Senior Litigation Counsel Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Senior Counsel | Lemon Law Litigation | Northern California

Please note: An active California Bar license is required.

You already know Lemon Law litigation. You understand the pace, the strategy, the clients, and the nuances of California's Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. At this point in your career, the question is where you can put that experience to work while continuing to grow as a litigator.

Tyson & Mendes is expanding our Northern California team, and we are looking for an experienced attorney with Lemon Law, automotive warranty, or related consumer litigation experience who is ready to take meaningful ownership of cases and client relationships.

Based out of our Novato office and handling matters throughout Northern California and the greater San Francisco Bay Area, you will join a collaborative team of litigators with the resources and reach of a national trial firm behind you.

If you are looking for autonomy, substantive litigation, strong colleagues, and a place where your performance can create opportunity, we would love to meet you.

Take Ownership of Your Practice

As Senior Counsel, you will be trusted to manage matters with confidence. You will develop case strategy, oversee discovery, take and defend depositions, handle substantive motion practice, work directly with clients, evaluate exposure, and prepare cases for mediation and trial.

We are looking for an experienced attorney who can see what needs to happen next and take the initiative to make it happen.

Bring Your Lemon Law Experience

Your knowledge of California Lemon Law and consumer warranty litigation will be valued here.

We are particularly interested in attorneys with experience handling matters arising under the Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, automotive warranty disputes, consumer litigation, and related product matters.

Experience representing manufacturers, automotive companies, dealerships, or other corporate defendants is highly valued. We are also open to experienced litigators whose backgrounds provide a strong foundation for transitioning into the defense of these matters.

Keep Developing as a Trial Lawyer

Our Northern California office offers true litigation experience and meaningful opportunities for attorneys who want to strengthen their courtroom skills.

Several attorneys within the group regularly take cases to trial, giving Senior Counsel the opportunity to work alongside experienced trial lawyers and continue building their own trial experience.

You will not be limited to simply processing cases. We want attorneys who are interested in developing strategy, advocating for their clients, and becoming stronger litigators.

Work With People Who Collaborate

Our Northern California group operates as a genuinely collaborative team. Attorneys share knowledge, resources, and experience, and there is flexibility to work across teams and matters when it makes sense.

Our leaders are busy practicing attorneys, so experienced lawyers are given room to work. At the same time, colleagues are responsive when you want another perspective, need to talk through strategy, or simply have a question.

The attorneys who thrive here communicate, engage, ask questions, and take ownership.

Let Your Performance Create Opportunity

Tyson & Mendes is a meritocracy. We believe performance, initiative, client service, leadership, and contribution should matter when determining what comes next in your career.

For attorneys who distinguish themselves, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibility and continue advancing within the firm.

You are an experienced California litigator who is proactive, communicative, and comfortable managing a busy practice.

Ideally, you bring substantive experience in Lemon Law defense, automotive warranty litigation, consumer litigation, or related complex civil litigation.

You are comfortable with discovery, depositions, motion practice, case strategy, client communication, mediation, and trial preparation. You understand how to keep cases moving and how to communicate effectively with clients throughout the process.

You do not need someone constantly checking in to make sure the next step happens. You take responsibility, follow through, and ask for input when collaboration will make the outcome stronger.

We care less about pedigree and more about grit, judgment, initiative, communication, and excellent work.

This position offers the flexibility to work remotely while still providing a real office and team when you want the connection.

Our Novato office is available to attorneys who want or need to come in, whether occasionally or as part of a regular hybrid schedule. Attorneys who consistently work from the office at least twice a week can establish a permanent office space.

You will also have access to experienced legal assistant, paralegal, administrative, and trial support resources, along with our long tenured Office Manager, Pilar Romero, who provides hands on support to the attorneys in the office.

Monthly office meetings, team meetings, and social events create additional opportunities to stay connected to colleagues throughout Northern California.

You have already built valuable experience. Your next move should give you somewhere to use it while continuing to become the lawyer you want to be.

At Tyson & Mendes, you can bring your Lemon Law experience to a collaborative Northern California practice, take ownership of meaningful matters, continue developing your litigation and trial skills, and build toward the next stage of your career.

If you are ready for a place where your experience, initiative, and performance are valued, we would love to meet you.

Join Tyson & Mendes in Northern California and see where your experience can take you next.

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 the State of California
• 8+ years of solid litigation experience, specifically with litigation support, deposition and trial preparation
• 5+ years of litigation experience handling Lemon Law defense matters
• 2+ years of CRLA, tenant advocacy, or housing litigation experience
• 2+ years of General Liability defense experience
• 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%
• 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