Contracts Attorney

DOC•Milford, MA

2d•$140,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Contracts Attorney is a hybrid position (office and remote), based in Milford, Massachusetts. This role provides legal support and advice to company management and project teams for construction projects in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The Contracts Attorney leads contract risk assessment, takes a first-position role on contract drafting and negotiation, and provides legal support for contract administration, project process, and dispute resolution. This position may require travel to regional offices and project locations on the East Coast.

Requirements

Law degree, with admission and good standing in the bar of at least one jurisdiction where the company does business
Minimum of 5 years of experience in construction contract administration, negotiation, and interpretation
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to produce professional contract documents and experience with most construction contract forms
Understanding and familiarity with project delivery approaches — general contractor, construction manager at-risk, and construction manager as advisor — as well as projects where the contract sum is based on cost of the work
Demonstrated proficiency with contract forms such as AIA, EJCDC, ConsensusDocs, and other private forms commonly used in building construction, including CM and CM at Risk delivery, as both prime contractor and subcontractor
Familiarity with state procurement generally; knowledge of state statutory and regulatory procurement requirements is especially beneficial
Familiarity and understanding of prompt pay statutes, mechanics lien statutes, and statutory requirements governing lien waivers, retainage, and other provisions applicable to public and private construction projects in CT, FL, MA, and RI
Familiarity and understanding of contract issues in construction delivery, including indemnity, warranty, guaranty, performance guarantees, and liquidated damages
Familiarity and understanding of insurance considerations for construction projects, with willingness and ability to coordinate with the company's insurers and brokers
Experience resolving construction disputes in court and arbitration proceedings
Team-oriented approach with demonstrated honesty and integrity
Ability to shift easily between projects and priorities and manage multiple deadlines
Ability to prioritize tasks with attention to both accuracy and urgency
Financial and business acumen, with basic knowledge of how to structure and close a business deal

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or construction management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in construction, facilities management, or construction law preferred
experience in the building market, particularly with general contractors, preferred

Responsibilities

Draft and negotiate contracts with public and private owners for general contractor services and construction management at-risk services for commercial and infrastructure projects, whether the contract sum is based on stipulated sum or cost of the work, with or without a guaranteed maximum price
Draft and negotiate subcontract agreements with trade partners, consultants, service providers, and suppliers
Assess and manage contract risk by developing a suitable risk profile for each project and negotiating acceptable, tailored contract terms
Draft and negotiate consents to assignment of contracts with lenders providing project financing to owners
Train and advise project teams on managing owner and subcontractor contract requirements, including pay applications, lien waivers, submittits, RFIs, and change orders
Support contract administration by working with project teams on issues that arise during execution
Support project team performance to ensure compliance with contract requirements
Oversee dispute resolution for contract disputes, claims, and significant change orders
Coordinate with outside counsel and insurers on project contracts and disputes as appropriate, necessary, and as requested by company management
Support other business sectors on an as-needed basis, as requested by company management