General Counsel, Construction

The Opportunity: General Counsel

Location : New York Metropolitan Area

Reports To

President

Position Overview

The General Counsel will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing strategic legal guidance across all areas of the business. This leader will oversee legal affairs related to operations, corporate governance, labor relations, risk management, contracts, compliance, and strategic business initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in commercial and operational legal matters, along with a strong business mindset, helping the organization navigate complex legal issues while supporting continued growth and operational excellence.

This position serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and business stakeholders, ensuring the company's legal interests are protected while enabling informed decision-making and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Legal Counsel & Risk Management

• Advise executive leadership and business teams on legal rights, responsibilities, business risks, and strategic decision-making.
• Provide legal guidance across operational, employment, regulatory, and corporate matters.
• Develop and implement legal policies, internal controls, risk mitigation strategies, and compliance programs.
• Manage relationships with external counsel, insurers, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.

Contracts & Commercial Transactions

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a wide range of commercial agreements, including customer, vendor, partnership, confidentiality, and professional services agreements.
• Support business teams throughout contract execution and administration.
• Identify contractual risks and provide practical, business-focused solutions.

Claims, Litigation & Compliance

• Oversee and manage the company's portfolio of legal matters, including litigation, claims, employment issues, regulatory matters, and specialized legal work.
• Support dispute resolution and claims management activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Corporate Governance & Business Operations

• Oversee corporate governance matters, entity management, insurance programs, and enterprise risk assessments.
• Support board-related activities and corporate recordkeeping.
• Partner with business leaders to address legal considerations impacting operational and strategic objectives.

Labor Relations & Workforce Support

• Provide legal oversight related to labor relations, workforce matters, and employment law compliance.
• Partner with Human Resources and operational leadership on employee-related legal matters, training initiatives, and compliance requirements.
• Support workforce compliance programs and related regulatory obligations.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Strategic Growth

• Lead or support legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships.
• Conduct due diligence, legal risk assessments, and transaction support.
• Negotiate key transaction documents and advise leadership on legal considerations related to growth initiatives.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school with active bar admission in good standing.
• 10+ years of relevant legal experience, preferably supporting complex operational or project-based organizations.
• Strong expertise in contract negotiation, risk management, dispute resolution, and corporate governance.
• Experience managing litigation, claims, and outside counsel relationships.
• Prior involvement with mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence, transaction negotiations, and legal risk assessment.
• Knowledge of labor and employment law.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, negotiation, and business-partnering skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate across executive leadership and cross-functional teams.

Compensation $300K - $325K base + bonus & benefits