General Counsel

HLW is built on the belief that exceptional design begins with exceptional people. With a 140-year legacy as a global, award‑winning architecture and design firm, we collaborate with leading clients to shape meaningful, future‑focused environments. Our culture is collaborative, inclusive, and growth‑minded, offering hybrid work flexibility, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits. When you join HLW, you become part of a global community that values innovation, mentorship, and long‑term professional growth. For more information about our culture, we invite you to visit us at Position Summary We are seeking an experienced and pragmatic General Counsel to serve as a trusted legal advisor across the firm. This role will partner closely with business leaders to support day-to-day legal needs, mitigate risk, and enable strategic growth. The General Counsel will oversee a wide range of legal matters, including contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and management of outside counsel. Key Responsibilities Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of agreements, including client contracts, subcontracts, vendor agreements, and non-disclosure agreements. Provide legal review and guidance on RFQs and RFPs. Advise on legal and risk-related issues arising from business transactions and operations. Partner with cross-functional teams to protect company interests and minimize legal and financial risk. Manage relationships with outside counsel on contracts, litigation, and claims. Lead or support contract negotiations with clients and external partners. Oversee licensing requirements and state registrations for all entities, coordinating with external consultants as needed. Track and maintain licensing and registration compliance across jurisdictions. Minimum Qualifications Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Minimum of 8 years of relevant legal experience, including corporate, construction, or related industry work. Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating agreements and/or managing claims and litigation. Admission to the New York State Bar required; New Jersey and/or California admission preferred. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team-oriented environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience within the construction, architecture, engineering, or related (AEC) industry. Subject matter expertise in real estate and/or construction law. Strong business acumen with the ability to balance legal risk and commercial objectives. Confident, proactive, and adaptable approach to problem-solving. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. HLW is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our team members. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, paid time off, flexible spending accounts, an employee assistance plan, parental leave, financial assistance toward professional licensing and reimbursement for certification exam fees, 401(k), and commuter benefits. The expected salary range for this position is $160,000-$200,000. We will consider relevant experience, qualifications, location, and other job‑related factors in determining compensation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr