General Counsel

SESI Consulting Engineers • Parsippany, NJ

6d • $150,000 - $200,000

About The Position

SESI Consulting Engineers is hiring an In-House Counsel to provide legal guidance and support on a wide range of issues related to the firm's business operations, contracts, risk management, and regulatory compliance . Your expertise will play a vital role in supporting SESI Consulting Engineers’ growth and maintaining our commitment to excellence with your strong negotiation skills, a thorough understanding of legal and contractual language, and the ability to manage relationships with both internal teams and external customers . This role is critical in managing legal risks, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and protecting the firm’s interests in all legal matters

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction .
• Proven experience as an in-house counsel, preferably in the engineering, construction, or architecture industry.
• Strong knowledge of contract law, construction law, and relevant industry regulations.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple legal issues simultaneously and provide timely advice.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a practical, business-oriented approach to legal matters.
• Valid Driver’s License and possess reliable transportation.
• Communications – Exhibits effective listening and comprehension skills . Expresses ideas and thoughts in written form . Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally . Keeps others adequately informed. Selects and uses appropriate communication methods .
• Cooperation - Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance ; meets commitments.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility/accountability for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Job Knowledge - Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives ; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; develops realistic action plans.
• Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values; supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Use of Technology - Demonstrates required skills; adapts to new technologies ; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity; keeps technical skills up to date.

Responsibilities

• Contract Drafting and Negotiation : Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and partners, including construction agreements, project contracts, non-disclosure, privacy, and service-level agreements.
• Legal Compliance : Ensure the firm's compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, as well as industry-specific regulations (e.g., environmental, health and safety, building codes, etc.).
• Risk Management : Identify and mitigate potential legal risks to the firm, providing strategies to reduce exposure and manage liability related to projects, contracts, and business operations.
• Dispute Resolution and Litigation : Work with outside counsel to represent the firm in legal disputes, including claims related to contract breaches, intellectual property, construction defects, or regulatory violations. Manage external counsel when necessary.
• Financial Risk Management: Manages the client lien and lien waiver process. Conducts collection conversations with clients and escalate to attorneys if necessary. Identifies , assesses and implements appropriate document retention policies for the company.
• Employment Law : Advise on employment-related matters, including employee contracts, dispute resolution, workplace safety, and labor regulations, ensuring adherence to labor laws and best practices . Develops and reviews employee related contracts such as non-disclosure, non-compete, and confidentiality agreements
• Insurance and Liability : Oversee the firm’s insurance programs, reviewing policies, claims, and coverage options to ensure adequate protection for the firm and its projects.
• Training and Legal Awareness : Provide training to staff on legal topics relevant to the firm, such as contract law, compliance, and ethical considerations in business practices.
• General Legal Advice : Other day-to-day legal advice on various matters, including business operations, regulatory inquiries, and internal policies to ensure sound decision-making . Manage relationships with outside attorneys, using them when needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees