Doug Baier is Senior Counsel in Tyson & Mendes’ Denver office. Formerly based in Los Angeles, Doug’s practice focuses primarily on complex personal injury matters, including catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, and he has resolved litigated matters including workers’ compensation and criminal cases. He has successfully briefed matters in both state and federal courts and has achieved success in numerous jury and bench trials. Learn more about Doug, and his experience living in multiple states throughout the country, below.

DOUG BAIER

Tyson & Mendes fosters the professional development of our attorneys at all experience levels. In 2016, Tyson & Mendes formalized a Young Professionals Group to provide support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for attorneys and clients early in their careers.

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YOUNGPROFESSIONALS SPOTLIGHT:

T&M: How did you get into the insurance defense industry?DB: After working as a public defender in Miami, I relocated to Seattle and started working for a plaintiff’s firm. However, I knew that was not something I wanted to do long-term. In 2017, I relocated to Los Angeles. Shortly after the move, I learned of Tyson & Mendes and its fight for justice for all. I knew this was what I was meant to do as an attorney.

T&M: Compared to other firms you have worked for, what makes Tyson & Mendes so unique?DB: This firm wants to be the best insurance defense firm in the country and works every day toward that goal. This means not only producing and expecting top quality legal work, but also finding ways to take care of the firm’s employees and helping individual attorneys improve and grow. Whether it is a billing roundtable with Pat (Mendes), Bagels with Bob (Tyson), or TMU (Tyson & Mendes University), the firm gives attorneys and staff the tools they need to succeed. Also, there are not many firms where an employee can email a named partner and receive a thoughtful response the same day!

T&M: What has been the biggest challenge of your career thus far?DB: I have lived in four different states since I started practicing law. While learning to adapt has been a challenge, I have been able to experience and learn from top attorneys across the nation. Also, it does not hurt that T&M now has offices in all four states in which I am licensed.

T&M: Similarly, tell us about your biggest accomplishment so far at Tyson & Mendes?

DB: I have enjoyed the opportunity to be part of a large team of attorneys solely dedicated to representing one of the most influential startups in the country. Having the opportunity to help guide other attorneys, voice feedback and help the team succeed has been very rewarding.

T&M: You previously worked out of Tyson & Mendes’ Los Angeles office. What brought you to Denver?DB: I grew up in Kansas and my parents live only four hours away from Denver. When I asked partnership if I could transfer to be closer to family, they were more than accommodating to make it happen.

T&M: If you were not a lawyer, what would you be and why?DB: I have always wanted to be a white-water rafting guide!

T&M: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? DB: I have two. Growing up, my parents told me to “always do your best.” That continues to be something I strive for each day and can credit much of my success to. I was also once told to “be comfortable being uncomfortable.” As attorneys, we are constantly put in new situations and are continuously learning. While putting in the time to be prepared goes a long way, there are always going to be situations I face that are new to me. That uncomfortable feeling pushes me to learn, develop and achieve new successes.

T&M: If you could have dinner with any historical legal figure, who would it be and why? DB: Honorable Rives Kistler. He was the firstly openly gay state supreme court justice after being appointed to the Oregon Supreme Court in 2003. As a gay attorney, it is encouraging to see other gay attorneys be successful. I would love to learn more of his story and any advice he would share.

T&M: You have also spent time living in several other states such as Florida, Washington and Kansas. What did you enjoy most about your time in those places?DB: Kansas will always be home. My high school graduating class – a public high school – had 32 students. Florida, and Miami in particular, has some of the best beaches in the world. While most people think it rains every day in Seattle, the summers are beyond perfect. Also, who can say no to Beecher’s Cheese? Each place allowed me to experience new things, meet new people and grow as a person.

T&M: If you could travel anywhere in the world – all expenses paid – where would you go? DB: I would go to Egypt to see the pyramids!

T&M: When not at work or home, where are we most likely to find you?DB: Playing in a volleyball league, checking out a local whiskey distillery, snow skiing during the winter or camping/hiking in the Rocky Mountains. I have been in Colorado for a little over six months, so I am enjoying exploring all that Colorado has to offer. Also, any chance I get to travel, I take!

T&M: Any hidden talents to share?DB: It is more of a lack of talent… I cannot wink!