As the General Counsel, reporting to the CEO, you will be responsible for overseeing all legal matters within the company. You will provide expert legal advice and guidance to senior management and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Your role will involve managing the company's legal affairs, intellectual property, litigation, and corporate governance and working closely with contract management and risk management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advisory:

• Provides strategic legal advice: Offer expert guidance and counsel to senior executives and the Board of Directors on legal matters, helping them make informed decisions that align with the company's goals and objectives.
• Provides regular reporting to Board of Directors & Executive Team regarding the status of legal and risk management issues, status of claims, current levels of liability exposure, and resolution costs.

Risk Management:

• In conjunction with, develops and conducts risk management and liability issue awareness training programs specific to Project Management, Construction Management, Construction and Discipline Leadership staff levels on topics such as basic risk management, contract language, case law, emerging risk issues, and structure/proper usage of forms. Programs may be conducted in-person at BRPH Corporate HQ as well as all Regional Offices.
• Assists the VP of Project Management and the Director of Quality in the maintenance of established risk management tools such as the Project Management Manual, Quality Manual, PM Training/Tools/Templates, and other documents as may be necessary.

Legal Compliance:

• Monitors and ensures compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Develops and implements policies and procedures to mitigate legal risks and promote adherence to ethical business practices.
• Responsible for oversight of all state licensing for architecture, engineering, construction businesses and the corporation.

Contract Oversight:

• Reviews and makes recommendations on all professional services (AE) contracts, and construction (CS) contracts, for risk management and liability purposes. Coordinates contract reviews by professional liability carrier counsel, as needed.
• Provides review and updates as necessary for standard construction subcontract contracts to verify flow down clauses are incorporated where necessary, and that we have appropriately protected BRPH from liability and risk exposure.
• Continually reviews standard contract evolution (AIA, etc.) and advises as to appropriate use within BRPH (AE, CS & CM). Creates and maintains non-standard agreements for specific professional service engagements, sub-consultant agreements, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements.
• Provides contract negotiation assistance with Project Managers and their Clients, as needed (AE and CS)

Intellectual Property

• Oversees the protection and management of the company's intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Advises on intellectual property strategies, licensing, and enforcement.

Insurance:

• Provides assistance and advice for annual professional liability insurance renewal process including reviewing the proposed policies, summarizing claims history, and negotiating policy limits, language, and endorsements.

Claims & Litigation:

• Works closely with executive leadership to minimize claims loss, assess liability exposure, develop strategy, and directly advise on potential claims.
• Provides pre-claim assistance including issue review, risk assessment, response planning and general guidance for pre-claim management.
• Serves as the primary contact with any outside legal counsel for actual or potential professional liability claims and issues.
• Collects and reviews Claims/Circumstances Reports for reporting potential claims to our insurance carrier.
• Manage claims, mediation, arbitration, and litigation processes for BRPH:
  • Coordinate with professional liability carrier.
  • Attend mediations and legal hearings on behalf of BRPH, as necessary.
  • Track, monitor, and estimate all legal expenses (legal and settlement costs);
  • Work with opposing counsel to draft settlement agreements and make recommendations on claims resolution strategy and settlement amounts.

Corporate Governance

• Maintains and enhances corporate governance practices, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and corporate policies. Supports the Board of Directors and prepares necessary documentation for board meetings and corporate governance matters.

Compliance Training

• Develops and delivers legal training programs to educate employees on legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring a culture of compliance throughout the organization.

External Relationships

• Provides guidance on all corporate legal matters and assists with communications with corporate attorneys, employment attorneys, etc.
• Assists with real estate issues and with legal items of the various offices in different states and countries. Assists in drafting and finalizing leases for regional office real estate.
• Assists with the evaluation of risks of new clients and new ventures, particularly with international clients.
• Supports Mergers & Acquisitions pursuits, negotiating related contracts, and performing due diligence.
• Assists with coordinating the tax attorneys and others involved in international taxes, corporate filings, and other international legal and administrative issues.
• Assists in resolving issues for subcontractor payments, non-payment issues with clients, and provide advice on credit agreements with financial institutions.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the bar in the relevant jurisdiction(s).
• 20 years of experience as a General Counsel or in a similar senior legal role within a privately held company or law firm specializing in construction and professional services liability law.
• Strong knowledge of corporate law, contracts, intellectual property, FAR and DFARs, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven experience in managing litigation, negotiating complex contracts, and providing strategic legal advice.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities with the capability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work autonomously, handle multiple tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound business acumen and the ability to align legal strategies with the company's overall goals.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Must be proficient in Word , Outlook, LexisNexis or similar legal research tools.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is not intended to include an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description may be changed to include new responsibilities and tasks or change existing ones as management deems necessary.

EOE/AA/MFDV