Associate Attorney – Civil Defense Litigation

Orion Placement; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Health insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid vacation and sick time

10 paid holidays

Hybrid work arrangement

Free parking

Job summary

Orion Placement in Columbia, SC is seeking a civil defense litigation attorney to manage matters from evaluation to resolution. This hybrid role blends in-office collaboration with flexible scheduling approximately 3–4 days per week in the office.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years of civil defense litigation experience, a SC Bar license, and strong research, writing, and advocacy skills. Compensation ranges from $85,000 to $110,000 with bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active South Carolina Bar admission required.
• 2+ years of civil defense litigation experience.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to independently manage deadlines and multiple active matters.
• Strong client service and communication skills.
• Federal District Court of South Carolina admission preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage civil defense litigation from initial evaluation through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests, discovery responses, reports, and other litigation documents.
• Develop litigation strategies aligned with client objectives.
• Prepare for and participate in depositions, mediations, hearings, and trials.
• Conduct legal research and provide practical analysis on complex civil disputes.
• Communicate professionally with clients, opposing counsel, experts, and court personnel.
• Prepare case evaluations, status reports, and litigation budgets.
• Collaborate with attorneys on strategy, case development, and client service.
• Help strengthen client relationships and grow the practice.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Advocacy

Client service

Communication

Deadline management

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Pay: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Take meaningful ownership of civil defense matters while working alongside experienced litigators.
• Handle sophisticated cases for established retail, hospitality, and business clients.
• Gain hands on experience with depositions, mediations, hearings, trial preparation, and litigation strategy.
• Join a growing practice where strong performers can expand their responsibilities and client relationships.
• Bonus potential plus comprehensive health, retirement, paid time off, and additional benefits.
• Work in a collaborative environment that values strong legal work, responsiveness, and professional development.

Location:

Columbia, South Carolina. This is a hybrid opportunity with approximately 3 to 4 days per week in the office, offering a balance of in person collaboration and schedule flexibility.

Note:

Candidates must be admitted to the South Carolina Bar and have 2+ years of directly relevant civil defense litigation experience. We are open to attorneys from law firm, in house, or solo practice backgrounds who can demonstrate strong litigation experience and a solid professional track record.

About Us

Confidential Employer. We are an established South Carolina law firm with a respected civil litigation practice and a strong commitment to practical, client focused representation. Our attorneys work collaboratively on challenging matters while receiving the resources, support, and opportunity to grow their practices and careers.

Job Description

• Manage and support civil defense litigation matters from initial evaluation through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests, discovery responses, reports, and other litigation documents.
• Develop litigation strategies that align with client objectives and case circumstances.
• Prepare for and participate in depositions, mediations, hearings, and trials.
• Conduct legal research and provide practical analysis on complex civil disputes.
• Communicate directly and professionally with clients, opposing counsel, experts, and court personnel.
• Prepare case evaluations, status reports, and litigation budgets.
• Collaborate with attorneys across the practice on strategy, case development, and client service.
• Help strengthen existing client relationships and support the continued growth of the practice.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active South Carolina Bar admission required.
• 2+ years of civil defense litigation experience.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to independently manage deadlines and multiple active matters.
• Strong client service and communication skills.
• Federal District Court of South Carolina admission preferred.

Why You Will Love Working Here

• Hybrid flexibility with regular opportunities to collaborate directly with experienced attorneys.
• Interesting and varied civil defense matters with meaningful case responsibility.
• Bonus potential and opportunities for continued professional growth.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with employer contribution.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and 10 paid holidays.
• FSA or HSA options, Employee Assistance Program, and free parking.
• A professional, team-oriented environment where strong legal work and client service are recognized.

JPC-2282