Litigation Attorney (Charlotte)

Litigation Attorney | 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 healthcare law, employment law, business litigation, construction law, corporate guidance, tax 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.

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About the Role

Gardner Skelton is looking for a Litigation Attorney with a minimum of three to five years of experience to join our growing team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys the variety and challenge of litigation work and wants to sharpen their skills in a collaborative, hands-on environment. You’ll support our partners on a range of matters—including employment, construction, healthcare, and other business-related disputes—and play a meaningful role in helping our clients navigate legal challenges with confidence and clarity.

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.

NOTE: Must be currently licensed in North Carolina or able to quickly obtain licensure via UBE transfer. Major bonus points if you are also licensed in South Carolina.

What You'll Do

• Take and defend depositions independently with confidence and professionalism.

• Serve as second chair in trials, providing key support with preparation, strategy, and in-court execution.

• Support partners on active litigation matters, including case preparation, research, drafting, and strategy.

• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and correspondence.

• Conduct legal research and assist in developing practical, business-minded solutions.

• Work on matters involving construction, employment, healthcare, and commercial disputes.

• Help manage case timelines, deadlines, and calendars.

• Participate in client communication and case status updates.

• Contribute to the development of efficient workflows and collaborative processes.

• Attend mediations, hearings, and depositions as appropriate for case involvement and experience building.

What You Bring

• Minimum of 3-5 years of litigation experience. Bonus points if you're experienced in construction, employment, healthcare, or business litigation.

• Curiosity and critical thinking that go beyond the surface—you're not just churning cases, you're digging in deep to help clients win.

• Exceptional legal writing and communication skills.

• A proactive, collaborative mindset and a willingness to learn.

• Comfort working closely with partners, clients, and legal staff.

• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.

• Sound judgment and professionalism in a client-facing role.

• Commitment to providing high-quality legal work in a fast-paced, team-based environment.

• A strong sense of accountability—for your work, your communication, and your impact—both within the firm and in service to our clients.

• Licensed to practice law in NC or able to quickly obtain licensure via UBE transfer.

• STRONG preference for someone barred in both NC and SC.

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.
• Award-Winning Workspace in NoDa: Our office—located in Charlotte’s dynamic NoDa neighborhood—was recognized nationally by the American Society of Interior Designers for best large firm workplace encouraging employee wellness.
• Dog-Friendly Office: Bring your furry best friend to work—we believe pets make the workday better.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: We offer attractive salaries ($130,000–$180,000 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.
• Foodie-Friendly : We believe good food makes for happier people. Unlimited snacks, regular firm-catered meals, a super fancy coffee machine, and a location close to dozens of amazing restaurants are just some of the perks foodies will love about working here.
• 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 and a short cover letter to View email address on apply.placed-app.com .

Your privacy is important to us; we’ll maintain complete confidentiality and never contact references without your explicit permission.

NOTE : This is an in-person role and we are looking to fill it quickly, but please don't hesitate to apply even if you're not currently located in the Charlotte area. We're happy to work with you on a transition plan to bridge the gap as long as you're willing to relocate here within a reasonable timeline.