Litigation Defense Attorney

CAROLINA LEGAL ASSOCIATES; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CAROLINA LEGAL ASSOCIATES in Columbia, SC seeks a Litigation Defense Attorney to defend general contractors and lead high-stakes insurance defense matters from inception to resolution.

The role emphasizes independent pleadings, strategic discovery, and collaboration with engineers and experts to secure favorable outcomes for clients. Flexible to serve other SC markets as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience defending general contractors and upstream parties.
• Knowledge of additional insured tenders and risk transfer.
• Ability to file substantive pleadings and motions with minimal oversight.
• Clear, professional reporting for insurance carriers and stakeholders.
• Leadership and mentoring of junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead construction defect and insurance defense matters from inception through resolution.
• Take and defend depositions of subcontractors, fact witnesses, and corporate reps.
• Synthesize contracts, RFIs, and change orders to craft a winning defense.
• Navigate multi-party litigation with emphasis on indemnity frameworks.
• Collaborate with engineers and damages experts to build a solid defense.
• Draft mediation briefs and lead settlement negotiations for favorable client outcomes.

Skills

Construction defect litigation

Insurance defense

Legal writing

Case management

Leadership

Job description

Build Your Career in the Palmetto State: Construction Defect & Insurance Defense Attorney

Does the thought of unravelling complex project blueprints excite you? Do you enjoy the chess match of risk transfer and contractual indemnity? A premier South Carolina law firm is seeking a sharp, driven Litigation Defense Attorney to join its growing team.

While the primary hub is in vibrant Columbia, SC, the firm remains open to talent in other major South Carolina markets. This isn't just another desk job; it is a chance to defend general contractors and lead high-stakes insurance defense litigation.

What You’ll Do

This firm trusts its attorneys. You won’t just be "handling" files—you will be the architect of your cases.

• Lead the Charge: Manage construction defect and insurance defense matters from inception through resolution.
• Own the Discovery: Take and defend depositions of subcontractors, fact witnesses, and corporate reps.
• Solve the Puzzle: Synthesize complex project documents like prime contracts, RFIs, and change orders to find the winning edge.
• Master the Strategy: Navigate multi-party litigation, focusing on equitable indemnity frameworks and trade-based allocation.
• Collaborate: Work closely with engineering and damages experts to build a rock-solid defense.
• Advocate: Draft mediation briefs and lead settlement negotiations with a focus on favorable outcomes for the client.

What Makes You the Ideal Candidate?

The firm looks for a mix of technical skill and "big picture" thinking.

• Experience: You have a background in defending general contractors and upstream parties.
• Technical Knowledge: You understand the nuances of additional insured tenders and risk transfer.
• Independence: You can file substantive pleadings and motions with minimal oversight.
• Communication: You write clear, professional reports for insurance carriers and keep all stakeholders informed.
• Leadership: You enjoy mentoring junior staff and contributing to a collaborative team culture.

Why This Opportunity?

Our client values efficiency and sound judgment over micromanagement. They offer a professional environment where your issue-spotting skills directly influence the firm's strategy. Furthermore, this role provides:

• Direct Carrier Interaction: Build your reputation with major insurance carriers.
• Strategic Autonomy: Manage your own budget and case handling strategy.
• Growth Potential: Gain exposure to diverse cases across the state of South Carolina.