Tyson & Mendes Expands Footprint with New Offices in North and South Carolina

Tyson & Mendes Expands Footprint in the Southeast

Tyson & Mendes, a leading national insurance defense trial firm, is excited to announce the opening of its new branches in North and South Carolina scheduled for January. This strategic expansion marks another significant step for the firm, which has made a name for itself by defending against what is referred to as Nuclear Verdicts®, where juries issue disproportionately large awards.

The North Carolina location will be led by Christopher Hinnant, a veteran trial attorney with nearly three decades of expertise in high-stakes litigation. Before joining Tyson & Mendes, Hinnant was at a regional insurance defense firm where he specialized in sectors such as medical malpractice, construction defects, and personal injury across both state and federal courts. Hinnant expressed his excitement about leading the new office, emphasizing his commitment to delivering top-notch service and trial outcomes. He stated, "The Apex is a game-changing approach, and I look forward to leveraging it to serve our clients where they need us most."

Joining Hinnant is Associate Chamberlain Collier Smith, who has been recognized as a Rising Star by North Carolina Super Lawyers and among those to watch by Best Lawyers in America. Smith's addition strengthens the team, bringing further recognition to the firm's growing prominence in the region.

Meanwhile, the South Carolina office will be led by Michael Barfield, who also comes from the same firm as Hinnant. Barfield is well-versed in areas including professional negligence and commercial litigation, and he holds an AV preeminent Martindale-Hubble rating, demonstrating his stature in the legal field. He enthusiastically noted, "Joining Tyson & Mendes allows us to combine deep local knowledge with the firm’s innovative trial strategies and nationally recognized approach to defending against Nuclear Verdicts® - The ApexSM."

The ApexSM, developed by Tyson & Mendes, is a meticulously crafted blueprint designed to combat Nuclear Verdicts® effectively, born from data-driven insights and proven trial methodologies. This innovative approach was first detailed in the bestselling book, Nuclear Verdicts® The Apex – Break the Pattern, published in October 2025, which continues to gain attention in the legal community.

According to Robert F. Tyson, Jr., the founding partner, Chris and Michael embody the firm’s mission and strategic approach, highlighting their exceptional skills as trial lawyers. National Managing Partner Cayce Lynch added that under their leadership, the firm’s market presence will surely expand, further benefitting their clients. Southeast Regional Managing Partner Holly E. Howanitz recognized the expertise that Hinnant and Barfield bring to the firm, stating, "I look forward to serving our clients in the Carolinas and beyond with them."

Currently, Tyson & Mendes operates 30 offices across 24 states, establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing civil defense firms in the United States. The firm prides itself on offering one of the clearest pathways to partnership compared to other mid-sized firms in the industry. In addition, the firm makes substantial investments in the education and training of its attorneys, ensuring continuous improvement and development.

For those interested in career opportunities at Tyson & Mendes, more information can be found on their official website: www.tysonmendes.com.

About Tyson & Mendes LLP

Tyson & Mendes LLP, founded in 2002 by Robert Tyson and Patrick Mendes, specializes in litigation and trial services, focusing on insurance defense and protecting clients from Nuclear Verdicts®. The firm has gained national recognition for its work, successfully defending corporations and insurance companies across the nation. With a reputation for excellence, Tyson & Mendes continues to expand its reach and capabilities, driven by a commitment to understanding clients' needs and delivering exceptional legal services.

For more details about Apex Defense Consulting, a spinoff firm established to revolutionize the insurance defense landscape, you can visit www.apexdefenseconsulting.com.