Construction Counsel: Contracts, Risk & Disputes Lead

The Berg Group; Chaska (MN); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Medical

Dental

Vision

PTO

Job summary

The Berg Group seeks a Construction Counsel to serve as a key legal partner to project teams and leadership, advising on contracts, risk management, and dispute resolution across project lifecycles. The role collaborates with operations and external counsel to handle complex matters.

You will draft and negotiate subcontracts and client contracts, assess risks at project setup, and help improve contract templates and internal controls while guiding day-to-day contractual obligations.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school preferred.
• Active bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction preferred.
• 3-5 years of legal experience, preferably in construction.
• Experience drafting and negotiating contracts; exposure to construction claims or disputes is a plus.
• Familiarity with insurance, surety, and risk management concepts preferred.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with operations and business teams.
• Experience managing outside counsel and legal budgets preferred.
• Must be able to travel on an as needed basis.
• Practical, solutions-oriented legal judgment.
• Strong drafting and issue-spotting skills.
• Ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.
• Effective communication with both legal and non-legal stakeholders.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and responsive.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts including subcontracts, supplier agreements, NDAs, and client contracts.
• Identify and evaluate legal and contractual risks during project setup; provide mitigation guidance.
• Support development and improvement of standard contract templates and internal controls.
• Partner with project teams to manage contract administration throughout the project lifecycle, including change orders, claims preparation, and dispute support.
• Assist with dispute resolution strategies, including coordination with outside counsel on litigation, arbitration, and other proceedings.
• Provide ongoing, business-oriented legal guidance to operations and leadership on contractual obligations, risk exposure, and day-to-day project issues.
• Coordinate with project team and client to obtain final payment and open change orders 30 days before job completion and obtain final payment within 60 days of job completion.
• Coordinate with internal teams, brokers, and insurers on claims, coverage issues, and surety-related matters to protect company interests.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies across all projects.
• Support management of outside counsel, including matter tracking, document coordination, and oversight of assigned legal matters.
• Assist in training project teams and operational staff on contract fundamentals, risk awareness, and industry best practices.

Skills

Drafting

Negotiation

Risk management

Cross-functional work

Communication

Budget management

Travel flexibility

Legal judgment

Attention to detail

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

The Berg Group seeks a Construction Counsel to serve as a key legal partner to project teams and leadership, advising on contracts, risk management, and dispute resolution across project lifecycles. The role collaborates with operations and external counsel to handle complex matters.

You will draft and negotiate subcontracts and client contracts, assess risks at project setup, and help improve contract templates and internal controls while guiding day-to-day contractual obligations.