Corporate Counsel

Tri-City Group; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Tri-City Group in Des Moines, IA seeks a Corporate Counsel to support construction contracts, risk, compliance, and employment matters across the business. This full‑time role focuses on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating customer and project contracts, subcontracts, leases, and related documents.

You will advise leadership on contract interpretation and performance obligations, assist with claims and disputes, and coordinate with HR, risk, and outside counsel.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school is required.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 3 years of legal experience in private practice, an in-house department, or a combination.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate customer and project contracts, subcontractor and supplier agreements, purchase orders, leases, easements, and other business agreements.
• Review RFPs, bid documents, contract terms and related materials; identify risks and propose solutions.
• Advise leadership and project teams on contract interpretation, performance obligations, change orders, notices, and payment terms.
• Provide guidance on claims and disputes involving construction, payments, liens, bonds, and related matters.
• Collaborate with outside counsel on litigation, claims, and specialized legal matters; help manage strategy and progress.
• Research laws affecting company operations, including construction, employment, safety, and licensing.
• Partner with HR on employment matters and with Risk Management on claims and compliance.
• Assist with licensing, permitting across jurisdictions; draft correspondence and legal materials.
• Develop contract language and processes to manage recurring risks and respond efficiently.
• Communicate legal advice clearly to teams with varying levels of legal experience.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Legal research

Communication

Risk assessment

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Active law license (US)

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.