Paralegal - Civil Litigation

Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP in Wilmington, NC seeks a detail‑oriented paralegal to support civil litigation with strong proofreading and communication skills. Core duties include summarizing depositions and medical records, performing records and legal research, drafting documents, and coordinating litigated files.

This office‑based role requires a paralegal certificate (2+ years) and prefers a bachelor’s degree. The firm values practical counsel and client-focused service.

Qualifications

• Required - paralegal certificate and two years’ experience as a paralegal or legal assistant, preferably in a litigation practice.
• Preferred - bachelor’s degree or work equivalent.
• Office-based position.

Responsibilities

• Summarizing depositions or hearings.
• Summarizing medical records and performing records research.
• Performing legal research and checking forms for accuracy.
• Drafting legal documents and preparing reports.
• Assisting lawyers for trials and hearings and recording time for billing.

Skills

Paralegal

Litigation support

Proofreading

Education

Paralegal certificate

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Internet research

Job description

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 the 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.

What sets us apart is our commitment to true partnership. We invest deeply in understanding each client’s unique perspective, challenges they are facing, and their priorities, ensuring our counsel is practical and aligned with your business goals.

We blend a legacy of steady, dependable advocacy with a collaborative multi-generational approach — where experience meets innovation and grit meets adaptability. This balance allows us to navigate complex claims with precision that enhances efficiency and outcomes.

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.

Job Description

The candidate must have civil litigation experience, be detail oriented, have a professional demeanor, and be able to handle large volumes of work in a fast-paced environment with exceptional proofreading, written and verbal communication skills. Responsibilities include summarizing medical files and discovery requests, drafting correspondence and pleadings, scheduling mediations, depositions, etc., and coordinating litigated files.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

• Summarizing depositions or hearings
• Summarizing medical records
• Performing records research
• Performing legal research
• Checking legal forms for accuracy
• Preparing reports
• Drafting legal documents
• Assisting lawyers with preparing for trials, hearings, meetings
• Record time for client billing
• The ability to perform legal research
• The ability to interview witnesses and document what is learned
• Good writing and communication skills
• The ability to prioritize and work under a tight schedule
• Proficiency with Word, Outlook and internet research
• In depth knowledge of legal terminology and principles
• The ability to analyze legal documents for accuracy

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Activities, duties, and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

• Required - paralegal certificate/two years’ experience working as a paralegal or legal assistant, preferably in a litigation practice.
• Preferred -bachelor’s degree or work equivalent.
• This position is in the office.

Additional Information

Physical Demands:

• Position requires sitting for more than 2/3 of the time
• Position requires ability to focus on a computer monitor for extended periods of time
• Positon requires a small amount of bending and reaching to access supplies and equipment
• Position requires enough mobility to move from one area of the office to another at a moderate pace periodically
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds on occasion
• Work is performed in an office environment with a modest level of noise
• Well-Lighted/Ventilated Environment
• Air Conditioned/Heated Environment
• 7.5 hour shift, 37.5 hours per week
• Monday to Friday
• 8:30am – 5:00pm
• Medical
• Vision
• Life
• Short-term Disability
• Long-term Disability
• HRA
• FSA
• 401K
• Educational Assistance
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• PTO Accrual

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.