Temporary Compliance Legal Counsel

Hazen and Sawyer seeks Legal Counsel for our Raleigh, NC office. This attorney will partner with project teams and leadership to support commercial contracting, technology transactions, risk management, and other legal needs. The role is ideal for an experienced attorney who values close collaboration, independent judgment, and contributing to infrastructure projects that protect public health and the environment.
Founded in 1951 by the son of Allen Hazen (developer of the Hazen-Williams equation), we are an employee-owned company with a singular focus on \"all things water.\"
Our work includes planning, design, and oversight of construction of environmental infrastructure – for water, wastewater, and stormwater management.
We recruit talented professionals, provide them with challenging, interesting, and creative assignments, and furnish them with the tools they need to succeed.
A flexible hybrid work schedule supports today's busy professionals.
Exercise sound legal judgment in advising regional project teams and office leadership, including the ability to assess risk and deliver clear recommendations.
Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, including professional services agreements, subconsultant agreements, NDAs, teaming agreements, RFx's, technology licenses, software agreements, and other business-related documents.
Advise on technology and AI-related issues arising in commercial contracts, including software licensing, data use, and emerging technology considerations.
Advise on employment and labor matters, including hiring, terminations, workplace policies, wage and hour issues, accommodations, and internal investigations.
Support immigration matters, including employment-based visa sponsorship, in coordination with our outside immigration counsel, adding substantive value where possible.
Collaborate with business stakeholders to ensure that contracts reflect the company's strategic goals while minimizing legal risk.
Provide legal guidance on compliance issues and interpret contract provisions to ensure the company's adherence to applicable laws and regulations.
Perform legal research on relevant laws and regulations related to commercial contracts, employment, immigration, engineering, and other business areas.
Support the company in maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including emerging technology and AI-related regulatory requirements.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends, particularly in commercial contracting, technology licensing, artificial intelligence, and the engineering sector.
Assist with other general legal matters, as needed.
6-9 years of experience in a commercial contract law practice, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts.

• Experience with immigration matters, including employment-based visa sponsorship.
• Familiarity with artificial intelligence tools, platforms, or governance frameworks preferred.
• Solid understanding of contract law, commercial transactions, employment and labor law, and related legal matters.
• Working knowledge of employment and immigration compliance issues affecting a multi-state workforce.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) with the ability to clearly explain complex legal concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing legal risks.
• Familiarity with international contract law and regulations is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing stakeholder priorities and communicate firm legal positions to non-legal audiences, including senior technical and business personnel.

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
S. jurisdiction, with the ability to provide in-house legal services in North Carolina as of the start date.
Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans).
Pre‑tax flexible spending plans for medical, dependent care, and transportation.
Short and long-term disability, and employer paid life insurance.
Paid holidays, floating holidays, and paid time off (PTO).
Employer-contributed 401(k) plan and additional financial planning support.
Professional growth opportunities, including tuition reimbursement, in-house training, and incentives for professional registration and professional organization memberships.