Build Your Next Chapter With a Team That Will Make You a Better Trial Lawyer
Please note: An active Florida Bar license is required for this position.
There’s a point in your litigation career when the right opportunity isn’t simply about finding another firm. It’s about finding the right cases, the right mentors, and the right environment to keep growing.
Tyson & Mendes is looking for an experienced Florida defense attorney to join a busy litigation team handling sophisticated, high-exposure matters throughout Central Florida. This is an opportunity for an attorney who already has a strong foundation in litigation but wants to sharpen their skills alongside attorneys who are regularly in the courtroom.
You’ll work closely with two of Tyson & Mendes’ accomplished trial attorneys, Holly Howanitz and Stefani Cogsdale, gaining meaningful exposure to case strategy, motion practice, discovery, depositions, trial preparation, and trials themselves.
If you’re a strong writer, a thoughtful strategist, and the kind of attorney who takes ownership of your work while still wanting to learn from great lawyers, we’d love to meet you.
The Work
This isn’t a volume practice built around handling the same type of case over and over. The team handles sophisticated and often high-exposure litigation, including trucking and motor vehicle matters, premises liability, surgical and medical-related cases, and other complex liability matters.
You’ll have the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of your cases while collaborating closely with attorneys who care deeply about strategy, preparation, and getting the details right.
The Attorney Who Will Thrive Here
We’re looking for someone who takes pride in excellent work product. You’re a strong legal writer, comfortable with substantive motion practice and discovery, and able to independently move assignments and cases forward.
You’re also coachable. You welcome thoughtful feedback because you want to keep getting better, and once expectations are clear, you can run with them.
Ideally, you’ll bring 5–8 years of litigation experience, including insurance defense, along with substantive experience in discovery and motion practice. Trial experience is highly valued, but if you haven’t yet had significant courtroom opportunities, what matters is that you want them.
Law Review or another demonstrated record of exceptional legal research and writing is particularly attractive for this team.
Two Trial Lawyers in Your Corner
One of the biggest reasons to consider this opportunity is the leadership around you.
You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with Holly and Stefani, two highly experienced trial attorneys at Tyson & Mendes, on significant Florida matters. They are hands-on, engaged leaders who care about developing strong lawyers and producing exceptional work.
This is a great fit for someone who wants genuine mentorship—not just a name assigned to them on an organizational chart.
You’ll be trusted to work independently, but you won’t be left to figure everything out alone. As you build trust and demonstrate your capabilities, you’ll have the opportunity to take on greater responsibility and continue developing as a litigator.
Based in Central Florida. Built for Growth.
Stefani is based in Orlando and handles significant work throughout Central Florida, making Orlando an especially attractive location for this position. While the team is connected to our Jacksonville office, the role offers the opportunity to build alongside a growing presence in Central Florida without an expectation of constant travel.
And because Tyson & Mendes is a national litigation firm, you’ll have the resources, technology, training, and opportunities of a large organization while working closely with a team where your contribution is visible.
Come Grow With Us
We’re looking for an attorney who is smart, driven, detail-oriented, and excited to keep learning. Someone who wants challenging cases, meaningful responsibility, excellent mentors, and the opportunity to become an even stronger advocate.
If that sounds like the next chapter you’ve been looking for, we’d love to start a conversation.
Apply today and come see what you can build at Tyson & Mendes.
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 your state
- 8+ years of solid litigation experience, specifically with litigation support, deposition and trial preparation
- 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 $150,000 - 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.
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