Legal Counsel

At GHD, we don’t just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day. 

That’s why we pledge to support and empower all of our people to make a positive impact when working hand in hand with our business to drive change. We'll help you accelerate your career and empower you with the right technology and training as you bring ideas and projects to life. 

Together with your colleagues, clients and partners, you'll make an impact that is felt by all. See where your commitment could take you. 

Who are we looking for?   

GHD’s Americas business has an opportunity for an In-house Counsel position (United States Hybrid). The successful applicant will join a dynamic and collaborative 20 person Americas Legal, Risk & Compliance Team and provide support to an entrepreneurial 3,500 person strong Americas business. 

In an ever changing world, it requires creativity and innovation to stay ahead.

We’re seeking the curious, those who are stimulated by fresh thinking and a desire to shape our communities in new, positive ways.

As part of a truly global team, working on complex and rewarding projects, you'll be at the forefront of driving change

See what the power of commitment can do for you.

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in: 

• Advising GHD's US professional engineering consulting business regarding all manner of risk allocation and risk management matters: 
• Analyze and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including professional service contracts, master service agreements, joint ventures, confidentiality and teaming agreements with clients, subconsultants, and vendors, identify areas of concern, and negotiating favorable outcomes.
• Undertaking strategic contract review and negotiation in relation to GHD’s growing complex project portfolio in the public-private partnerships, design-build and alternative project delivery space; 
• Managing and de-risking ‘real time’ project disputes and professional liability claims matters;
• Advising in relation to corporate governance, compliance and transactional matters; and
• Advising in relation to compliance matters germane to professional services firms (e.g., professional licensing, privacy, data security, integrity and anti-corruption matters, Federal Contracting, etc.). 

Responsibilities

• Document Preparation: Edit document in line with organizational style guidelines and prepare information for publication.
• Solutions Analysis: Analyze specific problems and issues to find the best solutions. Solutions could be technical or professional in nature.
• Recommendations: Advise others on how to design new processes and systems that meet professional standards.
• Internal Client Relationship Management: Contribute to the management of partnering relationships with internal clients, building effective working relationships and providing high-quality professional services to support in delivering business strategy and plans.
• Information and Business Advice: Provide specialist advice on the interpretation and application of policies and procedures, resolving queries and issues and referring very complex or contentious issues to others.
• External Communications: Execute a communications plan within established systems and procedures.
• Internal Communications: Execute a communications plan within established internal communication systems and procedures.
• Legal: Design, develop, and deliver the organization's legal service with guidance from senior colleagues.
• Personal Capability Building: Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching; gain or maintain external professional accreditation, where relevant, to improve performance and fulfill personal potential. Maintain an in-depth understanding of technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.
• Quality Assurance: Develop new methods, tools, and programs for quality assurance. Lead developmental initiatives or programs within an area of expertise.

What you will bring to the team:

• Law degree from an accredited law school and qualified and licensed to practice law as an in-house attorney in the state of residency;
• A minimum of 7 years of experience gained providing legal advice to architects and engineers, including time spent in an A/E firm legal department;
• Direct experience in commercial transactional matters, with a focus on design professionals;
• Superior drafting, analytical, organization, time management, and task prioritization skills;
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively and efficiently with members of GHD’s Americas Legal, Risk & Compliance Team, internal clients, and clients' in- house and external counsel;
• Demonstrated problem-solving, negotiation, drafting, and conflict resolution skills;
• Self-starter, creative, a team player, good judgment, and possess the ability to work with limited direction;
• Highly responsive and service-oriented attitude.

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.

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