Attorney w/ Exceptional Writing Skills
3 days ago
Charlotte
Attorney w/ Exceptional Writing Skills | Charlotte-Based Boutique Firm Charlotte, NC (NoDa) | Full-Time | In-Person About Gardner Skelton At Gardner Skelton, we’re not your typical law firm—and we’re proud of that. Based in the vibrant and eclectic NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte, we’re a Chambers-ranked, boutique firm that blends elite legal counsel with genuine approachability. From Fortune 500 giants to local startups, healthcare innovators to impactful nonprofits, our clients trust us because we’re smart, thoughtful, and relentlessly practical. We handle employment law, business litigation, corporate guidance, tax law, healthcare law, appellate law, and mediation. But more than just lawyers, we’re partners who deeply care about our clients, our community, and each other. The way we work—and the way we treat people—is grounded in our five Core Values: Practice Excellence, Relationships Before Transactions, Creatively Practical, Own It, and Rise Together. Our office buzzes with collaboration (and occasional barking—because yes, we're proudly dog-friendly), and we’ve worked hard to build an environment that is intentionally unique from just about any law firm you’ve ever seen. For more information, please visit: About the Role Gardner Skelton is looking for an experienced attorney (minimum of five years in practice) who is, first and foremost, an exceptional legal writer and editor. This role is ideal for someone who loves building persuasive arguments on the page—digging into complex records, spotting the real issues, and translating them into clear, compelling motions and memoranda of law. Just as important: we’re looking for someone who loves the hunt—the attorney who can research and think like nobody’s business. Our best written advocacy is built on great ideas and careful analysis, and we value the kind of curiosity and diligence that uncovers the valuable gems and angles others miss. A core part of this position is improving the quality and consistency of the firm’s written work product. You will review and refine drafts produced by associates, provide practical feedback and guidance, and help elevate writing standards across matters and practice areas. You’ll work closely with partners and associates across a range of matters, supporting high-stakes work through research, strategy, and world-class drafting. While many of our writing-heavy matters involve disputes and litigation, applicants do not need a traditional “litigation-only” background—what matters most is your ability to produce outstanding written work, sharpen the work of others, and exercise great judgment under real deadlines. This is a great opportunity for an attorney who is motivated, team-oriented, and ready to grow within a firm that values both professional excellence and work-life balance. What You'll Do • Draft and refine persuasive written advocacy, including motions and memoranda of law (trial-level and, where applicable, appellate)., • Develop case themes, legal theories, and argument structure in partnership with the attorneys leading the matter., • Conduct deep legal research, looking for the key authorities, angles, and arguments that strengthen the team’s position., • Review, edit, and strengthen written work produced by associates (motions, memoranda of law, discovery responses, client correspondence)—improving clarity, structure, tone, and persuasion., • Provide actionable feedback that helps attorneys improve their writing process over time (issue framing, organization, style, record support, and citations), and help ensure the team meets a consistent firm standard., • Distill dense facts and complicated records into crisp narratives that judges (and clients) can quickly understand., • Edit, cite-check, and ensure final work product is polished, consistent, and ready to file., • Collaborate with legal staff to support efficient workflows, filing readiness, and deadline management., • Participate in client communications and case status updates where your writing and analysis add value., • Attend hearings, mediations, depositions, or other proceedings as appropriate based on the needs of the matter and your experience/interests. What You Bring • Minimum of 5 years of legal experience with a demonstrated track record of exceptional legal writing (motions, dispositive work, memoranda of law, etc.)., • A strong editorial eye—you can quickly diagnose what’s missing, what’s unclear, and what will make an argument land., • Curiosity and critical thinking that go beyond the surface—you’re not just summarizing law, you’re building arguments that win., • Strong legal research skills and the judgment to separate what’s interesting from what’s useful—including the persistence to dig until you find the authorities and angles that matter most., • Excellent organization, attention to detail, and follow-through (deadlines, citations, record references—the whole package)., • A collaborative mindset and comfort working closely with partners, associates, clients, and legal staff., • Sound judgment and professionalism in a client-facing role., • Commitment to producing high-quality work in a fast-paced, team-based environment., • Bonus points if you have experience writing in the context of litigation, appeals, administrative proceedings, arbitration, or other high-stakes disputes. Why You'll Love Working at Gardner Skelton • Culture & Community: We’ve cultivated a genuinely supportive environment where everyone’s ideas matter. You’ll work alongside passionate colleagues who truly enjoy their work—and each other., • Beautiful Workspace in NoDa: Our office is modern, comfortable, and located in Charlotte’s dynamic NoDa neighborhood. Great coffee, amazing restaurants, and vibrant art are just steps away., • Dog-Friendly Office: Bring your furry best friend to work—we believe pets make the workday better., • Competitive Compensation & Benefits: We offer attractive salaries ($150,000–$200,000+ depending on experience) and a competitive benefits package., • Professional Growth & Development: Continuous learning is encouraged, with opportunities to sharpen your skills and expand your expertise., • Impact & Recognition: Your contributions won’t go unnoticed here. We’re committed to celebrating successes—and supporting each other through challenges., • Supportive Leadership: You’ll receive strong mentorship and guidance from partners who are deeply invested in your growth and success., • No Book of Business Required: We don’t expect you to bring or build your own book of business—we want you to focus on learning, contributing, and thriving. Ready to join a team that’s redefining what it means to practice law? We can’t wait to hear from you. How to Apply Email your resume, a short cover letter, and at least 2 writing samples that showcase your legal writing skills (e.g., a brief, motion, or memo—redacted as needed) to . Please include the Subject Line "Writing Attorney". PLEASE NOTE: Applicants who do not submit a cover letter and writing samples will not be considered. Your privacy is important to us; we’ll maintain complete confidentiality and never contact references without your explicit permission.