Associate Attorney

Barnwell Whaley; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnwell Whaley in Charleston, SC seeks an Associate Attorney to join our litigation team and handle commercial litigation and insurance defense matters from intake through resolution. You'll work with experienced attorneys, paralegals, and support staff, developing practical strategies, managing client relationships, and representing clients at hearings, mediations, and trials.

Candidates should have a JD, be admitted to the South Carolina Bar in good standing, and 3–5 years of litigation

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Active SC Bar admission in good standing.
• 3–5 years of litigation experience preferred.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Ability to manage cases from intake to resolution.

Responsibilities

• Manage a litigation caseload from intake through resolution.
• Draft and file pleadings, motions, and discovery materials.
• Conduct and defend depositions and respond to discovery.
• Prepare for and represent clients at hearings and trials.
• Develop persuasive arguments and present evidence.
• Advise clients on options, risks, and strategy.
• Negotiate settlements aligned with client objectives.
• Collaborate with partners and staff to meet deadlines and maintain files.
• Communicate with clients with timely status reports.

Skills

Litigation

Legal research

Drafting pleadings

Oral advocacy

Client communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Description

Take the Next Step in Your Litigation Career

Join our litigation team as an Associate Attorney and take an active role in commercial litigation and insurance defense matters from initial investigation through resolution. You will work closely with experienced attorneys, paralegals, and support professionals while building your courtroom experience, managing meaningful client relationships, and helping develop practical, results-focused legal strategies..

What You’ll Do

• Manage a litigation caseload from intake through resolution, including factual investigation, evidence review, witness interviews, legal research, and case strategy.
• Draft and file pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery materials, and appellate documents.
• Conduct and defend depositions; review and respond to discovery requests; and coordinate the exchange of information among parties.
• Prepare for and represent clients at hearings, mediations, trials, and other proceedings.
• Develop persuasive arguments, prepare witnesses, present evidence, and argue motions before the court.
• Advise clients on legal options, risks, strategy, and developments throughout the life of each matter.
• Negotiate settlements with opposing counsel and pursue practical resolutions aligned with client objectives.
• Handle appeals when necessary.
• Collaborate with partners, attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to meet deadlines and maintain organized case files.
• Communicate clearly with clients and provide timely, accurate status updates and reports.
• Maintain compliance with applicable legal, ethical, and professional standards.

Requirements

What You Bring

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active admission to the South Carolina Bar and good standing.
• Three to Five years of litigation experience preferred.
• Strong judgment and the ability to evaluate complex legal issues, analyze evidence, and develop sound arguments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to advocate persuasively in court and communicate effectively with clients.
• Meticulous attention to detail in legal drafting, deadlines, and case management.
• Demonstrated legal research skills and the ability to apply relevant authority to specific facts.
• A creative, solutions-oriented approach to litigation strategy and problem-solving.
• Professional interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships with clients, witnesses, colleagues, and opposing counsel.

Why Join Us?

You’ll join a collaborative legal team where you can take ownership of your work, deepen your litigation skills, and make a meaningful contribution to client outcomes.

WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING CANDIDATES FROM RECRUITERS