Associate General Counsel

Building Industry Association of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) seeks an Associate General Counsel to provide legal counsel focused on land use, employment, construction, corporate, and administrative law in Washington. This full-time exempt role reports to the VP—General Counsel and is based in Tumwater with hybrid work options.

Key duties include legal research, drafting briefs, litigation advocacy, and advising members on complex legal topics.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice in Washington (WSBA membership).
• Minimum 3 years of legal experience or equivalent combined experience.
• Experience and interest in litigation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as one of two staff attorneys to the Association.
• Conduct legal research and draft briefs and memoranda.
• Advocate for BIAW through litigation on matters of significance to the building industry.
• Coordinate requests for, draft, and file amicus briefs.
• Write blogs and articles on new case law, legal changes, and matters relevant to members.
• Present on legal topics such as liens, employment law, and contracts to members, staff, and third parties.
• Respond to member inquiries on a variety of legal subjects.
• Support the Government Affairs Department in monitoring state rulemaking, drafting proposals, and comments for agencies such as the State Building Code Council and the Department of Labor & Industries.
• Draft and review bill language; attend meetings during the legislative session.
• Attend BIAW board meetings held three times per year.
• Staff the BIAW Legal Committee: coordinate with co-chairs, arrange CLE presentations, draft agendas, and submit credentials to WSBA.
• Occasionally attend local building association events and NAHB events.

Skills

Legal research

Brief drafting

Litigation experience

Written communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Position Announcement – Associate General Counsel

The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) is the voice of the residential construction industry in Washington, representing nearly 8,000 home builders, remodelers, and their associates.

Overview

We’re looking for an experienced Associate General Counsel to help more people access the benefits of home ownership in Washington. This full‑time exempt position offers the opportunity to work with a highly skilled team at Washington’s largest trade association.

Job Details

Job title: Associate General Counsel

Reports to: VP—General Counsel

Office Location: Tumwater, WA

Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000

Benefits: Health, dental and vision insurance (100% employer paid); employer matching 401(k); paid time off and holidays.

Job Purpose

The Associate General Counsel provides counsel to BIAW, focusing primarily on land use, employment, construction, corporate, and administrative law.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as one of two staff attorneys to the Association.
• Conduct legal research and draft briefs and memoranda.
• Advocate for BIAW through litigation on matters of significance to the building industry.
• Coordinate requests for, draft, and file amicus briefs.
• Write blogs and articles on new case law, legal changes, and matters relevant to members.
• Present on legal topics such as liens, employment law, and contracts to members, staff, and third parties.
• Respond to member inquiries on a variety of legal subjects.
• Support the Government Affairs Department in monitoring state rulemaking, drafting proposals, and comments for agencies such as the State Building Code Council and the Department of Labor & Industries.
• Draft and review bill language; attend meetings during the legislative session.
• Attend BIAW board meetings held three times per year.
• Staff the BIAW Legal Committee: coordinate with co‑chairs, arrange CLE presentations, draft agendas, and submit credentials to WSBA.
• Occasionally attend local building association events and NAHB events.

Key Competencies

• Rapidly develop subject‑matter expertise and provide clear legal advice.
• Process and distill information efficiently for staff and management.
• Work independently and collaboratively with good judgment; maintain confidentiality.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with colleagues and members.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice in Washington (WSBA membership).
• Minimum 3 years of legal experience or equivalent combined experience.
• Experience and interest in litigation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Washington State Legislature or political background.
• Prior practice in land use, employment, construction, corporate, and/or administrative law.

Working Conditions

• Occasional travel and attendance at evening or weekend events.
• Hybrid work arrangement with required in‑office days.
• Opportunities to lift up to 25 pounds and perform frequent wrist, hand, or finger motions.

Direct Reports

None

Application Information

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and any supporting documents.

Equal Opportunity Statement – BIAW complies with all federal, state, and local employment laws and is an equal opportunity employer.