Paralegal - Landscape Construction Industry

Marina Landscape, Inc.•Orange, CA

7d•$95,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

This exempt job classification is responsible for supporting Landscape Construction, bridges, public works law, contract administration, and project compliance. They are responsible for reviewing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), managing government bid protests, ensuring adherence to public bidding statutes, and supporting Senior management manage litigation, project disputes, bond claim submissions and lien enforcement.

Requirements

A college degree and a minimum of Five (5) years of experience in construction management, engineering, or corporate or construction legal support.
Excellent written communication skills are required, must possess strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrate good judgment about prioritizing the completion of multiple responsibilities, familiarity with legal concepts relevant to the construction industry, legal processes, systems and rules.
An ABA-approved paralegal certificate or a Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, public administration, or a related field.
5+ years of progressive paralegal experience, ideally split between general municipal law and the heavy construction industry.
Strong understanding of government contracting, public records laws (e.g., FOIA or state-level equivalents), and lien laws.
Meticulous attention to detail, exceptional contract drafting skills, and proficiency with e-discovery platforms and contract management systems.
Deep understanding of statutory bidding laws, municipal codes, and government RFP/RFQ processes.
Mastery of mechanized lien laws, stop notices, performance/payment bonds, and prompt payment statutes.
Proficient in monitoring prevailing wage laws, Davis-Bacon Act requirements, and reviewing certified payrolls.
Familiarity with public land use, zoning laws, and environmental regulations (e.g., CEQA, NEPA).
Ability to rigorously review, redline, and track compliance metrics across complex public works agreements.
Expert in organizing massive project files, processing public records requests, and managing discovery.
Highly skilled in navigating Westlaw, LexisNexis, or administrative databases to investigate municipal codes and case law.
Proactive in spotting contract ambiguities, project delays, or compliance gaps before they escalate into disputes.
Ability to communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, civil engineers, and contractors.
Precise in managing rigid public sector deadlines, statutory notices, and complex bid documentation.
Maintains focus on outcomes; is proactive and goal oriented; concentrates on meeting objectives, delivering to the required time, holds performance as more important than process. Set specific, measurable, and relevant goals and takes efficient action to accomplish success.
Demonstrates basic knowledge of various phases of diverse construction jobs that may include landscape, installation, hardscape, irrigation, pavers, and low-voltage lighting; uses equipment effectively.
Demonstrates highly efficient time management skills; adept at multi-tasking to accomplish goals; compiles information for reports; apply support systems to ensure efficiency.
Understands the relationship between job quality and customer service, satisfaction, and retention is committed to improving job quality at all times.
Maintains an accurate schedule of events; prioritizes activities correctly to ensure deliverables are produced on time; electronic and hard copy files are systematically arranged and easily retrievable.
Consistently exceeds customer expectations; keeps customers well-informed, listens to them attentively, and addresses their concerns; enacts a personal approach to customer service.
Treats others with respect, collaboration, and support in such a way that work relationships are improved and morale is increased; is approachable; has effective communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Ability to read and interpret schedules, contract drawings, and specifications is preferred.
Construction scheduling and claims experience is a plus.
Bilingual English and Spanish skills are preferred.
Professional Paralegal Certifications (CP, ACP, RP)
Public Sector & Procurement Certifications (CPPB, CPPO)
Construction & Compliance Certifications (CRIS, CPWP)

Responsibilities

Draft and review construction agreements, requests for bids, and consultant contracts.
Ensure all project documents comply with local public procurement codes and statutory bidding requirements.
Verify that contractors adhere to prevailing wage laws, local hiring ordinances, and labor standards.
Manage and process certified payroll records.
Assist legal counsel in evaluating and responding to contractor claims, change orders, and requests for equitable adjustment.
Track deadlines for notices of completion and stop notices.
Lead and/or participate in project strategy meetings that relate to contract issues.
Review and assist project teams and Purchasing in the negotiation of subcontracts and purchase orders.
Support senior management in bid protests, mediation, and litigation.
Manage document discovery, maintain case chronologies, and organize trial binders.
Conduct legal and administrative research regarding land use, environmental regulations (like the California Environmental Quality Act), and zoning laws.