Associate General Counsel

The Weitz Company is hiring an Associate Counsel to join our Legal team! The Associate Counsel is responsible for protecting the company’s legal interest by providing practical legal advice and counsel in partnership with the General Counsel. This role identifies, manages, and minimizes areas of risk through contract review and negotiations, and partnering with various business units on ongoing matters. In addition, the Associate Counsel will oversee group claims and litigation to assure legal compliance.

The Weitz Company has been Building a Better Way since 1855. We are a full-service construction company, general contractor, design-builder, and construction manager with office locations throughout the United States. We believe our employees to be our most valuable asset, and we are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive culture that inspires, motivates, and continuously improves.

What You’ll Do

• Provide legal support on company-wide inquiries including contract terms, liens, claims, disputes, and other legal or project issues
• Negotiate and prepare prime agreements, subcontracts, and other documents
• Propose acceptable solutions to project risks via contract terms
• Manage and resolve potential claims or claims via litigation, arbitration, and other dispute resolution proceedings
• Identify and manage company risks
• Select, hire, and manage outside counsel and consultants for claims and litigation, settlement recommendations, and input on selected matters
• Educate business units on appropriate laws, regulations and rules to ensure business practices are within guidelines
• Partner with risk management and insurance team regarding related litigation, claim reserves, reports, and processes/procedures
• Perform due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, international dealings, or other transactions
• Evaluate and approve contract modifications or requested exceptions
• Ensure claims are timely and fairly resolved in a favorable manner
• Stay abreast of upcoming and current municipal, state, or federal laws and regulations that may impact business operations or other areas of the company

What We’re Looking For

• Experience:
  • 5+ years of experience practicing law with a corporation or outside firm
  • Experience in engineering, construction, or general corporate strongly preferred including corporate transactions, business transactions, and contracts
  • Knowledge of construction law is essential
  • A bachelor’s and Juris Doctorate degree is required, in addition to passing a state Bar Exam and in good standing to practice law with one or more of the states’ Supreme Court
• Skills:
  • High level of confidentiality and discretion
  • Ability to build relationships across the organization, with clients, and the community
  • Strong business acumen and negotiation skills
  • Flexible and able to adapt to meet business needs
  • Ability to solve problems and think critically
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Risk analysis and sound decision making skills
  • High level of initiative
  • Comfortable working with artificial intelligence (AI) for efficiency and consistency, but maintaining a human component to ensure accuracy and excellent customer service
• Technology:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
  • Ability to learn additional specific job‑related software upon hire
• Additional Requirements:
  • Must be able to work onsite in our Des Moines, IA office 5 days per week

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay
• Rewarding Bonus Program
• Comprehensive Benefits Package with Tax‑Advantaged HSA and FSA offerings
• Employer‑Paid Short‑and Long‑Term Disability Programs
• Employer‑Paid Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off Provisions
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Fully Paid Parental Leave
• Voluntary Products Including: Critical Illness Insurance and Accident Insurance
• Corporate Wellness Program with Wellness Time Off and Rewards

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.

The Company does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of the Company without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of the Company. Please, no phone calls or emails.

The Weitz Company, LLC (and its U.S.-based subsidiaries and affiliates) recognizes the value of and is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and follow applicable affirmative action guidelines and policies. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment (including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected categories in accordance with applicable state and federal laws). The Company is a drug and alcohol‑free workplace and background checks are required if applicable. Click here to review our Privacy Notice.