Associate Attorney (3+ years)

Associate Attorney | Insurance Defense | Orange County

Learn From One of the Best. Build the Litigator You Want to Become.

An active California Bar license and 3+ years of insurance defense experience are required.

Tyson & Mendes is seeking an experienced Associate Attorney to join Partner Margaret “Peggy” Holm’s litigation team in our Orange County office.

This is a unique opportunity for an attorney who already understands insurance defense and is ready to take their skills further.

You’ll work alongside an accomplished trial attorney, handle substantive and sophisticated matters, receive direct feedback and guidance, and have opportunities to develop the judgment and courtroom skills that come from working closely with attorneys who have spent decades trying complex cases.

Learn From an Exceptional Trial Lawyer

Peggy Holm is Chair of the Tyson & Mendes Healthcare Practice and one of the country’s leading trial and appellate litigators for healthcare entities and other organizations facing complex civil litigation.

Her record includes more than 200 civil jury trials and arbitrations and a success rate of more than 95 percent in jury verdict cases. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and holds the prestigious rank of Diplomate with the American Board of Trial Advocates.

For an associate who wants to become a stronger litigator, this is an opportunity to learn from someone who has spent her career doing exactly that.

Do Substantive Work

This is not a role where you’ll spend your time sitting on the sidelines.

Peggy’s team handles an interesting mix of sophisticated matters, including medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, elder abuse, institutional liability, trucking and automobile matters, and complex claims involving healthcare and entertainment organizations. Some matters involve difficult and sensitive facts and require maturity, sound judgment, and professionalism.

You’ll have the opportunity to work on cases directly, participate in depositions, develop strategy, handle discovery and motions, communicate with clients, prepare for court, and build toward greater courtroom and trial responsibility.

High Expectations. Real Mentorship.

Peggy has high standards, but she also believes strongly in developing attorneys.

Newer attorneys receive a manageable caseload and guidance as they build their skills. Peggy interacts regularly with her team, encourages attorneys to pick up the phone and talk through issues, and holds weekly team meetings focused on both the work and supporting one another.

You will be expected to think independently. Look at the problem. Do the work. Think through possible solutions. Then come to the team with your questions and ideas.

You won’t be expected to know everything, but you will be expected to engage.

The Right Fit

We’re looking for an attorney with 3+ years of insurance defense experience who understands civil litigation, discovery, and case management and is ready for more.

You are proactive, inquisitive, hardworking, and accountable. You communicate openly, treat clients, colleagues, judges, and opposing counsel with respect, and take ownership when something doesn’t go as planned.

Most importantly, you want to become a better litigator and are willing to put in the work to get there.

A Team That Actually Works as a Team

Peggy’s team genuinely enjoys working together. They communicate frequently, help one another, and believe no task is too big or too small when the team needs support.

Peggy plans to spend approximately three days a week in the Costa Mesa office, creating opportunities for in person collaboration and mentorship while maintaining flexibility.

And for attorneys who want courtroom experience, there is room to grow. Peggy is the primary trial lawyer on the team today and is specifically looking for other attorneys who can develop toward taking on that responsibility.

Come Here to Become a Better Litigator.

If you have the insurance defense foundation and are ready to challenge yourself, learn from exceptional attorneys, take meaningful ownership of your work, and build toward the courtroom, we’d love to meet you.

Bring your experience. Bring your initiative. We’ll give you the opportunity to build from there.

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 CA
• 3–8 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

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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.

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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.

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Pay Range

$115,000 - $160,000 USD