Melville - Corporate Counsel - Risk Management

H2M Careers • Melville, NY

1d • $180,000 - $230,000 • Onsite

About The Position

H2M architects + engineers, a multi‑disciplined professional consulting and design firm, is seeking an experienced and strategic Corporate Counsel to serve as the organization’s primary legal advisor. The Corporate Counsel will play a critical role in guiding the firm through complex legal matters, overseeing risk management, supporting business operations, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
As the senior legal executive within the company, the Corporate Counsel will be responsible for developing and leading H2M’s legal strategy, managing legal risks, negotiating and reviewing contracts, advising leadership on key business and operational decisions, and ensuring best‑practice governance across the organization.

Requirements

• J.D. Degree, a minimum of 10 years of business operations, contract and risk management experience and be admitted to and in good standing with any US bar association.
• Strong background in contract law, corporate governance, and state design firm requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clarify complex information effectively.
• Credible presence and ability to be influential with all business partners.
• Strong background and skills in reviewing, drafting and negotiating contracts.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align legal strategies with organizational goals.
• Strategic thinking, judgement, decision-making and be solution oriented
• Executive presence and collaboration across all business units
• Ability to simplify complex legal issues for a non-legal audience.

Nice To Haves

• Combination of in-house and law firm experience desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance to H2M Leadership and Board of Directors on a wide range of issues, including corporate governance, legal entity and business registration requirements, contracts, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management.
• Ensure and manage compliance with local, state, and federal laws, including licensing, labor, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and supervise implementation of the firm’s risk management strategies and programs.
• Develop and maintain corporate policies and procedures to minimize legal risks.
• Manage relationships with external counsel.
• Develop and maintain business continuity planning and reporting.
• Data Privacy compliance and data breach response policies.
• Protection of proprietary processes, models, and digital assets.
• Records retention and information governance.
• Oversee the overall contractual program company-wide.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, including client agreements, vendor contracts, and partnership agreements.
• Provide support on complex construction, design, and professional service agreements.
• Identify and mitigate potential legal risks associated with the firm’s operations and projects.
• Manage litigation and arbitration, including engaging and overseeing outside counsel when necessary.
• Lead resolution of disputes and claims related to projects, contracts, and employment matters.
• Ensure that our professional and general liability insurance as well as employment practices, workers comp and cyber insurance programs meet the needs of our firm.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, ensuring proper legal structuring and due diligence.
• Provide legal insights and solutions to support the firm’s growth and innovative initiatives.
• Coaches and leads the firm’s most critical contract negotiation and dispute resolution matters.
• Lead and manage a team of in-house risk management professionals, including compliance, insurance, contracts and other risk management specialists.
• Conduct training sessions for staff on legal and regulatory compliance topics, including contract management and ethical practices through onboarding programs.
• Oversee the overall contractual program company-wide, including providing internal training and consulting on best practices.
• Regularly advise the board of directors and executive team on legal matters and implications of business decisions and present solutions to assist the business in expansion, approach to structuring legal entities as well as any other corporate legal matter.
• Keep abreast of legal developments and industry trends to ensure the company remains compliant and informed.
• Engage and participate in industry organizations (such as ACEC, AIA) in continuation of gaining insight, experience and perspective in both the legal and business aspects of the AEC industry to ensure best practices are in place.
• Other similar responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• H2M continuously strives to provide our employees and their families a comprehensive benefit experience surrounding their physical and financial well-being.
• We offer healthcare and wellness benefits, 401(k) retirement savings with up to 6% employer matching contributions with 100% vesting schedule, annual and spot bonus performance programs, flexibility and paid time off.
• We also offer tuition assistance for continuing education & professional licensure, student loan debt repayment program, technology allowance and excellent professional development programs that are custom designed for employees at all levels.
• H2M continually supports their employees through different Employee Resource Groups, such as Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability, Women’s Initiative and Young Professionals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees