Associate Attorney - Workers' Compensation

Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP•Charlotte, NC

1h•Hybrid

About The Position

Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP is seeking a motivated and talented Associate Attorney to join our established Workers’ Compensation practice. 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 fast-paced, collaborative environment. Associates in our Workers’ Compensation practice partner closely with experienced attorneys to defend claims and advocate for clients throughout the litigation process. The successful candidate will independently manage a caseload, oversee critical deadlines, and develop effective legal strategies to achieve favorable outcomes for clients. The Associate Attorney will also be responsible for managing all aspects of discovery, negotiating settlements, preparing comprehensive client reports, and maintaining regular communication with clients regarding litigation strategy, case developments, exposure assessments, and resolution opportunities. Success in this role requires the ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, including fellow Hedrick Gardner attorneys, claims professionals, insurance adjusters, risk managers, employers, medical experts, and opposing counsel. Candidates should possess strong analytical, writing, advocacy, and client service skills, along with the ability to effectively manage multiple matters in a dynamic litigation environment. This position provides a meaningful opportunity to develop litigation, deposition, hearing, and negotiation experience while working alongside a highly respected team of workers’ compensation attorneys dedicated to delivering exceptional results for clients.

Requirements

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 Workers’ Compensation defense litigation experience required.
Demonstrated knowledge of workers’ compensation law, claims management, and litigation procedures, with the ability to effectively manage a caseload from inception through resolution.
Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to draft persuasive motions, briefs, position statements, and client correspondence.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with clients, claims professionals, employers, medical providers, opposing counsel, and administrative tribunals.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and a commitment to providing outstanding client service while building and maintaining strong professional relationships.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and proactively manage competing priorities in a fast-paced litigation environment.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
Self-motivated, results-oriented, and eager to contribute to a collaborative and team-focused practice.
Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work.

Nice To Haves

Deposition and mediation experience is strongly preferred, including experience taking and defending witness and medical provider depositions and 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 at mediations
Preparing for and conducting hearings before the North Carolina Industrial Commission
Analyzing and evaluating new and existing claims
Investigating factual and legal issues
Reviewing and interpreting medical records
Providing practical, strategic guidance to clients throughout the life of a case
Managing all aspects of discovery
Negotiating settlements
Preparing comprehensive client reports
Maintaining regular communication with clients regarding litigation strategy, case developments, exposure assessments, and resolution opportunities