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.

Hedrick Gardner is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Attorney to join our Administrative Law practice. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop a sophisticated administrative and regulatory practice while working alongside experienced attorneys who represent employers, businesses, insurance carriers, governmental entities, and other clients before administrative agencies, boards, commissions, and state and federal courts.

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical, research, writing, and advocacy skills, along with a commitment to delivering exceptional client service. This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth, client interaction, and courtroom and administrative hearing experience.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in administrative hearings, agency proceedings, and appeals.
• Conduct legal research and draft motions, briefs, memoranda, pleadings, and other legal documents.
• Analyze statutes, regulations, agency rules, and administrative decisions.
• Advise clients on regulatory compliance and risk management matters.
• Manage case files from inception through resolution.
• Prepare witnesses and clients for hearings, depositions, and administrative proceedings.
• Attend hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and oral arguments.
• Collaborate with partners and practice group members to develop litigation and case strategies.
• Maintain regular communication with clients regarding case status, developments, and legal recommendations.
• Participate in business development and client relationship initiatives.

Required

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active license and good standing with the State Bar of North Carolina.
• 1-5 years of legal experience, preferably involving administrative law, litigation, regulatory matters, or government agency proceedings.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Strong oral advocacy and communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with legal research platforms and litigation technology.

Preferred

• Experience appearing before administrative agencies, boards, or commissions.
• Understanding of state and federal administrative procedures and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience drafting appellate briefs or administrative appeals.
• Prior litigation, governmental, or regulatory compliance experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Work Environment:

• Office Setting
• Hybrid position after an initial in-office training period

Benefits:

• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Short-term Disability
• Long-term Disability
• HRA
• FSA
• 401K
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• 3 weeks of PTO

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.