Senior Litigation Counsel Jobs in California
Senior Litigation Counsel jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in technology, entertainment, financial services, and healthcare, with openings at every level from newly minted litigation attorneys to senior trial counsel managing complex portfolios. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where employers such as Apple, Wells Fargo, and Kaiser Permanente maintain substantial in-house legal teams. The most sought-after specializations include commercial litigation, employment defense, and class action defense. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 26+ Senior Litigation Counsel jobs
Take Your Lemon Law Practice Somewhere It Can Grow
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.
Why Our Northern California Team?
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.
Who Will Thrive Here?
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.
Flexibility Without Losing Connection
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.
Bring What You Know. Keep Building What Comes Next.
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
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
Take Your Lemon Law Practice Somewhere It Can Grow
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.
Why Our Northern California Team?
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.
Who Will Thrive Here?
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.
Flexibility Without Losing Connection
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.
Bring What You Know. Keep Building What Comes Next.
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
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
See All 26 Senior Litigation Counsel Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSenior Litigation Counsel Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Litigation Counsel Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Science & Research
- Media & Entertainment
- Transportation & Logistics
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior litigation counsel jobs across California.
- Active membership in the State Bar of California in good standing
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Substantial first-chair trial or arbitration experience in California courts
- Deep knowledge of California Civil Procedure and evidence rules
- Experience managing outside counsel relationships and litigation budgets
- Strong written advocacy skills demonstrated through briefs and motion practice
Senior Litigation Counsel Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior litigation counsel in California?
You must be admitted to the State Bar of California, which requires passing the California Bar Examination administered by the Committee of Bar Examiners and completing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination. The path typically begins with a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, followed by associate-level litigation work building trial and motion experience. Most California in-house teams promote to senior litigation counsel after consistent first-chair experience and demonstrated ability to manage complex matters independently.
How much do senior litigation counsels make in California?
Senior litigation counsels in California earn a median of about $195,080 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $97,950 for the lowest 10% to over $369,180 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire senior litigation counsels in California?
Employers hiring senior litigation counsels in California right now include Tyson & Mendes, Uber, and Apple, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, entertainment studios, and major financial institutions means in-house litigation teams here are larger and more specialized than in most other states.
Which California cities have the most senior litigation counsel jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Oakland lead California for senior litigation counsel openings. Los Angeles dominates because of its density of entertainment conglomerates, real estate firms, and financial institutions with large in-house teams, while San Francisco and Silicon Valley draw heavily from the technology sector, and San Diego's concentration of biotech and defense contractors sustains consistent litigation hiring there.
Are there remote senior litigation counsel jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely advisory legal roles, since litigation counsel work often requires court appearances and in-person depositions in California venues. About 71% of senior litigation counsel openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting a partial flexibility trend among in-house teams. Pre-trial work such as legal research, brief writing, and settlement negotiations is the portion of the role most frequently performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a senior litigation counsel in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a litigation associate role at a California-based law firm or in-house team, where you build trial and motion experience before moving to a senior counsel title. Large California employers such as technology companies and healthcare systems frequently hire new attorneys through structured associate programs that feed into their in-house pipeline. Lateral moves from adjacent roles such as judicial law clerk, public defender, or deputy district attorney in a California county are highly regarded because they demonstrate actual courtroom experience that in-house hiring managers value.
Where can I find and apply to senior litigation counsel jobs in California?
You can find and apply to senior litigation counsel jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and preferred location, and apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 26 Senior Litigation Counsel Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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