BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Mr. Mendes is a San Diego native.  He is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego (B.A., cum laude, 1992) and the University of San Diego School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 1995).  He has practiced law in San Diego since graduating from law school, obtaining considerable litigation experience as a San Diego office partner with the law firm of Gordon & Rees.  Mr. Mendes brings to the table big firm experience and a record of success.  While at Gordon & Rees, Mr. Mendes served as director of the Construction and Insurance Groups.  His specific practice areas include construction litigation, personal injury, insurance coverage and professional liability. 

LEGAL EMPLOYMENT 

December 2002- Present
TYSON & MENDES LLP
San Diego, California
Insurance defense litigation practice specializing in insurance law, professional liability, construction and personal injury.

May 1997- December 2002
GORDON & REES, LLP
San Diego, California
Partner, San Diego Office
• Director, Insurance Group, 2001-2002
• Director, Construction Group, 1999-2001
• Successfully mediated/arbitrated 100’s of cases
• Broad litigation background in the areas of personal injury, insurance, products liability, construction and real estate
• Jury trial experience

Dec. 1995- May 1997
EDWARDS, SOOY & BYRON
San Diego, California
Associate
• Conduct arbitrations and mediations.
• Full case handling responsibilities, including creation and implementation of discovery plan through trial.
• Complex litigation experience in the areas of construction, products liability, and personal injury.

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO SCHOOL OF LAW
Juris Doctor – May 1995, Magna Cum Laude
Class Standing: Top Five Percent, Order of the Coif
San Diego Law Review, Comments Editor

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
Bachelor of Arts – History, March 1992, Cum Laude
Provost’s Honor List, 1989-1992

MEMBERSHIPS

California Bar, Admitted 1995

San Diego Defense Lawyers

San Diego County Bar Association

International Association of Defense Counsel

San Diego Barristers Club

SDCBA Basketball League

Defense Research Institute

Marketing Chair 2001 Construction Law Seminar

California Minority Counsel Program

International Risk Management Institute

California Landscape Contractors Association

PRESENTATIONS

Recent Developments:  California Construction Law & Additional Insured Issues, September, 2002

Coverage Issues Presented by First Party Mold Claims, June, 2001

Participant, International Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy, Boulder, Colorado, July 2001

INTERESTS 

Mr. Mendes enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife, Lori, and three children, Matthew, Grace and Kayla.  Mr. Mendes is a frequent spectator at various youth sports events throughout San Diego County.

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