2027 Summer Law Clerk

Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 15,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly compensation

Direct mentorship from attorneys

Professional development programming

Job summary

Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP in Columbia, SC, is seeking motivated law students for its Summer Law Clerk Program. Clerks will collaborate with experienced litigators on active insurance defense matters, gaining practical legal work and courtroom exposure.

The program offers mentorship, training, and networking events, providing a rewarding introduction to civil litigation. Applicants should be currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school with a strong academic record.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in an ABA-accredited law school; rising 3L preferred.
• 3.0 GPA or above required.
• Demonstrated legal research and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research on liability and procedural issues.
• Draft legal documents under attorney supervision.
• Assist with case investigations.

Skills

Legal research and writing skills

Verbal and written communication

Analytical ability

Attention to detail

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school

Minimum 3.0 GPA

Tools

Westlaw

Lexis

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary

Hedrick Gardner is seeking motivated law students to join our Summer Law Clerk Program. Summer clerks will work directly with experienced litigators on active insurance defense matters, including general liability, premises liability, automobile and trucking liability, coverage disputes and workers’ compensation. This program offers substantive legal work, courtroom exposure, and direct mentorship with multiple supervising attorneys designed to give clerks a realistic and rewarding introduction to insurance defense litigation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis on liability, coverage, and procedural issues
• Draft memoranda, pleadings, motions, and discovery responses under attorney supervision
• Assist with case investigation, including review of medical records, accident reports, and witness statements
• Attend depositions, mediations, hearings, trials, and site inspections alongside assigned attorneys
• Help prepare deposition outlines, trial exhibits, and witness materials
• Summarize deposition transcripts and medical records
• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and claims adjusters on case strategy
• Participate in firm training sessions, mentorship lunches, and practice group meetings

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an ABA‑accredited law school; rising 3L preferred
• 3.0 GPA or above required
• Top 35% of class preferred
• Strong academic record and demonstrated legal research and writing skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical ability and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast‑paced litigation environment
• Genuine interest in civil litigation and/or workers’ compensation law practice
• Professional demeanor and ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Proficiency with Westlaw or Lexis and Microsoft Office preferred

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly compensation
• Direct mentorship from partners and associates handling active litigation
• Hands‑on courtroom, deposition, and mediation experience
• Firm‑sponsored training, CLE‑style sessions, and professional development programming
• Social and networking events with attorneys and staff across our Carolinas offices
• Potential pathway to a post‑graduate associate position

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.