Corporate Counsel

Baker Construction•Monroe, OH

About The Position

The Corporate Counsel assists with reviewing and guiding the development of construction and other contracts, including leases, purchasing and loan agreements, and customer, workers’ compensation, and general liability claims. The role analyzes complex legal issues, provides strategic advice, and works collaboratively with executive and business unit leadership. It also participates in labor negotiations and advises Human Resources on legal matters. The Corporate Counsel upholds ethical standards and professional conduct while representing the Company’s interests with integrity and diligence. The position provides legal support for construction and government contracting matters, including contract negotiations, project disputes, litigation, regulatory compliance, audits, investigations, and bid protests. It coordinates with internal leaders and external counsel, advises on legal risks, and supervises, trains, evaluates, and develops direct reports. Baker describes itself as the nation’s leading specialty concrete contractor and emphasizes employee development, professional growth, initiative, and strong benefits.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate and active license to practice law.
At least 8 years of experience; construction-field experience is preferred.
Strong knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), federal procurement regulations, construction law, and government contracting processes.
Critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Basic understanding of construction software such as Vista.
High level of confidentiality.
Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and draft legal and business documents, technical procedures, and government regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures.
Ability to identify, understand, and mitigate Company risk in contract language, particularly indemnity, safety, warranty, schedule delays, litigation-related expenses, and arbitration.
Ability to communicate effectively with company managers and executives and present information to groups, clients, customers, and the general public.
Ability to calculate mathematical figures, including percentages and ratios, and perform basic arithmetic.
Ability to build a department budget and understand, customize, and modify spreadsheets.
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with internal and external clients and collaborate effectively with executive and business unit leadership.
Ability to negotiate fair resolutions with clients, regulatory agencies, and legal representatives.
Ability to understand and evaluate contract terms and scope-of-work documents for acceptability and risk to Baker.
Ability to gather information, draw conclusions, distinguish between situations, and determine an appropriate course of action.
Ability to work through complex business and people issues at all company levels, avert problems, and interpret and implement contracts.
Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks concurrently.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the construction field.

Responsibilities

Review construction contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, and other legal documents related to federal contracting.
Ensure contracts are legally sound and completed in a timely manner.
Review contract documentation, including contracts, change orders, purchase orders, time sheets, RFIs, and submittals/transmittals, for accuracy, relevance, and validity of claims.
Provide legal advice and support on construction matters, including contract negotiations, project disputes, and regulatory compliance.
Assist with litigation and dispute resolution related to construction projects and recommend whether litigation is merited.
Manage legal aspects of government audits, investigations, and disputes.
Collaborate with executives and business unit leaders on legal compliance and risk management related to federal contracting.
Work with and advise the Director of Risk Technologies on matters of legal significance.
Assist in preparing and administering budgets for outside legal counsel; recommend when outside counsel is needed and manage aspects of counsel’s engagement.
Examine documents and opinions from outside counsel and advise the Company on them.
Collaborate with external legal counsel, regulatory agencies, and company leadership to address legal challenges and opportunities.
Provide legal advice and support on government contracting, including bid protests, negotiations, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with project managers, engineers, executives, and other leaders to ensure legal compliance and manage risk.
Assist with labor negotiations and contribute legal advice to the Corporate HR Manager on HR matters.
Interpret and help ensure consistent application of procedures related to local, state, and federal laws.
Stay current on industry trends, regulations, and best practices in construction law; conduct legal research and analysis and recommend actions on legal issues affecting construction projects.
Supervise, train, evaluate, and develop direct reports; address complaints and provide guidance, coaching, and support.
Conduct timely performance appraisals and progress reviews.
Build and manage a department budget, develop and maintain internal and external client relationships, negotiate fair resolutions, and manage multiple projects and tasks concurrently.