Associate Attorney - Workers' Compensation

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 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. The successful candidate will independently manage a caseload, oversee critical deadlines, and 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; and preparing for and appearing at hearings before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. Attorneys in this role are expected to evaluate and analyze new and existing claims, investigate factual and legal issues, review and interpret medical records, and provide practical, strategic counsel to clients throughout the life of a case.

The Associate Attorney will also manage all aspects of discovery, negotiate settlements, prepare comprehensive client reports, and maintain consistent communication with clients regarding litigation strategy, case developments, exposure assessments, and resolution opportunities. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively manage multiple matters in a fast-paced litigation environment.

Building and maintaining strong professional relationships is critical to success. The ideal candidate will collaborate with fellow Hedrick Gardner attorneys and regularly interact with insurance adjusters, risk managers, employers, claims professionals, medical experts, and opposing counsel. Strong analytical, writing, advocacy, and client service skills are essential.

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. Associates will gain meaningful responsibility, direct client interaction, and the opportunity for long-term professional growth within one of the region’s leading litigation firms.

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, with the ability to effectively manage a caseload from inception through resolution.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to prepare persuasive motions, briefs, position statements, and client communications.
• Deposition and mediation experience preferred, including experience conducting witness examinations and participating in settlement negotiations.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with clients, claims professionals, employers, medical providers, opposing counsel, and colleagues.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and effectively manage competing priorities in a fast-paced litigation environment.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with exceptional time-management skills and the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a strong work ethic and commitment to delivering outstanding client service.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-oriented practice while taking ownership of assigned matters.

Preferred Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a motivated workers’ compensation defense attorney who combines strong legal writing and analytical abilities with practical litigation skills. Successful candidates will have experience handling depositions, mediations, and hearings; possess excellent communication and relationship-building skills; and demonstrate the organization, initiative, and professionalism necessary to independently manage a busy caseload. This attorney will thrive in a collaborative environment and be committed to providing exceptional legal representation on behalf of employers, insurance carriers, and self-insured clients.

Additional Information

Work Environment:

• Office Setting
• Remote work capabilities provided as needed

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.