Associate Attorney

Barnwell Whaley Patterson & Helms; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnwell Whaley Patterson & Helms in Charleston, SC is seeking an Associate Attorney to lead commercial litigation and insurance defense matters from intake to resolution. You will collaborate with seasoned lawyers, paralegals, and staff to drive practical, result-focused strategies and manage meaningful client relationships.

The role emphasizes rigorous legal analysis, persuasive writing, and effective courtroom advocacy.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and active SC Bar membership.
• 3–5 years of litigation experience preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail in drafting and deadlines.
• Strong legal research abilities and issue-spotting.

Responsibilities

• Manage a litigation caseload from intake through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery materials, and appellate documents.
• Conduct and defend depositions; respond to discovery requests.
• Prepare for and represent clients at hearings, mediations, and trials.
• Develop persuasive arguments, present evidence, and argue motions.
• Advise clients on options, risks, and strategy throughout matters.
• Negotiate settlements aligned with client objectives.
• Collaborate with partners, attorneys, paralegals, and staff to meet deadlines.
• Communicate clearly with clients and provide timely status updates.
• Maintain compliance with applicable ethical and professional standards.

Skills

Litigation

Legal Research

Written Advocacy

Client Communication

Case Management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from accredited law school

South Carolina Bar Admission

Job 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