Senior Counsel (General Liability/Coverage)

Tyson & Mendes LLP
San Diego, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Geared toward experienced insurance defense attorneys comfortable with high-exposure litigation and strategic case development, this role is located in San Diego and emphasizes leadership and collaboration across all experience levels.

Best fit for

  • Experienced insurance defense attorneys with a track record of managing complex litigation cases
    — “8+ years of solid litigation experience, specifically in general liability insurance defense and insurance coverage matters”
  • Candidates who can lead and mentor junior attorneys while maintaining a high standard of legal work
    — “Provide leadership and mentorship to junior attorneys”
  • Individuals who thrive in a collaborative, results-driven legal environment with national reach
    — “collaborative, no-silos mindset. We move with purpose—and you won’t get lost in the shuffle”

Things to consider

  • The role requires a California bar license, limiting eligibility to those already licensed in the state
    — “An active bar license in the State of California is required”
  • Candidates must be prepared to work independently and with minimal supervision
    — “Ability to think independently and with minimal supervision”
  • The position emphasizes courtroom presence and trial experience as a core competency
    — “Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs, and trials”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience in developing case themes and countering plaintiff arguments in your resume and interviews
    — “Develop compelling case themes, focusing on strategies that counter plaintiff arguments of sympathy or anger”
  • Emphasize your ability to deliver non-mediocre outcomes in litigation, as this is a core expectation
    — “Maintain a high standard in all facets of your practice—no mediocrity or average outcomes”
  • Demonstrate your proficiency in MS Suite and time management systems in your application materials
    — “Proficiency in time management systems”
  • Emphasize your ability to maintain routine client communication and build relationships
    — “Maintain routine communications with clients”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · Company

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • handling high-exposure cases
  • managing litigation teams
  • delivering exceptional client value
Typical background
8+ years of litigation experiencegeneral liability insurance defense

Skills & requirements

Required

LitigationInsurance DefenseCase ManagementCourtroom PresenceMentoring

Preferred

Nuclear Verdicts PreventionInnovation In Legal Defense

About the role

Original posting from Tyson & Mendes LLP via Greenhouse

Join Tyson & Mendes – Where Insurance Defense Meets Innovation

Please note: An active bar license in the State of California is required.

At Tyson & Mendes, we’re not just a national litigation firm—we’re a force for change in insurance defense and trial advocacy. Known for our cutting-edge approach and bold mission to stop Nuclear Verdicts®, we set the standard for results-driven representation across the country.

As we continue our nationwide growth, we’re seeking an accomplished General Liability Insurance Defense Litigation and Insurance Coverage Attorney in California who brings courtroom confidence, leadership, and a passion for strategic defense. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact on clients, cases, and the legal industry, this is your moment.

Why Tyson & Mendes?

Lead with Purpose – Step into a senior role where your voice matters and your decisions shape outcomes. We empower our senior counsel with autonomy, trust, and the tools to lead high-exposure general liability cases and insurance coverage matters.

Growth Built In – With our nationally recognized Trial Academy, ongoing executive-level development, and a firm culture that promotes from within, your next step forward is already in motion.

Stability + Agility – Join a firm with national reach, financial strength, and a collaborative, no-silos mindset. We move with purpose—and you won’t get lost in the shuffle.

Inclusive by Design – Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is more than a policy—it’s a practice that drives innovation, strengthens teams, and delivers better results.

Flexible, Performance-Focused Work – Office, hybrid, or remote—we value outcomes over face time. Your work style should support your best work.

Who You Are

You are a seasoned litigator with a defense mindset, respected by clients and colleagues for your strategic thinking, courtroom presence, and ethical leadership. You thrive on complex general liability insurance defense and insurance coverage matters, thinking several moves ahead, and turning legal challenges into opportunities. You have a proven track record managing litigation teams, mentoring junior attorneys, and navigating high-stakes litigation with confidence. Above all, you are committed to excellence, collaboration, and delivering exceptional value to clients.

Make Your Move.

Be part of something bigger—join Tyson & Mendes and help shape the future of insurance defense. Apply today. We’re ready for your best.

Responsibilities

Develop compelling case themes, focusing on strategies that counter plaintiff arguments of sympathy or anger

Maintain a high standard in all facets of your practice—no mediocrity or average outcomes

Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs, and trials

Work collaboratively with attorneys at all experience levels

Maintain routine communications with clients

Cultivate relationships with both existing and future clients

Provide leadership and mentorship to junior attorneys

Requirements

JD from an ABA-accredited law school

Active bar license in the State of California

8+ years of solid litigation experience, specifically in general liability insurance defense and insurance coverage matters

Proven ability to manage full case responsibilities, including discovery and trial

Strong experience handling insurance defense cases, particularly general liability and coverage issues

Proficiency in time management systems

Strong proficiency in MS Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Ability to think independently and with minimal supervision

Excellent 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%

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$160,000—$190,000 USD

Source: Tyson & Mendes LLP careers (Greenhouse)

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