Senior Counsel - Construction Contracting (Total Compensation Up to: $310,000 - $350,000)

Position Summary:

Irvine Company is a diversified, privately held real estate operating and investment company, highly respected for its stewardship and master-planning of the Irvine Ranch in Orange County, California. Today, the Company’s real estate portfolio totals approximately 129M square feet, with a focus primarily on coastal California. Approximately 65% of the Company’s portfolio is in Orange County, with 35% in Silicon Valley, San Diego, West Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City.

 

The Company operates under a holding company structure with each of its four primary real estate operating divisions (Apartments, Office, Retail, and Community Development) functioning as wholly owned subsidiaries of the parent. While the parent provides strategic-level guidance and oversight, corporate services and support (IT, HR, Corporate Finance, Legal, Accounting, etc.), each division is staffed and managed as a fully functioning real estate operating company at scale.

 

Although privately held, the Company is managed similarly to a public company, with strong corporate governance and executive management reporting to a board of directors. The Company is structured to operate in perpetuity.

 

The Company is seeking a highly skilled and experienced construction contract and development attorney to join its Corporate legal team as Senior Counsel reporting to a Vice President & Assistant General Counsel. This position will be part of a centralized contract management team, working collaboratively with business teams to provide legal counsel and transactional support for construction contracts and related agreements supporting the Company’s entitlement, development, and construction projects. This position will be based in the Company’s headquarters in Newport Beach, California.

Key Responsibilities:

• Development and Construction Contracts : Draft and negotiate contracts related to the Company’s development and construction projects, including construction contracts, agreements with design professionals, and other related agreements, coordinating closely with divisional business teams for timely execution.
• Development and Construction Counsel : Provide day-to-day legal advice and support to divisional development and construction project teams, including entitlement support, management of entry permits, periodic project scope review, and implementation of risk mitigation strategies.
• Dispute Mitigation and Resolution : Provide advice and support on change orders, vendor defaults, mechanics’ lien issues, bankruptcy, and other disputes.
• Strategic Initiatives : Provide advice and support on a variety of cross-divisional strategic initiative projects.
• Telecommunications Licenses : Draft and negotiate license agreements for telecommunication services to the Company’s properties, coordinating closely with divisional business teams for timely execution.
• Template Management : Continuously review, update, and refine contract templates within areas of responsibility to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving legal developments and market standards.

Additional Skills:

• Outstanding analytical, writing, drafting, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills, enabling clear and concise articulation of legal positions and progress updates.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and intellectually challenging environment.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, communicate proactively with internal clients, and consistently deliver timely results.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to build and maintain robust and trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing legal risks and adeptly navigating complex legal challenges.

Preferred Education:

• Law degree from a nationally recognized law school.

Preferred Years of Relevant Work Experience:

• 6-8+ years of real estate experience, with substantial experience in development transactions and construction contracting.
• Experience should include increasing responsibility, with experience in private practice at a leading law firm preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Admitted to the California Bar.

  Compensation:

Total Compensation Up to: $310,000 - $350,000

 

Actual placement within this range may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, base salary of internal peers, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location.

The Company also offers competitive benefits for full time employees including paid time off, matching 401(k), and health benefits.

 

About Us:
Irvine Company is a privately held real estate investment company and master-planner committed to creating and sustaining communities that thrive for generations.

Irvine Company is respected for its master planning and environmental stewardship of the Irvine Ranch in Orange County, including diversified operations throughout coastal California. Irvine Company brings to life neighborhoods and sustainable communities with a full range of housing, jobs, retail centers, schools, parks and open space.

We take as much pride in our employee community as we do the communities we create. It’s an environment populated with talented and experienced people, a collaborative spirit and abundant opportunities.

Apply today to join our employee community, and learn more about Irvine Company , our legacy and our guiding principles .

Irvine Company is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, compensation, termination, and training, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, age, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.

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