In-House Legal Counsel / Senior Corporate Counsel – Construction
About The Position
HV Talent Group is partnering with a well-established and growing commercial general contractor seeking an experienced In-House Legal Counsel to establish and lead its internal legal function. This is an excellent opportunity for a construction attorney looking to transition into—or continue growing within—an in-house legal leadership role while serving as a strategic business partner to executive leadership. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in construction law, commercial contracts, risk management, and dispute resolution, along with the ability to provide practical, business-focused legal guidance in a fast-paced construction environment. As the company's primary legal advisor, you will partner directly with executive leadership, operations, project management, preconstruction, accounting, human resources, and outside counsel to protect the organization's legal and business interests. This role is highly collaborative and operational. The successful candidate will not simply identify legal risks but will also provide practical solutions that support the company's continued growth while balancing commercial objectives.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Active member in good standing with The Florida Bar.
- Experience handling: Construction contracts, Commercial agreements, Construction disputes, Construction litigation or risk management.
- Strong knowledge of construction contracting and risk allocation.
- Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
- Ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work primarily on-site in Doral, FL.
Nice To Haves
- 7–15+ years of relevant legal experience.
- Prior in-house counsel experience with a General Contractor, Construction Manager, Developer, Engineering Firm, Surety, or Real Estate Organization.
- Experience negotiating owner contracts and subcontract agreements.
- Familiarity with: Florida lien law, Payment & performance bonds, Construction defects, Delay claims, Insurance coverage.
- Experience managing outside counsel.
- Spanish language skills are a plus.
- Business-minded attorney who understands that effective legal counsel extends beyond identifying risk.
- Thinks strategically while providing practical business solutions.
- Balances legal protection with operational realities.
- Builds trusted relationships with executive leadership and project teams.
- Effectively negotiates contracts while protecting the company's interests.
- Thrives in a fast-paced construction environment.
- Desire to become a long-term strategic leader within the organization.
- Candidates currently serving as: In-House Counsel, Corporate Counsel, Construction Counsel, Senior Corporate Counsel, Senior Construction Counsel, Associate General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, General Counsel, Construction Law Partner, Senior Associate (Construction Law) seeking an in-house opportunity.
Responsibilities
- Draft, review, negotiate, and revise owner agreements, general contracts, construction management agreements, subcontracts, purchase orders, consulting agreements, NDAs, and other commercial contracts.
- Review AIA agreements and heavily modified construction contracts.
- Negotiate key contractual provisions including: Indemnification, Insurance, Payment terms, Retainage, Liquidated damages, Schedule obligations, Warranties, Default and termination provisions, Dispute resolution, Limitation of liability.
- Develop standardized contract templates, exhibits, and contract playbooks.
- Advise project teams regarding contractual obligations prior to execution.
- Advise leadership regarding: Delay claims, Payment disputes, Change orders, Defective work, Schedule impacts, Subcontractor defaults.
- Draft notices of delay, default, reservation of rights, claims, and legal correspondence.
- Coordinate litigation strategy with outside counsel.
- Assist with mediation, arbitration, settlement negotiations, and dispute resolution strategies.
- Provide guidance regarding: Florida construction law, Mechanic's liens, Payment & performance bonds, Licensing requirements, Insurance provisions, Statutory notices.
- Review insurance language and risk-transfer provisions.
- Support company-wide risk management initiatives.
- Monitor legal and regulatory changes affecting construction operations.
- Provide day-to-day legal guidance to executive leadership.
- Review vendor, technology, equipment, and professional service agreements.
- Support employment-related matters in coordination with HR and outside counsel.
- Manage relationships with outside legal counsel.
- Assist with corporate governance and legal compliance initiatives.
- Build scalable legal processes and internal systems.
- Develop: Contract approval workflows, Risk matrices, Contract playbooks, Claims tracking procedures, Legal documentation standards.
- Help determine which matters should remain in-house versus outside counsel.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
