, and consistently demonstrate that you are ready for more, there are opportunities to keep moving forward.

Find Your People

Our Northern California attorneys genuinely collaborate. Teams share ideas, resources, and attorneys when it makes sense, giving associates exposure to different lawyers, cases, and approaches to litigation.

There is a strong core group within the office, along with monthly Friday meetings, team meetings, social events, and opportunities to connect with colleagues. The attorneys who become involved tend to get the most from the experience.

Who Will Thrive Here?

We are looking for attorneys with 3+ years of litigation experience preferred , particularly those who already understand the fundamentals of managing an active caseload.

Insurance defense experience is a strong plus, but it is not the only background we will consider. Attorneys coming from substantive civil litigation, plaintiff work, criminal litigation, construction, professional liability, or related practices may also bring valuable experience to the team.

We care much more about the attorney you are becoming than pedigree.

We are looking for grit, curiosity, follow through, strong communication, and initiative.

You take responsibility for your work. You think about what needs to happen next. You follow up when something needs attention. You ask questions when you need guidance and are receptive to feedback when it is given.

Most importantly, you want to become a better lawyer and are willing to put in the work to get there.

Flexibility Without Disconnection

This position offers the flexibility to work remotely, but remote does not have to mean isolated.

Our Novato office is available whenever you want or need to come in, and attorneys who prefer a hybrid schedule are encouraged to use it. Attorneys who consistently work from the office at least twice a week can establish a permanent office space.

You will also have access to experienced support professionals, including our long tenured Office Manager, Pilar Romero , along with legal assistant, paralegal, administrative, and trial support resources.

Whether you are working remotely or spending time in Novato, you will be part of a team that values collaboration, communication, and connection.

Bring Your Drive. We’ll Give You Room to Grow.

We are not looking for someone who already knows everything.

We are looking for someone who wants to keep learning.

Someone who wants responsibility, welcomes feedback, communicates well, works hard, and sees challenging cases as an opportunity to become a stronger lawyer.

If that sounds like the career you are trying to build, we would love to start a conversation.

Join Tyson & Mendes in Northern California and build the kind of litigation career you want.

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
• 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 throughHealthAdvocate
• 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

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.

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.

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For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Tyson & Mendes LLP’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.