Senior In-House Counsel - Contracts & Risk for Design Firm

Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule anchored midweek in‑in

Full health coverage

Retirement plan including 401(k) andES

ESOP

Sabbatical after 10 years

Home office setup

Paid time off

Job summary

Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects is seeking a Senior Corporate Counsel to own the full contract lifecycle for client and consultant agreements, negotiating terms that move risk forward while protecting the firm.

You will advise leadership on a broad range of legal matters, coordinate with outside counsel, and help manage risk, insurance, disputes, and governance across jurisdictions as a key member of the Business Operations team. This is a Portland-based hybrid role with in-office days.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with an active license in at least one U.S. state.
• 7+ years of legal experience focused on contracts, risk, and governance.
• Experience advising senior leadership on complex matters.
• In-house counsel experience preferred.
• Active license in OR, WA, or CA preferred.
• Experience in architecture, construction or related professional services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own the full contract lifecycle for client and consultant agreements, from review to negotiation, execution, and renewal.
• Serve as day-to-day counsel to leadership and project teams, translating legal complexity into actionable decisions.
• Advise on risk, compliance, insurance, employment, disputes, and governance matters.
• Lead negotiations of key risk provisions (SOC, indemnification, liability, IP, dispute resolution).
• Develop firmwide contract risk guidelines and escalation protocols.
• Drive contract cycle times while maintaining risk standards.
• Oversee insurance programs and coordinate with outside counsel on disputes and claims.
• Prepare training on contract administration, risk management, and compliance.
• Support corporate governance and maintain registrations and licensure across jurisdictions.
• Supervise the Contract Specialist and align Risk with business objectives.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Risk assessment

Legal advisory

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Outside counsel coordination

Contract lifecycle mgmt

Job description

Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects is seeking a Senior Corporate Counsel to own the full contract lifecycle for client and consultant agreements, negotiating terms that move risk forward while protecting the firm.

You will advise leadership on a broad range of legal matters, coordinate with outside counsel, and help manage risk, insurance, disputes, and governance across jurisdictions as a key member of the Business Operations team. This is a Portland-based hybrid role with in-office days.