Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney | Insurance Defense | San DiegoBuild Your Litigation Career with a Team That Will Help You GrowAn 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.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.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.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.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.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 CA1–8 years of solid litigation experience, including case strategy, depositions, and trial preparationAbility to independently manage a full caseload, from discovery through trialPrior insurance defense experience preferredFamiliarity 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 $115,000-160,000 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, such as the Women's Initiative and Young Professionals InitiativeFirm-wide charitable giving programNumerous social and off-site events each year to enrich your relationships with your colleaguesFlexible Work Model: Remote, hybrid, or onsite options availableAbout Tyson & MendesWe'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.Equal Opportunity Employer NoticeIt 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.