In-House Counsel, Contracts

Fehrandpeers; Walnut Creek (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan with matching

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Vacation and holidays

8 weeks of Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

Fehr & Peers is seeking a talented attorney to join their legal team in Walnut Creek. The role involves contract negotiation, compliance guidance, and legal research.

As part of a collaborative environment, you will support project managers while enjoying benefits such as competitive insurance packages, 401(k) plans, and flexible work arrangements.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience as an attorney with substantial contract review and negotiation experience.
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and adapt quickly in a dynamic environment.
• Curiosity and adaptability in leveraging AI and other technologies to improve workflows.

Responsibilities

• Review, edit, and negotiate a range of contracts.
• Provide guidance on compliance matters.
• Assist with business registrations and licensing in various jurisdictions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Decision-making skills

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school

Job description

Join Fehr & Peers to provide legal counsel for a team empowered to collaborate, innovate, and develop creative transportation solutions that improve communities. Here, legal is a trusted partner to project managers, not a gatekeeper, and you’ll have real influence in managing risk while supporting the delivery of meaningful, impactful work.

We are a transportation planning and engineering firm with 24 offices and more than 400 staff nationwide. Since 1985, we have partnered with public, private, and institutional clients to design and plan safer, more effective ways for people and goods to move. Bringing together data, technology, and the experiences of the communities we serve, we help clients make confident, well-informed decisions.

We are seeking a talented and motivated attorney to join our two-person legal team within our Corporate Services group. Our legal team takes a consultative approach, offering clear advice, thoughtful solutions, and resources that help colleagues make informed decisions.

We value work-life balance. We also value giving staff members opportunities for skill development, growth, and mentorship. We provide competitive benefits, and the flexibility to seamlessly work both in the office and remotely.

Contract Counsel

• Review, edit, and negotiate a range of contracts, including professional services agreements, subconsultant agreements, teaming agreements, NDAs, and vendor contracts
• Identify key risks in contracts and clearly explain those risks, legal concepts, and alternative approaches so technical staff can make informed business decisions
• Partner with project managers and business services staff to negotiate contracts with clients, teaming partners, and vendors
• Provide guidance on compliance matters, including conflicts of interests, confidentiality, and insurance requirements
• Manage intake and scheduling for contract review requests

Business Compliance and Support

• Assist with business registrations and licensing in various jurisdictions
• Conduct legal research and make recommendations on a variety of topics relevant to our business
• Build your understanding of our technical services and the legal landscape for A&E firms, so your risk assessments and recommendations stay grounded in how the work actually gets done

Resource Management

• Maintain and update legal resources such as contract templates, guidance documents, and internal training materials

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school
• 3+ years of professional experience as an attorney with substantial experience reviewing and negotiating contracts
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment, think critically through complex issues, and adapt quickly in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially for explaining legal concepts and contract terms to non‑legal staff
• Strong attention to detail
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong internal relationships
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to independently balance multiple competing priorities and meet deadlines
• A collaborative mindset grounded in humility, strong listening skills, and a supportive approach to working with colleagues
• Curiosity and adaptability in leveraging AI and other emerging technologies to improve workflows, enhance analysis, and support efficient legal service delivery
• Ability to reliably work in the Walnut Creek office at least two days per week
• Full‑time and part‑time schedules considered

Benefit Highlights

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Plan with matching and profit sharing
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefits
• Paid Vacation, holidays and sick leave
• 8 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Mentoring and Career Development programs
• Research and Development group participation, and more

Full information about the benefits we offer can be found by visiting our careers page.

EEO

Fehr & Peers is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We recruit, hire, develop, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We value the unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions of our employees and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Nondiscrimination

Fehr & Peers ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact Human Resources.