Job Description

Senior Counsel – Fresno, CA

Defend. Lead. Elevate Your Practice.

Active California Bar License Required

At Tyson & Mendes, we’re not just practicing insurance defense—we’re redefining it. As a national leader known for our innovative strategies and our mission to stop Nuclear Verdicts®, we handle high-exposure, complex litigation for top insurers and sophisticated clients across the country.

We are seeking a Senior Counsel to join our highly collaborative Fresno team, offering the opportunity to work on complex, high-impact cases including general liability, construction defect, toxic tort, and class action matters

This is an ideal role for an experienced insurance defense attorney who wants challenging work, flexibility, and a team that truly partners together to win.

Why Tyson & Mendes?

Complex, High-Level Work
Handle sophisticated litigation, including class actions, construction defect, toxic tort, and high-exposure general liability matters.

Collaborative, Team-Driven Environment
Work alongside experienced trial attorneys in a culture that values partnership, strategy, and shared success—not silos.

Flexible Work Options
Choose the work style that fits you best:

• Remote (with occasional in-person appearances)

• Hybrid

• In-office

Trial-Focused Growth & Leadership
Advance your career through hands-on trial opportunities, Trial Academy, and mentorship—while also mentoring junior attorneys.

Stability with National Reach
Join a growing, nationally recognized firm with a strong reputation and long-term career opportunities.

What you bring

You bring 8+ years of litigation experience, ideally in insurance defense or civil litigation, along with strong experience handling general liability matters such as construction defect, toxic tort, or other complex cases. You have a proven ability to manage cases independently while thinking strategically, and you demonstrate excellent writing, deposition, and advocacy skills. You thrive in a collaborative environment, enjoy mentoring others, and are committed to delivering exceptional client service in every aspect of your work.

Make Your Move

If you’re ready to take on complex, high-impact work with a firm that values collaboration, flexibility, and trial excellence, Tyson & Mendes is the place for you.

Apply today and help shape the future of insurance defense.

Responsibilities

• Develop a case theme that is more compelling than any plaintiff ploy for sympathy or anger
• Refuse to accept mediocrity, the average, the standard or the norm in anything
• Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs and trials
• Work as part of a team with all levels of experiences
• Routine communications with clients
• Cultivate relationships with the firm’s existing and future clients
• Provide leadership and direction with respect to less experienced attorneys

Requirements

• JD from an ABA approved school
• Must be licensed in your state
• 8+ years of solid litigation experience, specifically with litigation support, deposition and trial preparation
• Ability to manage full case handling responsibilities, including all facets of discovery and trial
• Experience handling insurance defense matters preferred
• Experience with time management systems
• Proficiency in MS Suite, specifically Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Ability to think and act independently and with minimal supervision
• Outstanding listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Professional appearance and demeanor

Compensation Package

• The base salary for this position ranges from $160,000-190,000 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%

• Employees receive a monthly technology reimbursement of $60

• 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

Benefits (NOTE – do not include last bullet on NY postings)

• 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

Why Tyson & Mendes?
We are one of the country’s fastest growing civil defense firms. We have steadily and successfully made our mark as a trailblazer in the legal ecosphere. We are a progressive, dynamic and diverse firm that prides ourselves in breaking the mold upheld by the “traditional” law firm. Here, you will discover an exceptionally smart, deeply talented team of trial lawyers who have continuously made a profound impact on the lives of literally hundreds of thousands of people. From Howell vs. Hamilton Meats, to our many trial wins, our promise is to provide unparalleled service and achieve exceptional results for our clients.
In addition to our outstanding legal work, we take an innovative approach to law firm management; we invest wholly in our employees. From our specialized internal training program on our proven defense methods, to clear paths to leadership and partnership, we provide the professional development resources and tools needed for attorneys to make significant advancements in their careers - all while building their own brands and becoming sought-after experts in their respective fields.
Click here to learn more about the Tyson & Mendes Office! (944) The Tyson & Mendes Office - YouTube
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 $160,000—$190,000 USD