In-House Counsel

Application Instructions

Thank you for your interest in our company. Please review the Position Description and Requirements below to ensure that you possess the necessary qualifications. Then select Apply Now. You will be redirected to another screen with some additional tasks. Be sure to complete all necessary tasks prior to submitting your application. We look forward to evaluating your application.

Key Responsibilities

Claims & Insurance Management

• • Manage and oversee:
  • Minor auto damage and fleet accident claims
  • General Liability (GL) claims
  • Workers' compensation coordination (as applicable)
  • Employment Practices Liability (EPL) and EEOC matters
  • Property and equipment damage claims
  • Participate in incident investigations in coordination with safety division.
  • Prepare claim documentation and respond to insurers, adjusters, and counsel.
  • Negotiate settlements and resolutions within authorized limits.
  • Advise on exposure potential and recommend settlement ranges.
  • Monitor litigation and manage outside defense counsel.
  • Analyze claim trends and recommend risk reduction strategies.
  • Review contracts and subcontract documents.

Contract Review & Negotiation

• • Draft, review, and negotiate:
  • Prime contracts
  • Subcontracts
  • Vendor and supplier agreements
  • Equipment lease agreements
  • Professional service agreements
  • Evaluate risk transfer provisions, including indemnification, insurance, and limitation of liability clauses.
  • Ensure contracts align with company insurance programs and risk tolerance.
  • Develop standard contract templates and legal guidelines.

Employment & Labor Law (EPL Focus)

• • Advise HR and management on:
  • Terminations, discipline, and performance management
  • Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims
  • Leave and accommodation issues
  • Wage and hour compliance
  • Manage EEOC charges, agency complaints, and employment litigation in conjunction with HR staff.
  • Review and update employee handbooks and policies as needed.
  • Support investigations and internal complaints.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• • Manage lawsuits, arbitrations, and administrative proceedings in conjunction with Risk Manager
  • Coordinate discovery, depositions, and trial preparation.
  • Evaluate litigation risk and provide strategic recommendations.
  • Support alternative dispute resolution efforts when appropriate.
  • Support acquisitions, expansions, and joint ventures.
  • Advise leadership on risk exposure and legal strategy.

Position Description

The In-House Counsel provides legal support and risk management services for the company's construction operations. This role is responsible for handling insurance and liability claims, contract review and negotiation, employment-related matters, regulatory compliance, and litigation management. The attorney works closely with operations, safety, HR, and executive leadership to minimize legal exposure and protect company interests.

Position Requirements

Required Qualifications

• • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
  • Active license to practice law in South Carolina
  • Minimum 5-10 years of relevant legal experience (construction, insurance defense, corporate, or in-house preferred)
  • Strong knowledge of:
  • Construction law
  • Insurance coverage and claims handling
  • Contract law and contractual risk transfer
  • Employment law
  • Litigation management
  • Experience working with insurance carriers and third-party administrators (TPAs)

Preferred Qualifications

• • Prior in-house experience in construction, engineering, or industrial services
  • Experience in insurance defense or risk management
  • Familiarity with DOT, OSHA, and heavy highway construction regulations

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• • Primarily office-based with periodic jobsite visits
  • Occasional travel to project sites, hearings, or meetings
  • Ability to sit, stand, and use computer equipment for extended periods

Equal Opportunity Employer

PALMETTO CORP IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER . It is PALMETTO CORP's policy to assure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, religion, sex, color, national origin, age or disability. Such action shall include: employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and/or on-the-job training. All such decisions are based on (1) individual merit, qualifications, and competence as they relate to the particular position, and (2) promotion of the principle of equal employment opportunity. All current employees are encouraged to refer minority and women recruits for employment whenever hiring opportunities are available.