Senior Construction Counsel: Contracts, Risk & Disputes

Ryan Companies Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 220,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits

Retirement and Savings Benefits

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Educational Assistance

Employee Assistance Programs

Job summary

Ryan Companies US, Inc. in Minneapolis seeks a Senior Construction Attorney to manage risk and draft complex construction contracts. The role supports project teams, handles disputes, and ensures regulatory compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has strong construction-law experience, excellent drafting and negotiation skills, and the ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school required.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts (AIA, Consensus Docs).
• Experience in dispute resolution including litigation/arbitration.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to balance legal risk with business priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration across departments.
• Prior law firm construction practice or in-house construction company experience.
• Solutions-oriented approach with solid business acumen.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate owner construction contracts, design agreements, subcontracts, development agreements, and related documents.
• Manage pre-litigation and disputes, coordinating with project teams and outside counsel as needed.
• Identify potential legal and business risks and provide proactive guidance to mitigate them.
• Advise on construction-related claims, change orders, delays, and disputes; ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and labor laws.
• Oversee construction litigation, arbitration, mediation, and other dispute resolution processes; work with outside counsel.
• Provide day-to-day legal support to construction and development teams; conduct training on contracts, risk management, and relevant topics.
• Assist with licensing, permitting, and regulatory compliance; develop contract templates and best practices.

Skills

Drafting & negotiation

Dispute resolution

Communication

Collaboration

Contract risk management

Education

Juris Doctorate (ABA-accredited)

Job description

Ryan Companies US, Inc. in Minneapolis seeks a Senior Construction Attorney to manage risk and draft complex construction contracts. The role supports project teams, handles disputes, and ensures regulatory compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has strong construction-law experience, excellent drafting and negotiation skills, and the ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal solutions in a fast-paced environment.