Corporate Councel

Tri-City Group; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Tri-City Group in Des Moines, IA is seeking a Corporate Counsel to support internal legal needs—focusing on construction contracts, operations, risk, claims, compliance, and employment matters. The role involves drafting and negotiating agreements, advising leadership, and collaborating with HR, Risk, and project teams.

The candidate will work with outside counsel on litigation, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage claims and licensing matters across jurisdictions.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 3 years of legal experience in private practice or in-house.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate customer and project contracts, subcontractor and supplier agreements, leases, and other business agreements.
• Review proposals and contract terms; identify risks and propose solutions.
• Advise leadership on contract interpretation, performance obligations, change orders, notices, and closeout matters.
• Provide guidance on claims, disputes, and construction-related issues; work with outside counsel on litigation.
• Research applicable laws and compliance; collaborate with HR, Risk, and Safety on related matters.
• Draft legal correspondence, statements, and documentation; assist with licensing and permitting as needed.
• Develop contract language and processes to manage recurring legal risks.

Skills

Contract Drafting

Negotiation

Legal Research

Risk Assessment

Clear Communication

Ethics

Collaboration

Prioritization

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Licensed attorney in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

3+ years legal experience

Job description

Tri-City Group is looking to add a Corporate Counsel to our Des Moines, IA Team. This position will support the organization internally with business and project-related construction contracts, operations, risk, claims, compliance, and employment matters.

Essential Functions:

• Draft, review, and negotiate customer and project contracts, subcontractor and supplier agreements, purchase orders, leases, easements, and other business agreements
• Review requests for proposals, bid documents, contract terms, and related materials; identify legal and commercial risks and recommend workable solutions
• Advise leadership and project teams on contract interpretation, performance obligations, change orders, notices, payment terms, and project closeout matters
• Provide legal guidance on claims and disputes involving construction performance, defects, payments, liens, bonds, and other project or business matters
• Work with outside counsel on litigation, claims, and specialized legal matters; help manage strategy, information requests, and case progress
• Research and advise on applicable laws and regulations affecting company operations, including construction, employment, safety, and licensing matters
• Partner with Human Resources on employment and labor matters and with Risk Management and Safety on claims, insurance, and compliance issues

• Assist with licensing, permitting, and other legal requirements across jurisdictions where the company operates
• Draft correspondence, position statements, claims documentation, and other legal materials as needed
• Develop contract language, guidance, and processes that help teams manage recurring legal risks and respond efficiently to business needs
• Communicate legal advice clearly to team members and leaders with varying levels of legal and construction experience

Competencies:

• Contract Drafting and Negotiation
• Construction and Commercial Risk Assessment
• Legal Research and Analysis
• Sound Judgment and Practical Problem Solving
• Clear Written and Verbal Communication
• Confidentiality and Professional Ethics
• Collaboration with Business and Project Teams
• Organization and Prioritization

This is a full-time position. Workdays and hours of work are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Limited travel may be required for in-person meetings or other business needs.

Required Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and ability to meet applicable practice requirements for the role
• Minimum of 3 years of legal experience in private practice, an in-house legal department, or a combination of both
• Experience with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements
• Ability to advise legal and nonlegal partners, communicate clearly, and manage competing priorities

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience advising a construction, electrical contracting, engineering, infrastructure, or other project-based business
• Experience with large construction or engineering, procurement, and construction projects, including contract and claims matters
• Experience counseling on employment, labor, safety, licensing, or multistate compliance matters

All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screen and reference check. Tri-City Group is an equal opportunity employer.