Director of Contracts and Legal Affairs

The Poole and Kent Corporation; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Poole and Kent Corporation, a leading mechanical contractor, seeks a Director of Contract Administration (In-House Counsel) to oversee legal and contractual management for construction projects. The ideal candidate holds a Juris Doctor degree, has an active legal license in Maryland or Virginia, and 5–10+ years of experience in construction law. Responsibilities include drafting and reviewing agreements, ensuring legal compliance, and managing project risks. This position is based in Baltimore, Maryland, and emphasizes strong negotiation and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Active license to practice law in Maryland or Virginia.
• 5–10+ years of experience in construction law, commercial contracting.
• Strong familiarity with construction contract structures and risk allocation.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal oversight for construction and commercial projects.
• Draft and negotiate construction-related agreements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Drafting skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management software

Job description

Working for Poole & Kent Corp, a leading mechanical contractor, the Director, Contract Administration (In‑House Counsel) provides legal oversight and contractual management for construction and commercial projects across the eastern United States.

Construction & Commercial Contracting

• Draft, review and negotiate construction‑related agreements, including prime contracts, subcontracts, supplier agreements, purchase order agreements, design‑build and professional services contracts, change orders, amendments and contract modifications.
• Advise on contract terms covering schedule, scope, payment, retainage, indemnity, bonding, warranties and limitations of liability.

Legal Risk Management

• Identify and assess contractual, financial, and operational risks associated with projects.
• Support dispute‑avoidance strategies and manage contract claims outside the scope of insurable claims, including mediation, arbitration and litigation in coordination with outside counsel.

Project Lifecycle Support

• Provide legal guidance during pre‑construction, bidding, execution and close‑out phases.
• Support estimating and operations teams with contract interpretation and compliance.
• Advise on subcontractor and purchase order/vendor default, termination, suspension and project recovery matters.

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, public procurement requirements, licensing and contracting regulations.

Process Improvement & Training

• Develop and maintain standard contract templates, risk matrices and negotiation playbooks.
• Improve contract management processes and support the use of internal technologies.
• Train project managers, estimators and executives on contract risks, best practices and negotiation strategies.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to executive leadership, project executives and operational teams.
• Collaborate closely with finance, HR, risk management, compliance, safety and procurement departments.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Maryland or Virginia.
• 5–10+ years of experience in construction law, commercial contracting or related legal practice.
• Strong familiarity with construction contract structures, risk allocation and industry standards.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting and analytical skills.
• Work authorization in the United States on a full‑time basis without the need for employer sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior in‑house experience with a general contractor, construction manager or large specialty contractor.
• Experience with public works projects and government contracts.
• Familiarity with industry standard forms (e.g., AIA, ConsensusDocs, GMP, Lump Sum, IDP).
• Knowledge of construction claims, schedule impacts and cost recovery issues.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Working knowledge of project and financial software (a plus).

Professional Attributes

• Practical, business‑oriented legal judgment.
• Ability to balance legal risk with operational realities.
• Strong communication skills for non‑legal audiences.
• Manage high‑volume, high‑value contracts under tight deadlines.
• Integrity, honesty, professionalism and confidentiality.
• Teamwork orientation and flexibility to take on added responsibilities.
• Professional self‑discipline, attention to detail and commitment to deadlines.
• Prioritization and organization in a fast‑paced, multi‑tasking environment.
• Build positive relationships with employees, management, suppliers and customers.
• Commitment to company values and safety culture.

Language Skills

Effective communication in English, cooperation and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.

Physical Demands

Regularly required to sit, see, talk, and hear. Required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. May occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

Work performed in a typical office setting with occasional on‑site visits for project management.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities.