Assistant General Counsel

Kleinfelder•Cary, NC

12d

About The Position

Kleinfelder's Corporate Services team is seeking an Assistant General Counsel (Claims & Litigation) to serve as the Company's lead attorney responsible for the management of all claims, litigation, arbitration, mediation, and dispute resolution matters. This position partners closely with executive leadership, operations, insurance and risk management professionals, and outside counsel to proactively manage legal risk, minimize financial exposure, and achieve favorable outcomes in disputes involving the Company. The Assistant General Counsel will develop claims and litigation management strategies, oversee outside counsel, and manage all professional liability, E&O, commercial, employment, and general liability matters. In addition to primary responsibility for claims and litigation management, the Assistant General Counsel will provide legal support for commercial contracting activities, including the review, drafting, and negotiation of client agreements, subconsultant agreements, teaming agreements, and other commercial contracts.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from ABA accredited law school and active membership in any state bar.
Minimum of 15 years of experience in construction law or a related field with significant responsibility for managing complex litigation and claims.
Demonstrated experience managing outside counsel and significant litigation budgets.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively and express ideas and information in a clear and concise manner.
Exceptional negotiation and analytical skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; delivers quality work product.
Ability to manage complex legal issues and provide clear, actionable advice.
Strong multitasking and time management skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to handle multiple projects, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision while exercising discretion and independent judgment.
Effectively leverages negotiating strategies and tactics to reach mutually agreeable “win-win” solutions.
Proven leadership qualities with the ability to drive collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and diplomatic skills; must be a team player.

Nice To Haves

Experience within the engineering, architecture, environmental consulting, or construction industries is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Manage all phases of litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution proceedings, including pre-litigation risk assessment, development of case strategy, and oversight and management of outside counsel.
Conduct early case assessments and establish reserves in coordination with Finance and Operations.
Prepare periodic claims and litigation reports for executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
Manage discovery, litigation holds, and document preservation and production efforts.
Develop and maintain standardized litigation management procedures and reporting protocols.
Ensure timely reporting of all claims to insurers.
Collaborate with the General Counsel regarding insurance renewals, broker relationships, and insurer communications.
Participate in claims reviews with insurers and brokers and assist in developing strategies for significant or high-exposure matters.
Collaborate with project teams and business leaders to assess legal risk and to develop practical, business minded solutions and mitigation strategies.
Advise project teams regarding claims handling, contractual rights and remedies, change disputes, payment issues, and project risk.
Work closely with the Company’s Risk Mitigation Director and Insurance Manager to ensure comprehensive and effective risk mitigation and insurance programs.
Collaborate with Human Resources regarding employment-related disputes and claims.
Collaborate with and provide legal support to corporate services groups (e.g., safety, finance, IT, and HR).
Assist with corporate governance matters, including drafting of bylaws, board resolutions and consents.
Support and assist with all areas of the Company's compliance programs, including privacy, data security, and political contributions.
Assist with due diligence and provide legal support in connection with mergers and acquisitions.
Manage responses to subpoenas, government investigations, and regulatory inquiries.
Review, draft, negotiate, and advise on a broad range of commercial agreements, including professional services agreements, master services agreements, subconsultant agreements, teaming agreements, joint venture agreements, confidentiality agreements, and vendor contracts.
Develop and deliver training programs related to risk management and claims prevention.
Support the General Counsel as needed and perform such additional tasks as assigned.