Senior Project Legal Counsel

The role The JMP Project is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Project Legal Counsel to support complex design, construction, infrastructure, and operational matters associated with a major public infrastructure program at JFK Airport. Reporting to the VP, Governance, Risk Management & Operations, this role will partner closely with senior leadership, including the Vice President, Design and Construction, to provide legal guidance across project delivery, commercial contracts, dispute resolution, insurance claims, and regulatory compliance. What You’ll be responsible for As a Senior Project Legal Counsel, you will: Strategic Legal Counsel Provide legal advice related to the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of project facilities and infrastructure. Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize a broad range of legal agreements, including vendor contracts, consulting agreements, procurement agreements, design agreements, leases, and lease amendments. Prepare and respond to legal correspondence and notices related to lease obligations, construction contracts, and project disputes. Collaborate closely with the Design & Construction team and broader project stakeholders to support contract execution and compliance with lease and regulatory requirements. Advise on applicable state and federal regulatory requirements impacting project operations and construction activities. Support the resolution of design and construction disputes through negotiation, mediation, and strategic legal guidance. Develop and implement compliance processes and tracking programs to monitor contractual and regulatory obligations. Litigation & Claims Support Assist in the development and execution of litigation strategies in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external counsel. Support all phases of litigation and dispute resolution, including pre-litigation matters, customer complaints, arbitration, and lawsuits. Evaluate and mitigate legal and commercial risks associated with ongoing and potential claims. Draft and review pleadings, motions, settlement agreements, and other litigation-related documentation. Coordinate with insurers, contractors, and third parties to manage and resolve general liability and builders’ risk claims. What You Bring Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; MBA or other advanced degree considered an asset. Admission to the NewYork State Bar required. Minimum 7 years of experience in construction law, mediation, arbitration, litigation, and insurance claims within large-scale infrastructure or commercial construction projects. Experience supporting public infrastructure, transportation, aviation, or other regulated industries strongly preferred. Demonstrated expertise managing complex contractual, commercial, and dispute-related matters in high-value construction environments. Strong knowledge of construction law, commercial contracts, litigation, and legal risk management principles. Exceptional negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and sound decision-making skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Proven ability to work independently while collaborating across cross-functional and matrixed teams. High attention to detail with a commitment to operational excellence and quality execution. Strong organizational, time management, and project coordination skills. Business acumen with the ability to balance legal risk with operational and commercial objectives. Ability to navigate ambiguity and provide practical, solutions-oriented recommendations. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint, with the ability to create clear, compelling, and executive-level presentations. Salary The salary range for this position is $185,000 - $200,000 annually. Location This is an on-site role located in the United States, with a preference given to candidates in or near the JFK Airport/NewYork City area. Equal Opportunity Statement All qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in the United States will be considered. #J-18808-Ljbffr