About this role
Role Description
Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP is seeking a motivated and talented Associate Attorney to join our established Workers’ Compensation practice in Columbia, South Carolina. This position offers the opportunity to represent employers, insurance carriers, and self-insured entities across a broad range of industries while gaining substantial hands-on litigation experience in a collaborative, client-focused environment.
Associates in our Workers’ Compensation practice work closely with experienced attorneys to:
Defend claims and advocate on behalf of clients throughout all stages of the litigation process. Independently manage a caseload and oversee critical deadlines. Develop effective legal strategies designed to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.
Key responsibilities include:
Conducting depositions of claimants, fact witnesses, medical providers, and expert witnesses. Preparing and arguing motions. Drafting legal briefs and position statements. Representing clients in mediations. Preparing for and appearing at hearings before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. Evaluating and analyzing new and existing claims. Investigating factual and legal issues. Reviewing and interpreting medical records. Providing practical, strategic counsel to clients throughout the life of a case. Managing all aspects of discovery. Negotiating settlements. Preparing comprehensive client reports. Maintaining consistent communication with clients regarding litigation strategy, case developments, exposure assessments, and resolution opportunities.
Success in this role requires:
Strong organizational skills. Sound judgment. The ability to effectively manage multiple matters in a fast-paced litigation environment. Building and maintaining strong professional relationships.
The ideal candidate will collaborate with fellow Hedrick Gardner attorneys and regularly interact with:
Insurance adjusters. Risk managers. Employers. Claims professionals. Medical experts. Opposing counsel.
This position offers an outstanding opportunity to develop litigation, deposition, hearing, mediation, and negotiation skills while working alongside a highly respected team of workers’ compensation attorneys dedicated to delivering exceptional results for clients.
Qualifications
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and an active license to practice law in the State of South Carolina. Minimum of one (1) year of Workers’ Compensation defense litigation experience required. Demonstrated knowledge of workers’ compensation laws, procedures, and claims management. Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Deposition and mediation experience preferred. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment. Highly organized and detail-oriented. Self-motivated and proactive. Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-oriented practice.
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.