Associate Attorney - Workers' Compensation

Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP•Columbia, SC

4h•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
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
Ability to effectively manage a caseload from inception through resolution
Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
Ability to prepare persuasive motions, briefs, position statements, and client communications
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
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
Exceptional time-management skills
Ability to consistently meet deadlines
Self-motivated and proactive
Strong work ethic
Commitment to delivering outstanding client service
Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-oriented practice
Ability to take ownership of assigned matters
Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work

Nice To Haves

Deposition and mediation experience preferred
Experience conducting witness examinations
Experience participating in settlement negotiations

Responsibilities

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
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
Collaborating with fellow Hedrick Gardner attorneys
Interacting with insurance adjusters, risk managers, employers, claims professionals, medical experts, and opposing counsel