Associate General Counsel, Design and Construction

Related Companies; New York (NY); On-site; USD 250,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Related Companies is seeking an Associate General Counsel to support all design and construction‑related legal matters across its portfolio. This role will partner closely with construction, project management, and procurement teams on large‑scale projects.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience in construction law, contract negotiation, and risk management within complex construction environments. The anticipated base salary range for this position is $250,000 - $275,000+.

Qualifications

• Qualified candidate must hold a J.D. and be admitted to at least one U.S. state bar (New York preferred).
• Approximately 7–10 years of legal experience focused on construction law.
• Experience at top law firm or in-house with a large contractor.
• Strong drafting and negotiation experience on construction and design contracts.
• Ability to assess risk, allocate insurance and indemnification terms.
• Excellent judgment and communication skills; ability to operate in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary legal advisor on construction matters across active projects.
• Draft, review, negotiate construction agreements and related documents.
• Advise on risk allocation, insurance, bonding, indemnification, and other key terms.
• Support project teams on contract administration, including change orders, delay claims, disputes, and enforcement of contractual rights.
• Provide guidance on construction disputes, including strategy, claims management, and coordination with external counsel.
• Identify and mitigate legal and commercial risks throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain standard construction contract templates and playbooks.
• Provide practical, business‑oriented advice to support efficient project execution.

Skills

Drafting construction agreements

Negotiation

Risk management

Communication skills

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Bar admission (New York preferred)

7–10 years of construction-law experience

Job description

Responsibilities

Related Companies is seeking an Associate General Counsel to support all design and construction‑related legal matters across its portfolio. This role will partner closely with construction, project management, and procurement teams on large‑scale projects. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in construction law, contract negotiation, and risk management within complex construction environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary legal advisor on construction matters across active projects
• Draft, review, and negotiate construction agreements, including general contractor agreements, subcontracts, consultant agreements, and related project documents
• Advise on risk allocation, insurance, bonding, indemnification, and other key commercial terms
• Support project teams on contract administration, including change orders, delay claims, disputes, and enforcement of contractual rights
• Provide guidance on construction disputes, including strategy, claims management, and coordination with external counsel
• Identify and mitigate legal and commercial risks throughout the construction lifecycle
• Develop and maintain standard construction contract templates and playbooks
• Provide practical, business‑oriented advice to support efficient project execution

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $250,000 - $275,000+. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will be eligible to receive discretionary bonus incentives and a comprehensive benefits package. Actual base salary within the anticipated range will be determined by several components including but not limited to the individual's experience, skills, qualifications, and market factors.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to at least one U.S. state bar (New York preferred)
• Approximately 7–10 years of legal experience focused on construction law
• Experience at a top law firm and/or in‑house with a large general contractor or construction firm
• Deep experience drafting and negotiating construction and design agreements
• Strong understanding of construction contracting structures, risk allocation, and claims management
• Excellent judgment, communication skills, and ability to operate in a fast‑paced environment

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting large‑scale construction projects
• Familiarity with New York construction law, including lien law
• Exposure to both transactional construction work and dispute resolution

Overview

Formed in 1972, Related is the most prominent privately‑owned real estate firm in the United States. Headquartered in New York City, the company has offices and major developments across the world. Related owns and manages a premier portfolio of assets valued at over $70 billion, including the 28‑acre Hudson Yards neighborhood on Manhattan’s West Side. Related believes in investing in its talent and cultivates a positive, team‑oriented environment where every voice is valued. Employees are encouraged to boldly take on new challenges, transcend the status quo, and demonstrate strong entrepreneurial spirit. In its relentless commitment to excellence, Related works to foster an innovative approach in its team members so that they can positively impact the communities in which they conduct business. Learn more about Related at www.related.com.