Corporate Counsel – Construction Litigation

The Garrett Companies; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Garrett Companies is seeking an experienced Corporate Counsel – Construction Litigation to provide strategic in-house legal support across real estate development, construction, acquisitions, and corporate operations in Indianapolis. You will manage complex construction disputes, claims, risk management, and litigation while advising on contracts and operational matters to minimize litigation risk.

Reporting to the General Counsel, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams and outside

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school; active bar membership required.
• Minimum 4–8 years of litigation experience, with in-house or law firm work.
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters independently with attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with sound business judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and external partners.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee construction-related claims, disputes, litigation, arbitration, mediation and other proceedings.
• Partner with construction, development, property management, and leadership to mitigate risks.
• Investigate and assess construction claims involving various third parties.
• Coordinate with insurers, claims reps, and outside counsel on coverage, tenders, reserves, and strategy.
• Assist GC in managing outside counsel and legal spend.
• Draft, review, and negotiate construction-related agreements and indemnifications.
• Develop and maintain litigation protocols, templates, and playbooks.
• Stay current on changes in real estate, construction, and corporate law; advise leadership.
• Support Investments Committee and executive team on other legal matters.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Litigation strategy

Communication

Cross-functional

Risk assessment

Education

J.D.

Job description

Major Objectives

The Corporate Counsel – Construction Litigation is an experienced in-house attorney who provides sophisticated legal support across The Garrett Companies' real estate development, construction, acquisitions, and corporate operations. This role serves as a senior legal resource within the team, handling complex construction-related disputes, claims, risk management, and litigation, while also providing legal guidance on contracts and operational matters that may create or mitigate litigation risk.

Brief Description

The Corporate Counsel – Construction Litigation is an experienced in-house attorney who provides sophisticated legal support across The Garrett Companies' real estate development, construction, acquisitions, and corporate operations. This role serves as a senior legal resource within the team, handling complex construction-related disputes, claims, risk management, and litigation, while also providing legal guidance on contracts and operational matters that may create or mitigate litigation risk.

The Corporate Counsel – Construction Litigation works closely with the General Counsel and serves as a resource to other team members, helping to elevate the overall capabilities and output of the Legal team.

Specific Duties And Responsibilities

• Manage and provide strategic legal oversight of construction-related claims, disputes, litigation, arbitration, mediation, and other legal proceedings involving multifamily development and construction projects.
• Partner with construction, development, property management, and executive leadership to identify, evaluate, and mitigate legal risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Investigate and assess construction claims involving contractors, subcontractors, vendors, owners, developers, design professionals, lenders, residents, and other third parties.
• Coordinate with insurance carriers, brokers, claims representatives, and outside counsel regarding claims, coverage issues, tenders, reserves, and defense strategy.
• Assist the General Counsel in managing outside counsel relationships and legal spend.
• Draft, review, and negotiate construction-related agreements, including general contractor agreements, subcontract agreements, architect and design agreements, consultant agreements, indemnification provisions, warranties, insurance requirements, and dispute resolution provisions.
• Develop and maintain litigation protocols, construction claim procedures, standard legal forms, templates, and internal playbooks to improve consistency, efficiency, and risk management.
• Stay current on relevant changes in real estate, construction, and corporate law and proactively advise leadership on implications.
• Support the Investments Committee and executive team on other legal matters as needed.

Prerequisites

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing required.
• Minimum 4–8 years of legal experience in litigation, with in-house or law firm experience.
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters independently with strong attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound business judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion.

Pre-Prerequisites (these are the most important items)

• Living Our Core Values: Consistently demonstrates and upholds our Core Values in all actions, decisions, and interactions.
• Ownership & Accountability: Takes full responsibility for outcomes and follows through to deliver results.
• Growth Mindset: Seeks feedback, embraces development, and continuously improves.
• Positive & Solution-Oriented: Approaches challenges with a constructive attitude and a focus on solutions.
• Strong Communication: Listens to understand, communicates clearly, and ensures alignment across teams.
• Relentless Problem Solving: Demonstrates urgency, resourcefulness, and persistence in resolving challenges.
• Strategic Thinking & Anticipation: Thinks ahead, proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and next steps.
• Team-First Mentality: Supports the team at all levels, no task is beneath the role. We are all broom-pushers.
• Continuous Improvement: Challenges the status quo and seeks better, more efficient ways to operate.
• Commitment to Excellence: Sets high standards and consistently delivers quality work.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to traverse property and facility.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Initial Training and Orientation

• Garrett Companies Onboarding Program in Indianapolis.

Ongoing Training

• Membership to professional organizations and continuing education is supported by The Garrett Companies.
• Company specific.