Associate Corporate Counsel

Chicago-area based company seeks attorney for in-house corporate position. The company operates in multiple U.S. states and operates multiple business enterprises, including in construction, real estate development, finance, and energy. The successful candidate requires location in the Chicago area and must possess a law license in the State of Illinois.

• Title: Associate Corporate Counsel
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Department: Legal
• Reports To: General Counsel

Summary

The successful candidate will serve as direct support for the functions of the General Counsel, assist in the oversight of various legal matters related to construction, land use and development, financing, energy, M&A, labor and employment, commercial transactions, government and civil contracting, and in support of the operations across a $600 million national business platform. The company operates in multiple markets including government, affordable housing, healthcare, retail, and hospitality, in multiple states and business interests in all 50 states.

This role will provide strategic legal leadership across various legal disciplines. The ideal candidate will have 1-5 years of transactional, litigation and construction-focused legal experience. This position offers an opportunity for a high-performing, growth-oriented attorney to take ownership of the legal function within a dynamic, multi-state organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• High quality legal writing and research skills are mandatory
• Provide day-to-day legal counsel to executive leadership of all constituent companies, assist with contract production and negotiation, and oversee outside counsel legal activities.
• Draft, review, and negotiate owner contracts, subcontract agreements, joint venture agreements, design agreements, and vendor contracts.
• Advise on public procurement, government contracting compliance, and regulatory matters.
• Support risk management initiatives, including insurance review, bonding issues, and indemnification strategy.
• Manage construction claims, change order disputes, delay claims, lien issues, and dispute resolution processes.
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance with federal, state, and local laws across multiple jurisdictions.
• Advise leadership on corporate governance and structuring.
• Evaluate legal risk in new opportunities and markets.
• Develop internal legal processes, templates, and training programs to mitigate risk and improve operational efficiency.
• Provide proactive guidance …
• Support mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic growth initiatives as needed.

Leadership Competencies

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
• Strategic Thinking
• Business Acumen
• Sound Judgment & Decision Making
• Problem Solving Under Pressure
• Relationship Building (Internal & External)
• Resilience & Adaptability
• Confidentiality & Professional Integrity

Education / Experience Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school required.
• Active bar license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction required (Illinois, Ohio, or Florida preferred).
• One to Five years of experience practicing law with experience in commercial transactions, construction, real estate development, finance, or commercial litigation.
• Emphasis is placed on high level written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in tax and trust and estates is a plus.

Physical Demands

Work is performed primarily in a professional office setting, with occasional visits to construction sites requiring standing, walking, climbing, or inspecting. Ability to travel periodically between company offices and project sites as needed. Consistent remote work is not available.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in an office environment (quiet noise level) with occasional time spent on active construction sites (loud environment, exposure to weather conditions). Standard office equipment is routinely used.