Counsel or Senior Counsel - Construction Law

Hines; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Hines in Houston seeks a Counsel/Senior Counsel to assist with design, construction and related transactions, coordinating with central, regional and international offices to deliver complex projects.

The role requires a JD from an accredited law school, US bar admission, 2+ years in real estate or construction transactions, and the ability to travel. You will draft and negotiate contracts, review risk, and partner with internal teams to advance high‑impact developments.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school required.
• Licensed to practice law in the United States.
• Minimum two years' experience in real estate, design, construction transactions or related litigation.
• Willingness to travel periodically and work with multiple offices.

Responsibilities

• Assist with design, construction and related transactions and projects.
• Negotiate and draft design, construction and related contracts and purchase orders.
• Review comments on contracts, bid solicitations documents, and change orders.
• Coordinate with outside counsel as requested and manage relationships.
• Advise on indemnity clauses, guarantees and insurance terms; liaise with risk management.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Contract drafting

Outside counsel management

Team collaboration

Entrepreneurial mindset

Travel readiness

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Licensed to practice law in the United States

Job description

Overview

When you join Hines, you will embark on a career journey fueled by vision and guided by leaders who set the standards of our industry. Our legacy is rooted in innovation and excellence, earning us a spot on Fast Company’s esteemed annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies, as well as recognition as one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Companies to Work For in 2024. Discover endless opportunities to grow and make your mark at Hines.

Responsibilities

As Counsel/Senior Counsel with Hines, you will assist with design, construction and related transactions and projects, advise the Hines teams involved with such design, construction and related transactions develop strong partnerships with Hines’ central, regional and international offices and coordinate with outside legal counsel as requested. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Title will be dependent upon candidate experience and qualifications

• Negotiate and draft design, construction and related consulting contracts and purchase orders.
• Assist in RFPs and review of comments to contracts and bid solicitations documents.
• Assist in responding to project issues (change order requests, delay claims and defective work situations), prepare related correspondence and assist in the selection and monitoring of outside counsel if necessary.
• Provide advice on indemnity clauses, guarantees and other provisions; review insurance and indemnity requirements in contracts and coordinate with Hines’ insurance risk management team regarding appropriate insurance terms with respect to design and construction arrangements.
• Provide support to central departments and international and regional offices through the review and negotiation of other vendor and other services contracts (geotechnical and environmental consulting agreements, insurance manuals, purchasing agreements, etc.).

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements include:

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Two or more years of relevant legal experience in general real real transactions, construction transactions or construction litigation.
• Experience in transactions in different states a plus.
• Licensed to practice law in the United States.
• Strong academic credentials from a top tier US law school
• Experience selecting and managing outside counsel
• Highly confident, articulate, self-motivated, self-sufficient, and enthusiastic individual who is a team player.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and focus on outcomes over output
• Ability to travel periodically

Closing

At Hines, we believe the built world is ultimately about people. As one of the world’s largest privately held real assets firms, we bring nearly seven decades of investment, development, and management experience to work that shapes cities and communities around the world.

Our people make that possible. Across 29 countries, more than 4,600 colleagues bring different perspectives and expertise to Hines, with opportunities to take on meaningful responsibility, learn from leaders across the business, and build a career with room to evolve. We support that journey through professional development, competitive rewards, comprehensive benefits, and a culture grounded in trust and high standards.

Hines is proud to be named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024.

We are an equal opportunity employer and support workforce diversity.