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

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.

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.

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.
• A relationship builder — clients trust you, opposing counsel respects you.

Ready to Build Your Career in Defense Litigation? Send your resume, writing sample, and cover letter to join a team that’s serious about the law — and serious about your future.