Associate Attorney - Workers' Compensation

Company 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

Associates in our workers’ compensation practice defend claims against employers in nearly every industry and represent the interest of the client with the support of one or more partners. This position handles a caseload, manages deadlines, conducts depositions of parties, lay witnesses, medical providers and experts; represents clients in mediations, drafts briefs and motions, prepares for and conducts and argues in hearings before an administrative commission. Daily responsibilities include performing legal analysis on new and existing claims, investigating cases, reviewing and analyzing medical records, developing case strategy, responding to discovery, drafting of motions, taking depositions, attending hearings, attending mediations and negotiating settlements. Building relationships with a team of HGKG attorneys as well as a host of clients including insurance adjusters and risk managers is critical to success. Ongoing communication includes creating and submitting reports required by the client, motions and briefs required to support the position of the client and negotiation of settlements on behalf of the client.

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

• 2+ years' experience in Workers' Compensation Defense Litigation required
• Must be currently licensed in North Carolina.
• Experience within workers' compensation defense preferred but not required.
• Strong writers with deposition and mediation experience preferred.
• Candidates must possess excellent interpersonal skills, have strong research, writing and verbal communication skills and be able to work independently.
• Prefer candidates that are organized and self-motivated.

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
• Position 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

Work Environment:

• Indoor Office Setting
• Hybrid/Remote work available

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• 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

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.