Corporate Counsel, Construction

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Job Summary:

The Corporate Counsel, Construction role will be responsible for protecting the business by identifying, administering, and managing a variety of legal matters, with a primary focus on construction law issues. This position provides professional and ethical guidance to minimize risks regarding contract performance, claims, collections, and statutory remedies. The role collaborates closely with internal project managers, procurement teams, and external counsel to draft, review, and negotiate complex construction agreements. Additionally, the position supports corporate governance, board of directors, and entity management matters while maintaining a hybrid schedule in the local office.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advise and counsel Project Managers and internal teams on construction law issues, contract performance, and project delivery strategies to optimize the business's legal position.
• Supervise construction litigation and affirmative collection matters, utilizing statutory remedies to preserve payment rights, and coordinate with outside counsel or claims consultants.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert for construction law, managing outside counsel selection, performance, billing efficiency, and alignment with litigation strategy.
• Draft, review, and negotiate various construction agreements, change orders, master agreements, and vendor contracts while developing and maintaining standard forms and templates.
• Prepare concise briefing documents, legal research opinions, and discovery responses, and serve as the corporate representative at hearings, arbitrations, or trials.
• Support the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary with corporate governance, entity management, and the preparation of Board of Directors and Committee materials.
• Utilize software to track, analyze, and report on construction law metrics, developing KPIs to manage litigation budgets and recommend risk mitigation strategies.
• Provide training on construction contracts and law principles to internal departments, respond to business-records subpoenas, and apply lessons learned to improve business processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements (Work Experience, Skills, Licenses, etc.): (Please limit to no more than 7-10 bullets, NO sub bullets) See notes below for education required vs. desired.

• Deep understanding of construction law, including statutory remedies (mechanics' liens, payment bond claims) and contract performance.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct quick, accurate legal research on matters outside the attorney’s primary area of expertise.
• Excellent drafting and writing skills for complex contracts, policies, and legal documents.
• Strong decision-making ability with a high sense of ownership, accountability, and a results-oriented mindset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate and present to all levels of the organization.
• Proven proficiency with legal and information technology tools (e.g., Gmail, Google Drive, Smartsheet, Box, MS Office, Westlaw, OneLegal).
• Strong leadership characteristics and the ability to objectively articulate and defend business approaches.

Education and Experience:

Required :

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-approved law school.
• Active member in good standing of the State Bar of California.
• Minimum of 10 years of substantive experience as a practicing construction attorney with civil litigation experience.

Desired :

• Prior in-house legal department experience and direct construction industry experience.