Associate Attorney
28 days ago
Charleston
Job DescriptionDescription: Associate Attorney Ready to argue, advocate, and make your mark in defense litigation? Barnwell Whaley is growing — and we’re looking for a sharp, driven Associate Attorney to join our defense litigation team. If you’re the kind of lawyer who thrives in the courtroom, loves digging into a complex case, and wants a career — not just a job — this is where you belong. With a practice that spans commercial litigation, transportation, construction defect, and business liability, you’ll never have a dull day. YOUR PRACTICE AREAS Commercial Litigation Transportation Construction Defect Business Liability What You’ll Do This isn’t a document-review purgatory position. From day one, you’ll be hands-on, running a full litigation caseload from the first review of facts all the way to verdict or resolution. Here’s a taste of what your days will look like: • Own your caseload — analyze facts, gather evidence, and craft winning case strategies from start to finish., • Draft compelling legal documents: complaints, answers, motions, briefs, and appellate arguments., • Command depositions, manage discovery, and keep the information flowing., • Step into the courtroom — opening statements, witness examinations, closing arguments, jury deliberations. The whole show., • Argue motions before the court and develop razor-sharp trial strategies., • Advise clients with clarity and confidence on legal options, risks, and strategy., • Negotiate settlements skillfully, and handle appeals when the fight continues., • Collaborate with paralegals and support staff to keep cases moving efficiently., • Partner with experienced partners and team members on complex litigation strategies tailored to each client., • Communicate proactively with clients and provide timely, meaningful reporting on case status. Why Barnwell Whaley? This is a firm where your work matters. You’ll work alongside experienced trial attorneys on substantive, challenging matters — not as a background player, but as a key member of the team. We offer: • Real courtroom experience and real responsibility from the start., • Diverse practice areas that will sharpen every dimension of your litigation skills., • A collegial, collaborative team culture where mentorship is genuine., • A firm with a strong reputation and deep roots in South Carolina’s legal community., • A long-term career path — we invest in people who want to grow with us.Requirements: Who You Are You’re not just checking boxes. You’re a lawyer who is equal parts thinker, writer, and advocate. Here’s what we’re looking for: • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school., • Licensed and in good standing with the South Carolina State Bar., • 3–5 years of litigation experience (defense experience is a major plus)., • Analytical powerhouse — you can dissect complex legal issues and build airtight arguments., • A communicator who can articulate a compelling case in writing and in the courtroom., • Detail-obsessed: your pleadings are clean, your deadlines are never missed., • A research expert who knows how to find the right case law and make it work., • Creative problem-solver who finds angles others overlook.