Legal Director

ACCIONA Construcción • Atlanta, GA

9d

About The Position

ACCIONA is a global company, leading in the development of regenerative infrastructure that creates a positive impact on society. Our workforce consists of more than 65,000 professionals, present in more than 40 countries across the five continents, all contributing in our mission to design a better planet. Are you a passionate individual who wants to make a difference, promote sustainable development, and find solutions to the biggest global challenges including climate change, overpopulation, and water scarcity? Come and join us in building the infrastructure our planet needs to achieve a sustainable future. Acciona offers a competitive salary, relocation assistance where relocation is required and approved, 401(k) retirement plan, medical, dental, vision, life, short and long-term disability benefits, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and more. The Legal Counsel will provide legal advice and leadership across CAI’s business lines in the U.S., with a special focus on claims management, contract administration in execution-phase projects, and ANA Concessions. This role will ensure compliance with laws and regulations, safeguard the company’s interests, and support business development, asset management, and dispute resolution. By delivering expert legal guidance, the Legal Counsel will mitigate risks, optimize resources, and enhance regulatory and contractual compliance, ensuring CAI’s sustainable growth and operational success in the U.S. market. The Legal Director for Acciona’s U.S. operations will oversee legal strategy and services across all infrastructure divisions, including Water, Construction, and Concessions. This executive-level role will report directly to the U.S. CEO with a functional reporting line to the Global General Counsel. The Legal Director will provide legal advice and leadership across CAI’s business lines in the U.S., with a special focus on claims management, contract administration during the execution phase of projects, and ANA Concessions. This role will ensure compliance with laws and regulations, safeguard the company’s interests, and support business development, asset management, and dispute resolution. By delivering expert legal guidance, the Legal Director will mitigate risks, optimize resources, and enhance regulatory and contractual compliance, ensuring CAI’s sustainable growth and operational success in the U.S. market. Additionally, this role will provide the company with critical time to assess the evolving legal needs of the North America Legal Team, ensuring well-informed, strategic hiring decisions for long-term legal support.

Requirements

• Education : Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school in the United States.
• Active member of the Bar in at least one common law U.S. state.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in legal practice, preferably in the infrastructure or concessions sector and both as in-house counsel and in a law firm.
• Proven track record in project finance, M&A, and asset management within a multinational environment.
• Stron background in claims, contract execution, and P3 legal frameworks.
• Skills: - Proven leadership experience managing legal teams and advising senior business leaders.
• Proven experience in the Key Responsibilities cited above.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across cross-functional teams and international environments.
• Leadership skills with experience managing legal teams.
• Languages: Fluent in English

Nice To Haves

• Spanish well valued

Responsibilities

• Strategic Legal Leadership Lead all legal operations across U.S. Infrastructure Divisions (Water, Construction, and Concessions).
• Serve as key legal advisor to the U.S. executive team and business unit leaders.
• Align U.S. legal strategy with global standards and business objectives.
• Business Development & Project Advisory Provide legal support throughout all phases of infrastructure projects under PPP and concession schemes—origination, bidding, acquisition, partnerships, awarding, financing, construction, operation, and divestment.
• Participate in tender processes, including bid document review, drafting and negotiating consortium agreements, confidentiality and services agreements, and advising on entity incorporation and financial structuring.
• General Legal Advice & Risk Management Offer legal guidance to internal departments, crafting strategies aligned with regulations.
• Identify legal risks and provide training to management on key legal and compliance topics.
• Promote adherence to internal policies, governance standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Anticipation Advise on regulatory compliance and engagement with governmental or industry bodies.
• Ensure full contractual and financial compliance during all project phases, including fulfillment of conditions precedent, guarantees, and financial closings.
• Contract Management, Claims & Dispute Resolution Oversee contract negotiation, execution-phase administration, and claims management (time and financial).
• Provide strategic support in dispute resolution, including litigation, arbitration, and mediation.
• Develop and execute legal strategies, select external consultants, and coordinate judicial and administrative proceedings.
• Asset Management & Concessions Oversight Advise on claims, refinancing, and concession contract terminations.
• Support formal legal communication with granting authorities, regulators, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Lead legal strategy for ANA Concessions, ensuring long-term asset performance and compliance.
• M&A and Corporate Transactions Provide legal support during M&A activities including due diligence, preparation and negotiation of SPAs, APAs, and other key agreements.
• Liaise with commercial, tax, and corporate advisors to support investment and divestment strategies.
• Corporate Legal Support Handle corporate governance matters such as entity formation, changes, registrations, and internal approvals.
• Prepare and review key documents (e.g., constitutions, trust deeds, board resolutions).
• External Counsel Management Select, negotiate, and manage external law firms in line with company policies and cost guidelines.
• Define work scope, deliverables, and cost structures for advisory services.
• Team Leadership & Operations Supervise legal team(s), as applicable.
• Ensure thorough documentation and archiving of legal records.
• Contribute to legal knowledge management by maintaining precedent documentation and resources.
• Deliver regular reports and updates to senior management, business unit leaders, and global legal departments.
• Promote efficient use of legal and financial resources.
• Other Responsibilities Take on any additional legal duties as needed in alignment with business goals.

Benefits

• Acciona offers a competitive salary, relocation assistance where relocation is required and approved, 401(k) retirement plan, medical, dental, vision, life, short and long-term disability benefits, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree