In House Counsel

About the role

We are looking for an experienced In House Counsel to support a private civil and general contracting business in Freeport, New York. This role will provide practical legal guidance across construction agreements, procurement activities, commercial matters, and day-to-day operational decisions. The attorney in this position will work closely with leadership and project stakeholders to strengthen contract strategy, reduce exposure, and support sound business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, evaluate, and negotiate a wide variety of agreements tied to construction and business operations, including owner contracts, trade partner agreements, purchase documents, consulting arrangements, confidentiality agreements, and contract revisions.
• Counsel leadership and project teams on contract interpretation, risk allocation, legal obligations, and commercially appropriate terms before and during active projects.
• Provide legal support throughout the full project cycle, including bid review, preconstruction planning, execution, change management, closeout matters, and emerging claim issues.
• Examine key provisions related to payment, indemnity, insurance, dispute procedures, notice requirements, and delegated responsibilities to help protect the company's interests.
• Guide internal teams on delays, change orders, payment disputes, formal notices, and other contract administration issues that may affect cost, schedule, or legal position.
• Help ensure subcontractor and vendor agreements properly reflect upstream obligations and preserve necessary protections for the company.
• Advise on lien waivers, surety bonds, insurance terms, indemnification structures, and other contractual mechanisms designed to manage project and business risk.
• Support corporate and commercial legal matters by reviewing third-party agreements, maintaining important legal records, and coordinating with outside counsel on specialized issues, disputes, or filings.
• Partner with ownership, project management, estimating, procurement, finance, and operations to translate legal concepts into practical recommendations that align with business priorities.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree and active attorney licensure required.
• At least 7 years of legal experience with substantial focus on construction contracts and contract negotiations.
• Demonstrated background drafting, reviewing, and negotiating construction-related and general commercial agreements.
• Strong knowledge of construction law, corporate law, and risk management principles relevant to contractor operations.
• Experience advising on lien waivers, bonds, insurance requirements, indemnification language, and dispute-related contract provisions.
• Ability to work effectively with executives and cross-functional business teams in a fast-paced project environment.
• Strong judgment and communication skills with the ability to present complex legal issues in a clear, business-oriented manner.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance available to contract/temporary professionals.
• Eligibility to enroll in company 401(k) plan for hired contract/temporary professionals.