Legal Counsel

Larson Maddox; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Larson Maddox is seeking a construction-focused attorney to serve as a strategic legal advisor supporting project teams, business leaders, and operational stakeholders throughout the full project lifecycle. This role combines commercial contracting, risk management, claims resolution, and legal counseling within project-driven environments.

You will work closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to drive successful project outcomes, mitigate legal and commercial risk, and provide

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school is required.
• Active bar admission in good standing.
• Minimum of 3 years of legal experience in construction or project-based environments.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and interpreting construction and commercial agreements.
• Familiarity with EPC, design-build, subcontractor, and professional services contracts.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to operations, engineering, project management, and executive leadership teams.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret construction and commercial agreements including EPC and design-build contracts.
• Support projects from proposal through execution and closeout.
• Identify risks in RFPs and advise on contract and operational implications.
• Assist in change orders, project execution issues, and contract compliance.
• Manage disputes, delay claims, and other project-related claims with outside counsel as needed.
• Collaborate with risk management and insurance teams to mitigate project risk.
• Provide practical business-focused legal guidance on complex construction matters.
• Deliver contract, compliance, ethics, and legal training for internal stakeholders.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Risk management

Legal advisory

Cross-functional collaboration

Project-based experience

Communication skills

EPC contracts

Design-build

Litigation management

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client is seeking a construction-focused attorney to serve as a strategic legal advisor supporting project teams, business leaders, and operational stakeholders throughout the full project lifecycle. This role combines commercial contracting, risk management, claims resolution, and legal counseling within project-driven environments. The successful candidate will work closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to help drive successful project outcomes, mitigate legal and commercial risk, and provide practical business-focused legal guidance on complex construction and operational matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to operations, engineering, project management, and executive leadership teams.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret construction and commercial agreements, including EPC, design-build, subcontractor, supplier, and professional services contracts.
• Support projects from proposal and bid stages through execution and closeout.
• Review RFPs and identify contractual, commercial, and operational risks prior to project pursuit.
• Advise project teams on change orders, scope modifications, project execution issues, and contract compliance.
• Assist in resolving construction disputes, delay claims, cost overruns, differing site conditions, and other project-related claims.
• Partner with risk management and insurance teams to assess claims and mitigate project risk.
• Manage outside counsel and assist with litigation and dispute resolution efforts.
• Develop practical legal solutions that balance risk mitigation with business objectives.
• Conduct contract, compliance, ethics, and legal training for internal stakeholders.
• Support corporate governance initiatives, policy development, and compliance programs.
• Advise leadership on strategic business decisions, project risk assessments, and operational matters.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active bar admission and good standing.
• Minimum of 3 years of legal experience.
• Experience supporting construction, engineering, environmental, infrastructure, or project-based businesses.
• Strong contract drafting, review, negotiation, and risk management skills.
• Experience with EPC, design-build, professional services, subcontractor, and commercial agreements preferred.
• Familiarity with construction claims, dispute resolution, and litigation management.
• Experience handling issues involving delays, impacts, acceleration claims, and scope changes is a plus.
• Ability to advise business leaders and project teams on legal strategy and risk mitigation.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with cross-functional operational teams and executive stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and similar business technology tools.