Summer Legal Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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
Position Summary
Hedrick Gardner is seeking motivated law students to join our Summer Law Clerk Program. Summer clerks will work directly with experienced litigators on active insurance defense matters, including general liability, premises liability, automobile and trucking liability, coverage disputes and workers' compensation. This program offers substantive legal work, courtroom exposure, and direct mentorship with multiple supervising attorneys designed to give clerks a realistic and rewarding introduction to insurance defense litigation.
Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis on liability, coverage, and procedural issues
• Draft memoranda, pleadings, motions, and discovery responses under attorney supervision
• Assist with case investigation, including review of medical records, accident reports, and witness statements
• Attend depositions, mediations, hearings, trials, and site inspections alongside assigned attorneys
• Help prepare deposition outlines, trial exhibits, and witness materials
• Summarize deposition transcripts and medical records
• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and claims adjusters on case strategy
• Participate in firm training sessions, mentorship lunches, and practice group meetings

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school; rising 3L preferred
• 3.0 GPA or above required
• Top 35% of class preferred
• Strong academic record and demonstrated legal research and writing skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical ability and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced litigation environment
• Genuine interest in civil litigation and/or workers' compensation and/or administrative law practice
• Professional demeanor and ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Proficiency with Westlaw or Lexis and Microsoft Office preferred

Additional Information
What We Offer

• Competitive hourly compensation
• Direct mentorship from partners and associates handling active litigation
• Hands-on courtroom, deposition, and mediation experience
• Firm-sponsored training, CLE-style sessions, and professional development programming
• Social and networking events with attorneys and staff across our Carolinas offices
• Potential pathway to a post-graduate associate position

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.