Associate Corporate Counsel

About the role

Serve as a trusted legal advisor to business leaders, project managers, and internal teams on a broad range of commercial, operational, and risk-related legal matters
Lead the drafting, review, negotiation, and lifecycle management of a high volume of commercial contracts, including client agreements, subconsultant agreements, and related documents such as certificates of insurance, change orders, and amendments
Provide practical, risk-based guidance on contract terms and conditions, conducting thorough risk assessments to support project execution while protecting the business and advancing commercial objectives
Oversee and manage claims, disputes, subpoenas, and litigation matters, including directing and managing outside counsel, controlling legal spend, and driving resolution strategies
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including government contracting requirements (e.g., FAR/DFARS flow-downs, where applicable)
Translate complex legal concepts into clear, concise, and actionable guidance, serving as a trusted counselor to non-legal stakeholders at all levels of the organization
Drive the development and implementation of best practices, standard contract templates, playbooks, and process improvements to enhance efficiency and consistency within the Legal function
Partner cross-functionally to promote consistent, well-managed risk practices across the organization
Provide general legal support across all Legal Team activities as needed

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to business leaders, project managers, and internal teams on a broad range of commercial, operational, and risk-related legal matters
• Lead the drafting, review, negotiation, and lifecycle management of a high volume of commercial contracts, including client agreements, subconsultant agreements, and related documents such as certificates of insurance, change orders, and amendments
• Provide practical, risk-based guidance on contract terms and conditions, conducting thorough risk assessments to support project execution while protecting the business and advancing commercial objectives
• Oversee and manage claims, disputes, subpoenas, and litigation matters, including directing and managing outside counsel, controlling legal spend, and driving resolution strategies
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including government contracting requirements (e.g., FAR/DFARS flow-downs, where applicable)
• Translate complex legal concepts into clear, concise, and actionable guidance, serving as a trusted counselor to non-legal stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Drive the development and implementation of best practices, standard contract templates, playbooks, and process improvements to enhance efficiency and consistency within the Legal function
• Partner cross-functionally to promote consistent, well-managed risk practices across the organization
• Provide general legal support across all Legal Team activities as needed

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing
• 7–10 years of demonstrated legal experience, with significant time in a corporate or in-house environment and a strong track record of balancing legal risk with business priorities
• Substantial experience in commercial contract drafting, negotiation, and lifecycle management, ideally within professional services, engineering, construction, or related industries are considered a strong plus
• Demonstrated experience supporting project-based businesses operating in complex, multi-party contracting environments
• Meaningful experience managing contract disputes, claims, and litigation matters, including direct oversight and management of outside counsel
• Proven ability to build credibility and partner effectively with senior business leaders and cross-functional teams as a strategic advisor
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex legal issues
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing demands in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to travel as needed

Qualifications

• Experience in a corporate or in-house legal environment
• Strong track record of balancing legal risk with business priorities
• Significant experience in commercial contract drafting, negotiation, and lifecycle management
• Experience supporting project-based businesses operating in complex, multi-party contracting environments
• Experience managing contract disputes, claims, and litigation matters, including direct oversight and management of outside counsel
• Proven ability to build credibility and partner effectively with senior business leaders and cross-functional teams as a strategic advisor
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex legal issues
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing demands in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to travel as needed

Skills

• Sound business judgment
• Proactive and solutions-oriented mindset
• Ability to navigate a complex organization with confidence
• Trusted advisor who delivers clear, practical guidance
• Manages outside counsel effectively
• Buils strong relationships across the business

Benefits

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, financial security, and well-being of our employees. This includes:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements

Pay

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Schedule

This is a full-time position based in Dallas, Texas.