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Senior Counsel (Law & Motion)

Northern California, CA
Join Tyson & Mendes: Leading the Charge in Insurance Defense and Trial Advocacy
 
Please note: An active bar license in the State of California is required for this position.
 
At Tyson & Mendes, we're not just another law firm; we're on a mission to become the best national insurance defense and go-to trial firm. We're proud to lead the industry with our outstanding legal results and innovative strategies, including our commitment to stopping Nuclear Verdicts®. Our culture of excellence sets us apart, creating a dynamic, creative environment driven by continuous improvement.
 
 
Why Join Us?
 
Be Part of Excellence: At Tyson & Mendes, you'll be part of a team that consistently sets the industry standard. We are dedicated to nurturing a culture of continuous learning, offering unparalleled opportunities for education, mentorship, professional development, and long-term career growth. Our inclusive and transparent leadership ensures that all team member’s strengths and talents are recognized and celebrated.
 
Growth and Stability: We are dedicated to achieving sustainable growth and aim to significantly expand our team over the next few years. Our focus includes increasing our workforce, while also prioritizing a supportive and stable work environment to maintain high retention rates among our team members
 
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Tyson & Mendes believes that a diverse workforce is integral to our success and the success of our clients. We are dedicated to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion across our firm, aiming to surpass the national average of diversity in the legal field
 
 
Job Location Flexibility
 
At our company, we prioritize flexibility to help you work where and how you work best. We offer a variety of work location options to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer to work remotely (available for in-person appearances), enjoy a hybrid approach by splitting your time between remote work and our office, or thrive in a dedicated in-office environment, we have a solution that fits your needs. Our goal is to support your unique work style and help you succeed in your role.
 
 
Who We're Looking For…
 
We are seeking talented and passionate legal professionals who are ready to be part of a forward-thinking, client-focused firm. If you are committed to excellence, eager to innovate, and thrive in a diverse and inclusive environment, Tyson & Mendes is the place for you.
 
Join us and make your mark as we continue to serve the top 25 property and casualty insurers in America and expand our relationships with Fortune 500 companies. Be part of a team that's setting new standards in the legal industry—apply today!
 

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Law & Motion Attorney with a strong background in appellate practice to join our dynamic insurance defense team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in drafting and arguing dispositive motions, conducting in-depth legal research, and handling appeals in state and federal courts. This role requires excellent analytical, research, and writing skills, with an ability to present compelling legal arguments and navigate complex insurance defense cases.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Law & Motion Practice: Prepare, draft, and argue a variety of motions, including motions to dismiss, summary judgments, and other pre-trial and post-trial motions.
  • Appellate Briefs and Oral Arguments: Manage appellate cases from inception to resolution, including designating the record, drafting appellate briefs, preparing petitions, and presenting oral arguments when necessary.
  • Legal Research and Writing: Conduct thorough legal research on relevant case law, statutes, and procedural rules to support motion practice and appellate work.
  • Case Analysis and Strategy: Collaborate with the litigation team to develop case strategies, identify key legal arguments, and prepare oppositions to motions filed by opposing counsel.
  • Collaboration with Clients and Colleagues: Work closely with colleagues to provide status updates, discuss case developments, and make recommendations based on legal findings.
  • Maintain Deadlines and Case Management: Ensure all court and case deadlines are met by effectively managing case files, schedules, and electronic records.

Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
  • Active license to practice law in California, with eligibility to practice in federal courts preferred.
  • 3-5+ years of experience in insurance defense, law and motion, or appellate practice.
  • Proven success in drafting and arguing motions, particularly dispositive motions.
  • Demonstrated experience managing appellate cases, including brief writing and oral arguments.
  • Strong legal research skills and proficiency with platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis.
  • Exceptional writing skills, with a keen attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and communicate effectively with team members.
  • Familiarity with e-discovery tools and procedures.
  • Previous experience working in insurance defense or a related field.
 
Benefits
  • Guaranteed bonus structure for attorneys and paralegals 
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans (some at no cost to the employee) 
  • Student loan repayment assistance OR 529 college savings program for attorneys 
  • 401K matching 
  • Paid parental leave 
  • Flexible vacation policy for attorneys 
  • Internal education and leadership development programs 
  • Pathway to partnership for attorneys 
  • 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 
  • Employee Assistance Program through HealthAdvocate 
  • Access to Maven resources for new parents through Blue Shield 
 
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!
 
 
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.
 
Follow along with the firm on Twitter and LinkedIn, or visit www.tysonmendes.com.  
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Pay Range

$150,000 - $190,000 USD

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