General Counsel
About Us
Our client is a respected commercial contractor known for delivering complex projects and fostering a collaborative, safety‑first culture. Legal strategy is tightly integrated with operations, enabling smart risk management and strong project execution across public and private markets.
The Opportunity
Our client is seeking a General Counsel based in Chicago, IL (hybrid, 3-4 days in office). As the chief in‑house legal advisor, you will lead contracting and claims strategy, oversee litigation with targeted use of outside counsel, drive compliance and governance, and proactively counsel executives and project teams on emerging risks.
Key Responsibilities
* Draft/negotiates complex owner, JV, subcontract, PO, lease, NDA, and change‑order agreements.
* Advise operations on performance issues, defaults/delays, bond/lien and owner claims; coach contract compliance.
* Lead dispute strategy; oversee litigation/mediation/arbitration; manage outside counsel with clear scopes/budgets.
* Build practical policies, procedures, and training; ensure companywide compliance (including M/W/DBE).
* Monitor regulatory changes and industry trends; brief executives; manage investigations and agency matters.
* Partner with HR on employment issues (complaints/investigations, EEO/AA, wage/hour, ethics).
Qualifications
* JD (or LL.B.); licensed in Illinois; 8+ years' experience with heavy contract negotiation; construction/commercial focus preferred.
* Proven governance and employment counseling experience; public owner/municipal exposure a plus.
* Strong negotiation, communication, and business judgment; high integrity and discretion.
* Collaborative leader able to influence from field to executive level and manage multiple matters and outside counsel effectively.
FAQs
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