Associate Attorney - Civil Litigation

Company Description

For 70 years, our firm has been a trusted legal partner throughout North and South Carolina — delivering strategic defense, practical counsel, and results that matter. Across our five offices, we combine knowledge and experience with the resources and insight to manage complex claims and litigation efficiently.

We believe the strongest defense is built on solid relationships and client engagement. Our attorneys are more than counsel. We stand beside clients at every stage of a dispute by offering clear guidance, focused strategy, and relentless advocacy. Clients trust us to protect their interests and show up when it matters most.

What sets us apart is our commitment to true partnership. We invest deeply in understanding each client’s unique perspective, challenges they are facing, and their priorities, ensuring our counsel is practical and aligned with your business goals.

We blend a legacy of steady, dependable advocacy with a collaborative multi-generational approach — where experience meets innovation and grit meets adaptability. This balance allows us to navigate complex claims with precision that enhances efficiency and outcomes.

Our five offices across the Carolinas give us unmatched perspective. We understand the nuances of state and regional regulations and court practices, enabling us to craft defense strategies grounded in real-world environments.

Job Description

Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP is seeking a motivated and talented Associate Attorney to join our Civil Litigation practice. This position offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of complex and challenging litigation matters while gaining hands-on experience in all phases of the litigation process.

The Associate Attorney will be responsible for managing various aspects of assigned cases, including developing case strategy, conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs, managing written discovery, taking and defending depositions, and appearing before state and federal courts. The successful candidate will work closely with clients, partners, and opposing counsel to develop facts, evaluate legal issues, present persuasive arguments, and achieve favorable outcomes on behalf of our clients.

This role provides exposure to a broad range of civil litigation matters, including:

• Commercial Litigation
• Product Liability
• Premises Liability
• Motor Vehicle Negligence
• Personal Injury Defense
• Construction Defect and Construction Litigation
• Professional Liability
• Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Litigation
• Regulatory and Administrative Matters

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical, writing, and advocacy skills, as well as the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced litigation environment. Attorneys in this role are expected to proactively develop litigation strategies, communicate regularly with clients and supervising attorneys, and contribute to the successful resolution of complex legal matters through negotiation, motion practice, arbitration, and trial.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney seeking meaningful courtroom experience, direct client interaction, and professional growth within a collaborative and well-established litigation practice.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and an active license to practice law in the State of North Carolina.
• Minimum of one (1) year of civil litigation experience, preferably in one or more of the following areas:
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Insurance Defense
  • Professional Liability Defense
  • Construction Defect Litigation
• Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to draft clear, persuasive pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related documents.
• Demonstrated experience or developed aptitude in trial preparation, deposition practice, legal writing, and legal research.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities in a fast-paced litigation environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong oral advocacy, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with clients, courts, opposing counsel, and colleagues.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team-oriented litigation practice.
• Commitment to providing exceptional client service and achieving favorable outcomes through strategic and practical legal representation.

Preferred Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a motivated litigation attorney who is eager to gain hands-on experience in all phases of civil litigation, including discovery, depositions, motion practice, and trial preparation. Candidates should possess strong writing and research capabilities, sound judgment, and a desire to build a successful long-term career within Hedrick Gardner's collaborative and growing litigation practice.

Additional Information

Work Environment:

• Office Setting
• Hybrid position after an initial in-office training period

Benefits:

• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Short-term Disability
• Long-term Disability
• HRA
• FSA
• 401K
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• 3 weeks of PTO

Benefit Conditions:

• Waiting period may apply
• Only full-time employees eligible

Ability to commute/relocate:

Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work.

Hedrick Gardner is committed to the equal employment opportunity of all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.