Of Counsel - Construction Litigation

Mary Dickson; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 225,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k

PTO

Bonus

Hybrid

Growth opportunities

Competitive salary

Job summary

Mary Dickson seeks an experienced Of Counsel to join its Construction Litigation practice, focusing on managing complex disputes for developers, general contractors, subcontractors, owners and energy clients from intake through trial.

The role requires leading discovery and motions, mentoring junior attorneys, and collaborating with partners to grow the practice while advising on strategy and risk allocation for construction projects.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice in NJ & NY.
• Proven trial experience and a track record through dispositive motion practice and trials.
• Extensive experience with pleadings, depositions, discovery, and expert retention.
• Demonstrated experience representing developers, general contractors, subcontractors, owners or energy clients.
• Strong familiarity with construction contracts (including AIA), interpretation, delays and defect litigation.
• Excellent legal research, writing and advocacy skills; persuasive motions and briefs.
• Forensic accounting, scheduling analysis and expert testimony understanding.
• Ability to manage large-volume discovery and coordinate with technical experts.
• Track record of client development and relationship management.
• High professional ethics and mentoring responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage a docket of complex construction and commercial litigation matters from intake through trial.
• Develop case strategy and provide practical business-focused legal advice to clients.
• Draft and oversee pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, and other filings.
• Lead depositions, hearings, mediations and trials; prepare witnesses and coordinate experts.
• Oversee discovery, including e-discovery, document review and expert engagement.
• Advise on AIA contracts, risk allocation and contract drafting for construction projects.
• Manage settlement negotiations and ADR processes to achieve cost-effective results.
• Develop case budgets, staffing plans and litigation timelines with partners.
• Mentor junior attorneys and paralegals on litigation skills and procedures.
• Assist in business development, including client presentations and maintaining relationships.

Skills

Construction Litigation

Discovery Management

Trial Preparation

Client Development

Mentoring

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Of Counsel to join our Construction Litigation practice. The role will focus on managing complex construction disputes for developers, general contractors, subcontractors, owners and energy clients, overseeing high-stakes commercial litigation from intake through trial. The Of Counsel will provide strategic legal advice, lead discovery and motion practice, mentor junior attorneys, and collaborate with partners and clients to achieve favorable outcomes while growing the practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a docket of complex construction and commercial litigation matters, including breach of contract, delay claims, payment disputes, construction defect, fraud and energy-related disputes.
• Develop case strategy and provide practical, business-focused legal advice to developers, owners, general contractors and subcontractors.
• Draft and oversee pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, and other substantive court filings.
• Lead depositions, hearings, mediations and trials; prepare witnesses and coordinate expert testimony.
• Conduct and supervise all aspects of discovery, including electronic discovery, document review and expert engagement.
• Handle AIA contract interpretation and disputes, and advise on contract drafting and risk allocation for construction projects.
• Manage settlement negotiations and alternative dispute resolution processes to achieve cost-effective results for clients.
• Collaborate with partners and associates to develop case budgets, staffing plans and litigation timelines.
• Provide mentorship and training to junior attorneys and paralegals on litigation skills, procedure and substantive construction law.
• Assist in business development efforts, including client presentations, proposals and maintaining client relationships.
• Stay current on construction law developments, industry practices and relevant statutes and rules affecting energy and commercial construction projects.
• Coordinate with outside consultants, forensic experts, architects, engineers and testing laboratories to support litigation and claims investigations.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice in NJ & NY10+ years years of litigation experience with a substantial focus on construction and commercial litigation.
• Proven trial experience and a track record of taking cases through dispositive motion practice, hearings and jury or bench trials.
• Extensive experience with pleadings, depositions, discovery, motion practice, expert retention and trial preparation.
• Demonstrated experience representing developers, general contractors, subcontractors, owners or energy clients in construction disputes.
• Strong familiarity with construction contracts (including AIA agreements), contract interpretation, delay and scheduling claims, payment issues and construction defect litigation.
• Excellent legal research, writing and oral advocacy skills; ability to draft persuasive motions and appellate briefs.
• Practical understanding of forensic accounting, scheduling analysis, mechanics of construction and expert testimony issues.
• Ability to manage large-volume discovery and e-discovery workflows and to work collaboratively with technical experts.
• Track record of client development, relationship management and ability to work independently while contributing to team growth.
• High professional ethics, strong judgment, and a commitment to mentoring junior lawyers and supporting firm initiatives.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• 401k
• PTO
• Bonus
• Hybrid
• Growth opportunities
• Competitive Salary ($225,000-$250,000/year DOE)