Associate General Counsel

The Weitz Company; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The Weitz Company is seeking an Associate General Counsel to join our Legal team in Des Moines. You will protect the company’s legal interests, provide practical advice, and manage risk through contract review, negotiations, and collaboration with business units.

You will also oversee group claims and litigation to ensure legal compliance. Weitz emphasizes a diverse, inclusive culture and offers a full-service construction environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience practicing law with a corporation or outside firm.
• Some trial experience is highly preferred.
• Experience in engineering, construction, or general corporate is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of construction law is beneficial.
• Bachelor’s and Juris Doctorate degree required; must pass state Bar and be in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support on company-wide inquiries including contract terms, liens, claims, disputes, and other legal or project issues.
• Negotiate and prepare prime agreements, subcontracts, and other documents.
• Propose acceptable solutions to project risks via contract terms.
• Manage and resolve potential claims or claims via litigation, arbitration, and other dispute resolution proceedings.
• Identify and manage company risks.
• Select, hire, and manage outside counsel and consultants for claims and litigation, settlement recommendations, and input on selected matters.
• Educate business units on applicable laws, regulations, and rules to ensure compliant practices.
• Partner with risk management and insurance teams regarding related litigation, reserves, reports, and processes.

Skills

Confidentiality

Relationship-building

Negotiation

Critical thinking

Communication

Risk analysis

Initiative

AI-savvy

Client service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Job Description

The Weitz Company is hiring an Associate General Counsel to join our Legal team! The Associate General Counsel is responsible for protecting the company’s legal interest by providing practical legal advice and counsel in partnership with the General Counsel. This role identifies, manages, and minimizes areas of risk through contract review and negotiations, and partnering with various business units on ongoing matters. In addition, the Associate Counsel will oversee group claims and litigation to assure legal compliance.

Job Description

The Weitz Company is hiring an Associate General Counsel to join our Legal team! The Associate General Counsel is responsible for protecting the company’s legal interest by providing practical legal advice and counsel in partnership with the General Counsel. This role identifies, manages, and minimizes areas of risk through contract review and negotiations, and partnering with various business units on ongoing matters. In addition, the Associate Counsel will oversee group claims and litigation to assure legal compliance. The Weitz Company has been Building a Better Way since 1855. We are a full-service construction company, general contractor, design-builder, and construction manager with office locations throughout the United States. We believe our employees to be our most valuable asset, and we are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive culture that inspires, motivates, and continuously improves.

What You’ll Do

• Provide legal support on company-wide inquiries including contract terms, liens, claims, disputes, and other legal or project issues
• Negotiate and prepare prime agreements, subcontracts, and other documents
• Propose acceptable solutions to project risks via contract terms
• Manage and resolve potential claims or claims via litigation, arbitration, and other dispute resolution proceedings
• Identify and manage company risks
• Select, hire, and manage outside counsel and consultants for claims and litigation, settlement recommendations, and input on selected matters
• Educate business units on appropriate laws, regulations and rules to ensure business practices are within guidelines
• Partner with risk management and insurance team regarding related litigation, claim reserves, reports, and processes/procedures
• Perform due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, international dealings, or other transactions
• Evaluate and approve contract modifications or requested exceptions
• Ensure claims are timely and fairly resolved in a favorable manner
• Stay abreast of upcoming and current municipal, state, or federal laws and regulations that may impact business operations or other areas of the company
• Assist with the development and buildout of technology used for the contract review process ensuring a best-in-class approach

What We’re Looking For

• Experience:
  • 8+ years of experience practicing law with a corporation or outside firm
  • Some trial experience is highly preferred
  • Experience in engineering, construction, or general corporate strongly preferred
  • Knowledge of construction law is beneficial
  • Bachelor’s and Juris Doctorate degree is required, in addition to passing a state Bar Exam and in good standing to practice law with one or more of the states’ Supreme Court
• Skills:
  • High level of confidentiality and discretion
  • Ability to build relationships across the organization, with clients, and the community
  • Strong business acumen and negotiation skills
  • Flexible and able to adapt to meet business needs
  • Ability to solve problems and think critically
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Risk analysis and sound decision making skills
  • High level of initiative and tact
  • Comfortable working with artificial intelligence (AI) to create efficiency and consistency, but maintaining a human component to ensure accuracy and excellent customer service
• Technology:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
  • Ability to learn additional specific job-related software upon hire
• Additional Requirements:
  • Must be comfortable working across our various business units which include commercial, mission critical (data center), industrial, federal, and aviation construction
  • Must be able to work onsite in our Des Moines, IA office 5 days per week
  • Ability to travel to project sites and offices across the country as needed

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay
• Rewarding Bonus Program
• Comprehensive Benefits Package with Tax-Advantaged HSA and FSA offerings
• Employer-Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability Programs
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off Provisions
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Fully Paid Parental Leave
• Voluntary Products Including: Critical Illness Insurance and Accident Insurance
• Corporate Wellness Program with Wellness Time Off and Rewards

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.

The Company does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of the Company without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of the Company. Please, no phone calls or emails.

The Weitz Company, LLC (and its U.S.-based subsidiaries and affiliates) recognizes the value of and is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and follow applicable affirmative action guidelines and policies. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment (including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected categories in accordance with applicable state and federal laws). The Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and background checks are required if applicable. Click here to review our Privacy Notice.