Senior Construction Counsel- Energy

Cupertino Electric, Inc.; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Cupertino Electric, Inc. is seeking a Senior Construction Counsel - Energy to review, negotiate, and document complex construction contracts, and to advise project teams on risk, compliance, and claim resolution. This role blends strategic negotiation with practical legal counsel across multiple stakeholders.

The ideal candidate holds a JD, bar admission, and 7+ years in construction law within corporate or firm settings, with hybrid/remote flexibility for the San Jose area.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Bar admission in at least one state and good standing.
• 7+ years of experience in construction law in law firm or in-house setting.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrated ability to review, negotiate and document sophisticated, multi-party construction contracts and change orders effectively and strategically.
• Advocate for the company’s position while balancing risk and relationships with customers, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Provide practical legal counsel to project management and execution teams on contract compliance, change order documentation, notices, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist with design, implementation, and continuous improvement of best practices for contract risk review and project execution processes.
• Provide analyses and recommendations to management on negotiation of contract terms and dispute resolution.
• Act as strong advocate for the company in claims and litigation matters.
• Select and manage outside counsel to obtain high value for the company.

Skills

Teamwork

Coaching

Communication

Interpersonal

Detail-oriented

Organization

Problem solving

Adobe

MS Office

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Adobe Acrobat

Microsoft Office

Job description

Posting Title: Senior Construction Counsel - Energy

Reports To: Director, Operations Counsel

Location: Hybrid | Remote | San Jose, CA

Salary Range: $175,000 to $215,000

*This position is eligible for the annual performance bonus plan.

Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on several factors, including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education and experience. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets.

WHO WE ARE

Since 1954, Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) has been powered by people who’ve built a reputation for delivering high-profile, complex projects. Real, tangible things that alter the landscape and improve lives. And we've done it with integrity for more than 70 years. We’re problem solvers and innovation seekers. We’re team players and safety fanatics. And we're proud to be part of Quanta Services (PWR:NYSE), North America's largest employer of skilled craft labor. Because what we do is important, but how we do it is everything.

THE LEGAL TEAM

The Legal and Risk Management team is responsible for all legal and legal-related matters such as litigation, contracts, compliance, and driving record policies. This is a diverse, complex, and often unpredictable portfolio of challenges.

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Demonstrated ability to review, negotiate and document sophisticated, multi-party construction contracts and change orders effectively and strategically.

• Ability to advocate strongly for company’s position in variety of situations while striking appropriate balance between limiting company’s risk and preserving the company’s valued relationships with customers, subcontractors and vendors.Demonstrated ability to provide practical legal counsel within the context of a dynamic, diverse commercial enterprise.

• Ability to develop and maintain ongoing relationships with, and provide practical legal advice to, project management and project execution team personnel regarding a wide variety of construction project issues including contract compliance, change order documentation, claim documentation, project notices, regulatory compliance, and subcontractor/supplier management.

• Assist with the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of best practices for construction contract risk review, contract formation processes, and construction project execution processes.

• Provide sophisticated analyses and recommendations to management teams regarding negotiation of contract terms; provide legal analysis and advice regarding the resolution or pursuit of disputes and claims.

• Act as strong advocate for company in claims and litigation matters.

• Demonstrated ability to select and manage outside counsel resources to obtain highest value for company.

ABOUT YOU

• Team oriented and highly collaborative both when leading a team and when being part of a team

• Demonstrated track record of effectively coaching and consulting with internal clients

• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to get along well with diverse personalities in a fast-paced dynamic environment

• Strong attention to detail, process development and organizational development and management

• Highly organized in working, thinking and prioritizing

• Motivated team player with flexible, can-do attitude

• Creative problem solver with keen intellect

• Proficiency with Adobe, Microsoft Office Suite, Word, Excel, and Outlook is required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

Licensure/Certifications: Bar admission in at least one state. Must have good standing in all states where admitted.

Experience: Must have at least 7 years of experience in a combination of law firm and in-house legal department setting, with a focus on construction law.

Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is a place where every single person can—and does—have an impact on the work we do and the communities we serve. Here, you can build your own story and grow to your full potential. You can collaborate and celebrate with amazing people. And you’ll go home every day knowing you helped contribute to important work that shapes people’s lives. Our commercial, data center and energy projects may be complex, but our approach is simple. We build great things and we do it with great people.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department, program or project needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Cupertino Electric Inc. aims to make cei.com accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, please contact us at [e-mail] or 1-(877)-747-4CEI.

Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.