Corporate Legal Counsel

About HED

We are a nationwide team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about kindness, aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening and learning from each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

Culture

At HED, we believe great design has the power to improve lives through positive impact. Our PreK–12 practice creates inspiring learning environments that support educational excellence, community engagement, and student success. As an integrated design firm, we bring together architects, engineers, planners, and designers to solve complex challenges through collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence. Our culture is guided by six core values: Do It as a Team, Be You With Us, Make a Mark, Embrace Change, Thrive With Growth, Strive for Performance.

Position Summary

HED is seeking a strategic, business-minded Corporate Legal Counsel to lead and evolve the firm’s legal, regulatory, compliance, and risk management functions. This role serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and key business stakeholders, helping guide the organization through complex legal and operational matters while supporting continued growth and innovation. The Corporate Legal Counsel will oversee legal strategy across corporate governance, contracts, litigation management, compliance, employment-related matters, enterprise risk management, and regulatory requirements within the architecture & engineering professional service industry. This individual will partner closely with operations, finance, HR, and leadership teams to proactively identify risks, support informed decision-making, and strengthen organizational practices. This position requires a collaborative leader who combines sound legal judgment with practical business acumen, strong communication skills, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a legal advisor to executive leadership and the Board, providing guidance across legal, regulatory, governance, employment, compliance, and enterprise risk management matters.
• Design, implement, and oversee compliance programs across multiple regulatory landscapes.
• Manage litigation matters, dispute resolution efforts, and external counsel relationships with strategic oversight.
• Coordinate claim reporting and communications with insurers, including support for insurance renewals and evaluation of additional coverage needs.
• Partner with operations and business leaders to develop, improve, and maintain contract templates and related legal forms.
• Review, negotiate, and advise on contracts with consultants, developers, owners, vendors, and strategic partners.
• Provide legal support for corporate governance matters, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance initiatives, and strategic growth activities.
• Collaborate with IT and operational teams to support legal technology initiatives, including Data and AI initiatives.
• As the firm grows, help build, mentor, and lead an internal legal and risk management function that supports organizational scalability and operational excellence.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed attorney in good standing in one or more states.
• 10–15 years of legal and/or litigation experience within the architecture, engineering, construction, or related professional services industries.
• 2–5 years of experience in an in-house legal environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of contract negotiation, litigation management, employment-related legal matters, and corporate governance.
• Experience with state regulatory agencies, professional licensing requirements, and state and federal insurance laws.
• Proven leadership capabilities, including experience building and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Excellent written, verbal, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Business Partnership
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
• Negotiation & Influence
• Leadership & Team Development
• Communication & Relationship Building
• Sound Judgment & Decision-Making
• Adaptability & Execution
• Integrity & Professionalism

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in person.
• Visual acuity sufficient to perform responsibilities.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a professional office environment that supports both collaborative and independent work. HED embraces a hybrid work model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including flexibility to work remotely with regular in-office collaboration.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required.