Corporate Counsel - Contracts & Risk

About the role

This position will have a significant focus on contracts, risk management, and legal matters associated with architecture and engineering services. Working closely with senior legal leadership and business stakeholders, the Corporate Counsel will review and negotiate commercial agreements, advise internal teams on contractual and risk-related matters, support claims and dispute resolution, and help ensure consistent contracting practices across the organization. The ideal candidate will have experience within the architecture and engineering industry, either as in-house counsel or through private practice representing design, engineering, construction, or other professional services organizations. Experience working with AIA contract documents and negotiating professional services agreements is particularly important.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft, negotiate, and advise on a variety of commercial and professional services agreements.
• Identify and evaluate contractual and business risks and provide practical guidance to internal stakeholders.
• Review and negotiate architecture, engineering, consultant, and other project-related agreements.
• Provide guidance regarding contractual insurance requirements and consultant compliance with insurance obligations.
• Support the development, maintenance, and consistent use of contract templates, forms, and related legal documentation.
• Partner with senior legal leadership and outside counsel on legal, contractual, and risk-related matters.
• Provide guidance and oversight to contract administration and other legal support professionals.
• Review and negotiate commercial lease agreements and related documentation.
• Review and advise on NDAs, vendor agreements, lien waivers, data releases, and other commercial documents.
• Assist with claims, disputes, and other matters involving contractual or professional liability exposure.
• Build effective working relationships with business leaders and internal stakeholders while providing responsive, practical legal support.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active license to practice law.
• 2+ years of relevant legal experience gained within a corporate legal department and/or private practice.
• Experience supporting clients within the architecture, engineering, construction, design, or related professional services industries.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating commercial and professional services agreements.
• Working knowledge of American Institute of Architects (AIA) contract documents.
• Understanding of contractual risk issues relevant to AEC and professional services organizations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, drafting, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and matters with limited supervision.
• Strong judgment and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to develop productive relationships with internal clients, business leaders, and external partners.
• Experience supporting senior executives and legal leadership.