Corporate Counsel

S&ME; Raleigh; Hybrid; CAD 170,000 - 255,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Maternity & Parental Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Referral Bonuses

Job summary

S&ME is seeking an experienced Corporate Counsel to support daily legal needs across contracts, regulatory compliance, licensing, and general corporate matters. This on-site/hybrid role works with leaders, project managers, and operations to mitigate risk while enabling business objectives.

The ideal candidate holds a JD from an ABA-accredited school, an active NC license (or ability to obtain), and 3–5 years drafting and negotiating commercial agreements in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school and NC bar in good standing or ability to obtain admission.
• 3–5 years drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Strong written and verbal communication with high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements including client, professional services, consultant, vendor, NDAs, and project contracts.
• Advise on risk allocation, indemnification, insurance requirements, liability limitations, and dispute terms.
• Manage contract disputes, defaults, and enforcement issues; develop templates and playbooks for efficiency.
• Advise on corporate governance and compliance; monitor regulatory requirements across operations.
• Conduct legal research and stay updated on relevant legislation and case law; collaborate with external counsel as needed.
• Develop internal policies to manage company risk and provide training on legal issues.

Skills

Contract drafting

Contract negotiation

Risk management

Regulatory compliance

Legal research

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from ABA-accredited law school

Active North Carolina law license in good standing

3–5 years of experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements/contracts

Job description

Corporate Counsel
Location: Raleigh, NC (On-Site)
Reports To: Chief Counsel
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt
Requisition #: 2026-2930-01
S&ME is a growing 100% employee-owned, civil engineering and consulting firm seeking an experienced attorney to join our legal team as Corporate Counsel. In this role, you will work closely with executive leadership, project managers, and operational teams to support the daily legal needs of the business across numerous functions including contracts, regulatory compliance, professional and state licensing, and general corporate matters such as human resources, procurement, and risk management.
This is a great opportunity for an attorney who enjoys solving problems, managing risk, negotiating contracts, and influencing business decisions in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. The role will offer a hybrid schedule with the flexibility to work from home a few days a week.
Corporate Counsel Key Responsibilities:
Contracts & Risk Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, including client contracts, professional services agreements, consultant agreements, vendor contracts, NDAs, and project-related contracts.
• Advise internal stakeholders on risk allocation, indemnification, insurance requirements, limitation of liability provisions, and dispute resolution terms.
• Manage contract disputes, defaults, and enforcement issues.
• Develop contract templates, playbooks, and best practices to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Advise on corporate governance and compliance matters and monitor and ensure regulatory compliance across all business operations
• Conduct legal research and stay updated on legislation and case laws relevant to the business.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel when necessary
• Develop and implement internal policies and procedures to manage company risk
• Provide training and workshops on legal issues for staff.

Strategic Legal Counsel

• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders across the organization.
• Translate complex legal issues into practical, business-focused advice.
• Support legal compliance, risk management, policy development, and employee training initiatives.
• Assist with compliance programs, internal investigations, and regulatory matters.

Qualifications:
Required

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active North Carolina law license in good standing (or ability to obtain admission in North Carolina).
• 3 to 5 years of legal experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements/contracts
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and communicate legal concepts and recommendations.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn and develop professionally.

Preferred

• Experience with engineering, construction, infrastructure, professional services, or consulting industries.
• Familiarity with mediation, litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Experience with contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems or legal technology tools.

Why Join Us?

• Sophisticated legal work without the billable hour.
• Direct access to executive leadership and key business decision-makers.
• Broad exposure to contracts, risk management, claims, and strategic business initiatives.
• Opportunity to help shape major infrastructure and development projects.
• A collaborative culture where legal is viewed as a trusted business partner.
• Long-term growth potential within a successful and expanding organization.

At S&ME, we're committed to your growth, professionally and personally. With over 50 years of experience delivering innovative solutions in geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction materials engineering, we've built a strong foundation for long-term careers. Our team of approximately 1,100 employee-owners across 10 states collaborates to create a meaningful impact for our clients and communities. When you join S&ME, you become part of a collaborative, honest, and people-focused culture that invests in your success. We offer exciting project opportunities, ongoing training, and a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family. This is more than a job; it’s a place to grow, thrive, and build a future.
Benefits & perks you can look forward to:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options
• Wellness Program - $50 off per month on your 2027 premiums!
• Pet Insurance
• Term Life & Long-Term Care Coverage - available Spring 2026
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a minimum 5% company contribution
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) - with rollover options
• Paid Maternity & Parental Leave
• Mentorship & Career Development Programs
• Credential Incentive Program - get rewarded for advancing your skills
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Recognition Program
• Company Vehicle & Fuel Card - for project-based roles
• $2,000 Employee Referral Bonuses - and more!

This is a full-time position with competitive pay based on experience. The successful candidate must meet the requirements of the company's Fleet Management Program, Substance Policy, and Reference Check Program. Only qualified candidates with acceptable employment eligibility verification (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not provided.