Attorney

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 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 employment law, healthcare 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 different from just about any law firm you’ve ever seen. For more information, please visit: About the Role We’re seeking an entry-level Attorney with 0–3 years of experience who’s eager to learn, take on meaningful work, and build a strong foundation for their legal career. Your initial focus will be employment matters for some of our large institutional clients. You’ll gain firsthand experience with the legal needs of complex organizations, develop your research and writing skills, and learn how to deliver practical, responsive legal counsel. As your skills and interests develop and client needs evolve, you’ll have opportunities to take on more complex employment work and explore other areas of the firm’s practice. You’ll learn from accomplished attorneys who are invested in your development, including members of our Chambers-ranked employment team led by Nicole Gardner. Expect consistent and substantive work, direct feedback, and increasing responsibility, with guidance and supervision appropriate to your experience. You’ll contribute early, with experienced colleagues available to help you think through unfamiliar issues and prepare for new challenges. We’re looking for someone who brings curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to put in the work to become a strong attorney. If you take pride in doing things well, welcome constructive feedback, and want to be an active part of a collaborative team, we’d love to hear from you. What You’ll Be Doing Work closely with experienced attorneys on employment matters for large institutional clients, taking responsibility for assignments and portions of matters as your skills develop. Research legal questions, analyze relevant law, and turn your findings into clear written analysis and practical recommendations for the team. Review documents and factual records, identify key issues and information gaps, and help attorneys evaluate options and determine next steps. Draft and revise legal correspondence, memoranda, and other substantive work product, incorporating feedback to strengthen your writing and analysis. Communicate with clients and other stakeholders, with appropriate guidance, to gather information, clarify questions, and provide timely updates. Help manage an active caseload by tracking deadlines, prioritizing assignments, and coordinating with attorneys and legal staff to keep matters moving. Develop an understanding of each client’s operations, priorities, and expectations, and how individual matters fit into the broader client relationship. Gradually take on more complex assignments and explore additional areas of practice as your experience grows and opportunities arise. What You Bring 0–3 years of attorney experience. Prior employment law experience is welcome but not required. You must have passed the North Carolina bar exam or have a qualifying UBE score that allows you to promptly obtain North Carolina licensure through score transfer. Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to identify relevant issues and communicate your reasoning clearly. Curiosity, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic—you’re eager to build your skills and take an active role in your development. Openness to feedback and a willingness to ask questions, acknowledge what you don’t yet know, and learn from attorneys and legal staff alike. A sense of ownership and sound judgment about when to work through a problem independently and when to seek guidance. Excellent organization, attention to detail, and follow-through, including the ability to manage competing assignments and keep others informed of your progress. Professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to treating clients and colleagues with care and respect. 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. Learn more here: Dog-Friendly Office : Bring your furry best friend to work—we believe pets make the workday better. Competitive Compensation & Benefits : We offer attractive salaries 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. Reasonable Billable Hour Expectations: We take our work seriously, and we want you to have time for the people and things that matter outside of it. Our reasonable billable expectations reflect a simple belief: a rewarding legal career shouldn’t require giving up the rest of your life. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr