Director of Contracts and Legal Affairs

Job Summary

Job Title: Director, Contracts and Legal Affairs (Construction)
Location: Baltimore, Maryland 21227
Reports to: President and CEO
FLSA Status: Full-Time / Exempt
Work Shift: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. / Mon. – Fri.

About the Role

The Director, Contracts and Legal Affairs supports the legal and risk management needs of The Poole and Kent Corporation (An EMCOR Company) by leading the drafting, review, negotiation, and administration of complex construction and commercial contracts. This role reports to the President & CEO and works closely with executive leadership, operations, estimating, procurement, and risk management to mitigate risk, support project delivery, and ensure contractual compliance across all phases of the project lifecycle.

Essential Duties

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of construction-related agreements, including: Prime contracts (public and private sector), Subcontracts and supplier agreements, Design, design-build, EPC, and professional services contracts, Joint venture and teaming agreements, Change orders, amendments, and contract modifications
• Advise on contract terms related to schedule, scope, payment, liens, retainage, indemnity, liquidated damages, insurance, bonding, warranties, waivers of consequential damages, and limitations of liability.
• Identify and assess contractual, financial, and operational risks associated with projects. Support dispute avoidance strategies and assist with contractual claims, disputes, mediation, arbitration, and litigation management (in coordination with outside counsel).
• Provide legal guidance during pre-construction, bidding, execution, and close-out phases. Support estimating and operations teams with contract negotiation, interpretation, and compliance. Advise on subcontractor default, termination, suspension, and project recovery issues.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including public procurement requirements, licensing, and contracting regulations. Support compliance with labor, safety, and wage laws (e.g., prevailing wage, certified payroll, subcontractor compliance). Assist with internal audits and responses to owner or regulatory inquiries.
• Develop and maintain standard contract templates, risk matrices, and negotiation playbooks. Improve contract management processes and support use of CLM or project management platforms. Train project managers, estimators, and executives on contract risk, best practices, and negotiation strategies.
• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to senior leadership, project executives, and operational teams. Collaborate closely with finance, HR/Risk Management, compliance, safety, and procurement departments.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 5–10+ years of experience in construction law, commercial contracting, or related legal practice (law firm and/or in-house).
• Strong familiarity with construction contract structures, risk allocation, and industry standards.
• Strong communication skills.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior in-house experience with a general contractor, construction manager, or large specialty contractor.
• Experience with public works projects and government contracts.
• Familiarity with industry-standard forms (e.g., AIA, ConsensusDocs).
• Familiarity with various types of project delivery systems and construction contracting methodologies.
• Experience in the preparation and presentation of construction claims, schedule impacts, and cost recovery issues.