Associate Attorney

Join Tyson & Mendes Fresno: Where Experience Meets Opportunity

Associate Attorney | 5+ Years of Experience | Fresno, CA

An active California Bar license is required.

At Tyson & Mendes, we're more than a national insurance defense firm. We're a team of accomplished litigators committed to exceptional results, professional growth, and doing things differently.

We're looking for an experienced Associate Attorney to join our Fresno office and work alongside Branch Managing Partner David Frankenberger, an accomplished trial attorney with more than 25 years of experience and over 20 jury trials to verdict.

If you're ready for greater responsibility, meaningful litigation experience, and a team that values your contributions, this could be your next great opportunity.

Why Join Our Fresno Team?

• Learn from Accomplished Trial Leadership. Work alongside David Frankenberger, an ABOTA Associate recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell. His extensive courtroom experience and collaborative leadership provide an opportunity to continue developing your skills while taking greater ownership of your work.

• Meaningful Work and Real Responsibility. Handle a diverse range of complex litigation, including trucking and transportation, construction defect, premises liability, products liability, and medical malpractice. Take an active role in case strategy, depositions, motions, and trial preparation.

• A Close-Knit Team with National Resources. Our Fresno office offers the feel of a boutique firm with the resources of a national litigation practice. Many of our attorneys have worked together for years, creating a supportive, collaborative environment where relationships matter and knowledge is shared.

• Flexibility Built on Trust. We value autonomy, accountability, and open communication. Our team supports flexible work arrangements, including hybrid and remote opportunities depending on experience and the needs of the practice.

• A Culture You'll Want to Be Part Of. From team lunches and bowling to golf outings and informal gatherings, our Fresno office values connection, camaraderie, and enjoying the people we work with.

• Keep Growing Your Career. Benefit from experienced mentors, advanced litigation technology, Trial Academy, professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and a performance-based bonus program.

Who Thrives Here?

Attorneys who are confident, proactive, and ready to take ownership of their work while remaining collaborative and open to learning. We value strong communicators, problem solvers, and team players who take pride in delivering exceptional results.

Make Your Next Move Count

Your experience deserves opportunity. Your ambition deserves support.

Join David Frankenberger and our Fresno team, where you can make a meaningful impact, continue growing as a litigator, and build your career alongside people who genuinely enjoy working together.

Apply today. We'd love to meet 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
• 3–7 years of solid litigation experience, including case strategy, depositions, and trial preparation
• 2+ years employment defense experience strongly preferred
• 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-hybrid

Pay Range$115,000—$160,000 USD