Associate Attorney - Workers' Compensation

Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Student Loan Repayment Assistance

HRA/FSA/401K

Pet Insurance

Paid Holidays/3 weeks of PTO

Job summary

Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP in Columbia, SC is seeking an Associate Attorney specializing in Workers' Compensation Defense. The firm values strong client relationships and offers strategic legal representation.

To succeed, candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience, be licensed in South Carolina, and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. This full-time role includes benefits such as student loan repayment assistance, 401K, and PTO.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in Workers' Compensation Defense Litigation.
• Must be currently licensed in the State of South Carolina.

Responsibilities

• Perform legal analysis on claims to develop case strategy.
• Maintain regular communication with clients.
• Review and analyze medical records.
• Draft pleadings and respond to discovery.
• Take depositions and attend mediations.
• Attend hearings before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Verbal communication skills

Education

Licensed attorney in South Carolina

Job description

Associate Attorney - Workers' Compensation

• Full-time

For 70 years, our firm has been a trusted legal partner throughout North and South Carolina — delivering strategic defense, practical counsel, and results that matter. Across our five offices, we combine knowledge and experience with resources and insight to manage complex claims and litigation efficiently.

We believe the strongest defense is built on solid relationships and client engagement. Our attorneys are more than counsel. We stand beside clients at every stage of a dispute by offering clear guidance, focused strategy, and relentless advocacy. Clients trust us to protect their interests and show up when it matters most.

Our five offices across the Carolinas give us unmatched perspective. We understand the nuances of state and regional regulations and court practices, enabling us to craft defense strategies grounded in real-world environments.

We are currently seeking lateral associate attorneys with a minimum of 3 years experience practicing workers’ compensation defense litigation, to join our Workers' Compensation team in Columbia. The job responsibilities of this position include:

• Performing legal analysis on new and existing claims to develop a case strategy
• Maintaining regular communication with clients
• Reviewing and analyzing medical records
• Drafting of pleadings and responding to discovery
• Taking depositions and attending mediations
• Attending hearings before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.

• 3+ years' experience in Workers' Compensation Defense Litigation required
• Currently licensed in State of South Carolina
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, have strong research, writing and verbal communication skills, and be able to work independently with the support of Partners and staff.

• In-office position, with remote work capabilities provided as needed.
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• HRA/FSA/401K
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Holidays/3 weeks of PTO

Benefit Conditions:

• Waiting period may apply
• Only full-time employees eligible

Ability to commute/relocate:

Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work.

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.