Los Angeles, CA, May 6, 2026 — National insurance defense trial firm Tyson & Mendes, LLP announced today it secured a complete defense verdict in a high-exposure sexual abuse and molestation (SAM) trial involving a case in California where the plaintiff’s demand reached $20 million.

Tyson & Mendes Partners David Frankenberger and Hector Jimenez presented a disciplined defense strategy which incorporated The Apex℠, the firm’s revolutionary strategy for avoiding Nuclear Verdicts®. In a trademark application of The Apex℠, the defense team gave a defense number while seeking a defense verdict. Prior to, and throughout, the trial, the team employed the Core Four strategies at the heart of The Apex℠ by personalizing the client, accepting responsibility (even while contesting liability), giving a number, and arguing pain and suffering. The Apex℠ is the defense blueprint revealed in the firm’s newest book, Nuclear Verdicts®: The Apex – Break the Pattern and is also a foundation of the new spinoff consulting firm, Apex Defense Consulting.

“This result reflects the importance of a disciplined trial strategy and clear, credible positioning with the jury,” said Jimenez. Frankenberger added: “Our Apex strategies resonated with the jury and empowered them to return a verdict that was supported by responsibility, reasonableness, and common sense. We are grateful to them for their measured assessment of the evidence.”

About Tyson & Mendes LLP

Tyson & Mendes LLP is a nationwide, AV-rated litigation and trial firm specializing in insurance defense and protecting its clients from Nuclear Verdicts®. Founded in 2002 by Robert Tyson and Patrick Mendes, the firm has experienced tremendous growth, with offices across the United States. Tyson & Mendes is known for its expertise in defending corporations, insurance companies, and their clients against Nuclear Verdicts®.

Serving 21 states nationwide, Tyson & Mendes is one of the fastest-growing civil defense firms in the U.S. and is proud to offer one of the fastest and clearest paths to partnership for its attorneys of any mid-sized law firm in the U.S. The firm is honored to be recognized as a 2024 Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers, named a 2024 Best Company to Work For: Law Firms edition by U.S. News & World Report, awarded the 2023 Liberty Mutual Insurance External Law Firm Partner of the Year Award, awarded the No. 1 “Ceiling Smasher” in Law360’s 2022 Glass Ceiling Report for female equity partnership, and shortlisted for Financial Times’ 2022 Innovative Lawyers North America Award. The firm has also developed a spinoff consulting firm, Apex Defense Consulting, aimed at equipping carriers and counsel with the education, collaboration, and expertise needed to stop Nuclear Verdicts® and slow social inflation.

For more information about the firm and career opportunities, visit www.tysonmendes.com.

About Apex Defense Consulting

Apex Defense Consulting is a specialized insurance defense consulting firm, offering educational, community, and consulting services via a slate of experienced trial lawyers and Nuclear Verdict® experts. Founded in 2025, Apex Defense Consulting is the first of its kind within the insurance defense industry and is poised to revolutionize the industry with The Apex℠, the first and only data-backed and trial-tested blueprint for the defense to stop outsized and unjust Nuclear Verdicts®.

For more information, visit www.apexdefenseconsulting.com.

For press inquiries, contact:

Debbie Caldwell

Plat4orm PR

debbie@plat4form.com

Keep Reading

Tyson & Mendes Expands California Presence with New Office in Inland Empire Tyson & Mendes Elevates Michael S. Greenfield to Partner in New York Office: Distinguished Litigator Recognized for Leadership, Service, and Commitment to Defending Clients Against Nuclear Verdicts® Tyson & Mendes Strengthens Leadership in Northeast Markets Nearly $11.5 M Saved in Significant Auto Accident Tyson & Mendes Wins ALM Talent Management Innovation and Founding Partner Robert Tyson is Named Insurance Luminary by PropertyCasualty360 Tyson & Mendes Announces Elevation of Six Attorneys Firmwide Tyson & Mendes Secures Dispositive Wins and Drives Significant Exposure Reduction in California and Florida Matters Tyson & Mendes Strengthens Northeast Footprint in Five States with Addition of 21 Rebar Kelly Attorneys Nearly $2M Saved for Defendant in Three-Car Motor Vehicle Accident