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