Corporate Counsel

Haydon is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona and established in 1991 on a foundation of grit and long-lasting relationships. The company serves a wide scale of markets with its all-in-one construction solutions including: Building (Commercial), Heavy Civil, Preconstruction, Landscape and Building Information Modeling. Haydon's unique full-service structure for all major scopes of work enables clients to receive detailed expertise during preconstruction, minimized schedule risk during construction and the best overall value on projects. Haydon offers a full suite of premier modern construction solutions. This includes Earthscapes, a full-service landscaping division, Origin, a modeling and design subsidiary, Desert Infrastructure Services, a manhole rehabilitation services subsidiary, and Omni Electric, an electrical and communication infrastructure construction services company. Whether it's the roads we drive on or the buildings we work, shop, learn, play and receive care in, Haydon is the one contractor that serves the entire spectrum of the construction industry - and it does so with heart. The company employs quality, passionate people, innovative technology, an open mind and a can-do attitude to construct projects that serve our entire community. For more information, please visit haydon.com.

JOB PURPOSE / POSITION OVERVIEW

The Corporate Counsel provides legal counsel and support across a broad range of business and operational matters while partnering closely with the General Counsel to manage the Company's legal affairs. This position serves as a trusted legal advisor to internal stakeholders by identifying legal risks, developing practical business solutions, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The Corporate Counsel advises and supports all aspects of the Company's operations, including contract review and negotiation, construction law, claims management, litigation oversight, employment matters, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, policy development, and risk management. Working as a legal generalist, this position collaborates with business leaders to proactively protect the Company's interests while advancing strategic business objectives.

SITE / TEAM OVERVIEW

The Corporate Counsel works closely with the General Counsel and partners with Operations, Project Management, Safety, Human Resources, Finance, Risk Management, and Executive Leadership to identify risks, resolve complex legal issues, and facilitate sound business decisions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Counsel & Business Partnership

• Provide timely legal advice and practical business guidance to management regarding legal rights, obligations, and business risks.
• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to business leaders by balancing legal risk with operational and strategic objectives.
• Build collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders and external business partners to facilitate sound legal and business decisions.
• Communicate complex legal concepts in a clear, practical, and business-oriented manner.

Contract Review & Negotiation

• Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret a wide variety of legal agreements, including owner contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, vendor and service agreements, professional service agreements, non-disclosure agreements, licensing agreements, settlement agreements, and other commercial contracts.
• Advise project teams and business leaders on contractual obligations, risk allocation, and contract interpretation throughout the lifecycle of construction projects.
• Develop and maintain contract templates and standard legal language to improve consistency and reduce organizational risk.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and industry requirements.
• Review and analyze new and existing laws and regulations impacting the construction industry and communicate potential business impacts to leadership.
• Evaluate construction claims and disputes, providing strategic legal recommendations to resolve issues and minimize organizational risk.
• Provide legal guidance regarding workers' compensation, insurance claims, OSHA matters, and other risk management issues in partnership with Safety, and Risk Management

Construction Law & Claims Management

• Support project teams in resolving construction-related legal issues, including contract administration, change order disputes, payment disputes, mechanic's liens, bond claims, construction defect matters, workers' compensation, insurance-related issues, and other project-related claims.
• Provide legal analysis and strategic recommendations regarding construction claims, dispute resolution, and risk mitigation.
• Assist in evaluating potential claims and developing strategies to minimize legal exposure.

Litigation & Outside Counsel Management

• Coordinate and manage outside counsel on litigation, arbitration, mediation, administrative proceedings, workers' compensation matters, and other legal proceedings.
• Monitor litigation progress, budgets, and case strategy while ensuring alignment with Company objectives.
• Assist with document preservation and collection, discovery, witness preparation, and other litigation support activities.

Employment & Corporate Governance

• Partner with Human Resources to provide legal guidance regarding employment matters, workplace investigations, accommodations, employee relations, and compliance with employment laws.
• Assist with corporate governance matters, entity maintenance, regulatory filings, and other corporate legal requirements.
• Review Company policies and procedures and recommend revisions to maintain legal compliance and operational effectiveness.

Legal Research & Policy Development

• Conduct legal research, analyze complex legal issues, and prepare legal memoranda, recommendations, and guidance for leadership.
• Develop, review, and update Company policies, procedures, and legal resources to support compliance and operational excellence.
• Develop and deliver legal education and training for leadership and employees on relevant legal topics.

Other Duties

• Maintain the highest level of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards when handling sensitive legal matters.
• Perform other duties, special projects, and responsibilities as assigned by the General Counsel.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED (KSA's, Education, YOE)

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school.
• Active member in good standing of the State Bar of Arizona, or eligible to practice in Arizona under Arizona Supreme Court Rule 38 (In-House Counsel).

Experience

• Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of legal experience as a practicing attorney.
• Experience representing construction companies, contractors, developers, engineering firms, or similar commercial organizations.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Experience analyzing legal risk and providing practical business-focused legal advice.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of construction law, contract law, and commercial transactions.
• Working knowledge of construction claims, insurance, risk transfer, employment law, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent judgment and ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a practical, business-oriented manner.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and legal research platforms.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five or more years of in-house counsel or construction law experience.
• Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, or corporate restructuring.
• Experience with litigation management and oversight of outside counsel.
• Familiarity with OSHA, employment law, public contracting, procurement, licensing, environmental compliance, and corporate governance.
• Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, or corporate restructuring is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily performed in an office or project office environment
• May occasionally visit active construction project sites.
• Frequent sitting, computer use, phone communication, and document handling
• May occasionally lift or move office materials up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to wear PPE when visiting job sites.
• Ability to safely navigate uneven terrain, stairs, and active construction environments while visiting project sites.

Benefits at Haydon/Earthscapes:
Health Options

• Medical, Dental, & Vision
• Critical Illness, Hospital, Accident
• Short-Term / Long-Term Disability
• Infertility Treatment Coverage

Worklife Balance
Professional Development
Teamwork / Camaraderie Retirement Planning

EEO Statement

Haydon Companies is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by appliable law.

Visa and Sponsorship

Candidates must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. Except where expressly indicated in the job posting, the company is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa at this time