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Associate Attorney

Role overview

Summary

This role is for an Associate Attorney at Tyson & Mendes, focusing on insurance defense litigation. You will take ownership of cases while receiving mentorship from experienced attorneys, contributing to a collaborative team environment that emphasizes professional growth and development.

Qualifications

  • 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.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

  • Develop compelling case strategies that drive results
  • Independently manage court appearances, depositions, motion practice, and trials
  • Collaborate seamlessly with attorneys and staff at all experience levels
  • Mentor and provide guidance to junior attorneys, contributing to team growth and success

Key facts

Hard skills

Other skills

  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Teamwork

About the company

Tyson & Mendes logo

Tyson & Mendes

  • Legal Services
  • SME
  • 201–500
Tyson & Mendes’ goal is to achieve justice for all through innovation, collaboration, and outstanding service. Founded in 2002 by principal trial attorneys Robert Tyson and Patrick Mendes, we are an AV-rated litigation firm of more than 200 attorneys across the U.S. specializing in defending insurers, corporations, and insureds in civil litigation. Tyson & Mendes represents clients throughout Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. We have handled some of the most contentious cases that have helped define insurance defense litigation, and we have earned our reputation for targeting the threat of and putting a stop to Nuclear Verdicts® – runaway jury verdicts in excess of $10 million. Our trial-only subsidiary firm, TM HALO®, is wholly dedicated to stemming the tide of Nuclear Verdicts®. Comprised of Tyson & Mendes’ elite defense attorneys with decades of courtroom experience, TM HALO lawyers parachute in to handle the thorniest, highest stakes cases and prevent Nuclear Verdicts® Back at home, we are ensuring all of our attorneys have the tools they need to achieve exceptional results and protect our clients from unfounded damages awards. We are committed to ongoing education and development. Through comprehensive programs like our TM University and the Tyson & Mendes Trial Academy, Tyson & Mendes attorneys receive in-depth training on the proven defense methods outlined in Managing Partner Robert Tyson’s best-selling book, “Nuclear Verdicts®: Defending Justice for All,” which is the first playbook for the defense on how to avoid runaway jury verdicts.

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Job description

Build Your Litigation Career with a Team That Invests in You

Associate Attorney | Insurance Defense | Fresno, California

An active California Bar license is required.

Meaningful litigation experience. Hands-on mentorship. Flexibility that works. A team that has your back.

At Tyson & Mendes, we believe a great legal career is built on more than the cases you handle. It's about the people who support you, the opportunities you're given, and the confidence you develop along the way.

We're looking for a motivated Associate Attorney to join our Fresno litigation team, led by Partner Alexandra Noyes, an experienced trial attorney who believes in developing talent, sharing knowledge, and creating an environment where attorneys can do their best work.

If you're looking for a place where you can take ownership of your cases, continue developing your litigation skills, and work alongside a leader who genuinely enjoys mentoring attorneys, we'd love to meet you.

Why Join Our Fresno Team?

A Partner Who Invests in Your Success

Alexandra Noyes brings extensive experience in complex civil litigation, including premises liability, personal injury, products liability, agricultural disputes, and appellate matters.

Just as importantly, she enjoys teaching.

Whether it's working through a challenging motion, preparing for a deposition, reviewing legal research, or developing litigation strategy, Alexandra takes a hands-on approach to mentorship. She believes in providing guidance, constructive feedback, and the opportunity to learn by doing.

You'll have a leader who is approachable, invested in your development, and willing to roll up her sleeves to help you succeed.

Interesting Cases. Real Responsibility.

No two days are exactly alike on this team.

Our Fresno practice handles a diverse mix of litigation, including:

  • Agricultural and agribusiness disputes

  • Premises liability and personal injury defense

  • Products liability

  • Automobile liability

  • Landlord-tenant and habitability matters

  • Complex civil litigation and dispositive motion practice

You'll have opportunities to develop your skills through discovery, depositions, motion practice, court appearances, expert investigations, and case management.

Whether you're building your litigation foundation or ready to take greater ownership of your cases, you'll have opportunities to grow.

Flexibility Without Losing Connection

We recognize that attorneys do their best work in different environments.

Our Fresno team offers flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid opportunities depending on the position, experience, and needs of the practice.

What makes this team special is that flexibility doesn't mean working in isolation.

Through regular communication, collaborative case discussions, and accessible leadership, the team stays connected and supported regardless of where they're working.

The Feel of a Boutique Firm. The Resources of a National Firm.

Our Fresno team combines the close relationships and personalized support of a smaller practice with the resources and opportunities of a national litigation firm.

You'll benefit from:

  • An experienced paralegal and legal assistant who help keep cases moving efficiently

  • Access to attorneys and mentors throughout California

  • Advanced legal research and technology resources

  • Established litigation processes and collaborative case support

  • Professional development, trial training, and opportunities for advancement

You won't be expected to figure everything out on your own. You'll be part of a team that shares knowledge, communicates openly, and works together to deliver exceptional results.

Who Thrives on This Team?

We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, communicates openly, and wants to keep getting better.

The attorneys who thrive here are:

  • Proactive and accountable. You take ownership of your work, stay ahead of deadlines, and follow through on commitments.

  • Curious and teachable. You welcome feedback, ask questions, and see challenges as opportunities to improve.

  • Collaborative and communicative. You understand that great results come from working together and keeping your team informed.

  • Motivated to grow. You're excited to strengthen your litigation skills, gain experience, and take on increasing responsibility.

  • Committed to quality. You care about your clients, your cases, and the work you produce.

Experience with discovery, legal research and writing, depositions, and case management is valuable. However, we're equally interested in attorneys who demonstrate strong potential, initiative, and a genuine desire to learn.

Spanish language proficiency is a plus, particularly given the team's agricultural litigation practice.

Why Tyson & Mendes?

A National Leader in Insurance Defense

Tyson & Mendes is known for its innovative approach to litigation and its mission to stop Nuclear Verdicts®. Our attorneys have access to the training, technology, and resources needed to deliver exceptional results.

Investing in Your Development

From hands-on mentorship to our Trial Academy and professional development programs, we're committed to helping attorneys sharpen their skills and advance their careers.

Competitive Compensation and Benefits

We offer competitive compensation, a performance-based bonus program, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

A Culture of Collaboration

We believe the strongest teams are built on mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

If you're looking for more than just another litigation position, consider joining a team where your contributions matter, your development is a priority, and you have the support to build a rewarding legal career.

Join Alexandra Noyes and the Tyson & Mendes Fresno team.

Apply today. We'd love to learn more about you.

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
  • Prior insurance defense experience preferred
  • 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 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. 

Follow along with the firm on Twitter and LinkedIn, or visit www.tysonmendes.com.   

Equal Opportunity Employer Notice 

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. 

No recruiters/agencies 
#li-remote 

Pay Range$115,000—$160,000 USD

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