Construction & Development Counsel

ffres; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Volunteer time off

Competitive compensation

Health benefits

Job summary

Fairfield Residential seeks an experienced Construction & Development Counsel to provide legal support for construction, design, and development across our multifamily portfolio. Based at our San Diego corporate office, this role serves as a key advisor to business leaders and project teams, navigating contracts, managing risk, and supporting successful project delivery.

The ideal candidate holds a J.D., active state bar membership (California), and ample experience in construction law, with the

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one state bar and California admission.
• Admission to practice law in California is required.

Responsibilities

• Advise construction team on day-to-day management of contracts and risk.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret construction and development agreements.
• Manage development and construction-related agreements, amendments, change orders, and related documents.
• Resolve disputes involving general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals.
• Support project planning, entitlement, design, procurement, construction, and closeout.
• Collaborate with development, design, construction, risk management, and project management teams.

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

Active membership in good standing with at least one state bar.

Admission to practice law in California required.

Job description

About Fairfield

If you're driven and looking for a collaborative workplace that makes a difference, you just might be a fit for Fairfield! We are a leader in the multifamily housing industry and we're passionate about creating exceptional apartment living. As we continue to grow, we're dedicated to investing in our people. Our culture is built on trust, support, and the drive to do great work. Whether you're launching your career or bringing years of experience, you'll find opportunities to make an impact, develop your skills, and be part of something bigger. Come build your future with us!

About the Role

Fairfield Residential is seeking an experienced Construction & Development Counsel to provide legal support for construction, design, and development activities across our multifamily portfolio. This role serves as a key advisor to business leaders and project teams, helping navigate contracts, manage risk, resolve disputes, and support successful project delivery.

This position is based at our corporate office in San Diego, CA, with a hybrid work arrangement that includes regular in-office attendance. To support this schedule, candidates must be located within commuting distance of our Sorrento Valley office.

What You'll Do

Below is a snapshot of what this role is all about. While there is more to it, this is the core focus.

Construction & Development Legal Support

• Act as primary legal advisor to construction team, advising on day-to-day management of business, disputes and associated risks.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret construction, design, and development contracts and related legal agreements.
• Prepare and negotiate general contractor, subcontractor, and design-build agreements using AIA forms and Fairfield form contracts.
• Manage development and construction-related agreements, amendments, change orders, and related legal documents.

Risk Management & Dispute Resolution

• Manage and resolve disputes involving general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, material suppliers, and other construction and development-related parties.
• Review construction claims, lien notices, stop payment notices, demands, and other construction and development matters requiring legal interpretation or response.
• Support mitigation strategies that reduce construction defect, contractual, and design-related risk exposure.
• Evaluate dispute risks and advise business leaders on practical resolution strategies.

Project & Development Support

• Support construction accounting processes, including review of draw requests, pay applications, lien waivers, and bonding requirements.
• Review and advise on construction insurance programs, including builder's risk policies, OCIP/CCIP wrap-up programs, and contractor insurance requirements.
• Provide legal guidance throughout project planning, entitlement, design, procurement, construction, and closeout phases.
• Partner with development, design, construction, risk management, and project management teams.

Business Partnership & Compliance

• Deliver practical, business-oriented legal advice that balances legal risk with project objectives.
• Advise stakeholders regarding applicable laws, regulations, licensing requirements, and industry standards.
• Support compliance initiatives related to construction, development, contracting, and insurance requirements.
• Build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Why You'll Love Fairfield

• Driven by Vision : We are a vertically integrated operator and investment manager in the multifamily sector with in-house development, construction, acquisition, and property and asset management services. As we continue to grow, we want you to grow with us.
• Career Growth & Learning : Fairfield values new ideas at every level. We offer training, coaching, and mentoring to help associates develop their careers and inspire them to create change for the better.
• Culture of Collaboration : Enjoy a professional, supportive environment where we work together to drive meaningful impact.
• A Company that Cares : We are proud to offer robust benefit packages with a focus on both quality of care and affordability. We offer competitive compensation plans, 401(k) matching, and paid time off, including sick days and volunteer time off (VTO) to support causes that matter to you.

What We’re Looking For

Education & Certifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one state bar.
• Admission to practice law in California required.