Corporate Counsel

Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates is seeking a highly organized, experienced, independent, and motivated attorney to serve as Corporate Counsel for our nationally recognized planning and design firm. This is an outstanding opportunity for the right person to join our Business Services Team, reviewing contracts and leading the business by negotiating planning and engineering service agreements for transportation planning and design projects across North America. This position is part of the legal team at our parent company, Perkins&Will, with distinct responsibility dedicated to Nelson\Nygaard.

Nelson\Nygaard offers a dynamic and self-directed work environment that is fast-paced, congenial, and supportive. This is your opportunity to work with one of the most innovative groups of planners and engineers in the United States, including highly talented staff and industry-leading principals. Our office culture is built upon diversity, creativity, and passion for the work we do.

About Us

For over 35 years, Nelson\Nygaard has led the transportation planning field with our values and innovation. We’ve always been guided by the principle of putting people first—designing transportation systems for people, not just cars. We were founded by two women who believed in the benefits of a more egalitarian workplace, where leadership and creativity can blossom at all levels and where diversity is a core strength. Today, we are 160 talented and dedicated people in 13 offices across the country who continue to live by those values. What unites us at Nelson\Nygaard is the belief that transportation can change the world and our steadfast commitment to make the world more just, more sustainable, more connected, and more beautiful.

Nelson\Nygaard is a subsidiary of Perkins&Will, a Global design leader. Perkins&Will, has been designing a better, more beautiful world since 1935. Nelson\Nygaard’s Corporate Counsel will work closely with the P&W legal team and will report to Perkins&Will’s General Counsel.

Perkins&Will has a culture of collaboration and entrepreneurialism which is supported and encouraged by our legal department. The ideal candidate will be interested in being mentored but also have strong basic legal skills and experience to be productive early on. An interest in building relationships across our global organization and helping to inform the business decisions being made by our firm leaders is essential. Trust, candor, creativity, and the ability to counsel, together with strong organizational skills will be crucial to success in this role.

About You

You’re comfortable making decisions, providing clear guidance, and advising on project agreements, subcontracts, risk management, and other legal matters.
You’re resourceful, curious, communicative, and enthusiastic about helping teams deliver innovative projects to our clients.
You’re excited about the work we do and share our mission of advancing transportation to make the world a better, more equitable place.
You bring energy and a commitment to your teams and clients to do great work, together.

Responsibilities

• Review and negotiate general terms and conditions of project-related contracts, NDAs, teaming agreements, and solicitations for municipal, private, and non-profit clients in accordance with Perkins&Will standards for subsidiaries
• Draft subcontract agreements and review and negotiate modification requests by subconsultants to subcontract terms
• Coordinate reviews with internal and external stakeholders when appropriate
• Counsel firm leadership and project managers on managing risk
• Deliver periodic risk management training to Nelson\Nygaard business leaders
• Assist with drafting and editing contract templates
• Create risk management resources and guide PM’s through Risk Management Process
• Provide general support for compliance with project agreements and finalizing contracts with clients.

Qualifications and Requirements

Candidates must have the following qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree with admission to at least one bar
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in construction litigation or as in-house counsel
• Experience in Planning, Engineering, or Construction preferred

 The ideal candidate will demonstrate skills in the following areas:

• Strong time management/workflow efficiency skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in collaboration with others
• Strong communication skills, with an ability to assist business leaders in making informed business decisions
• Accurate and detail oriented
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary range equivalent for this position is $107,603 - $145,656 depending on qualifications, years of experience, and location.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; pre-tax transit and bicycling benefits; a 401k program; life insurance; and paid time off. Additionally, we offer opportunities for in-person and in-office collaboration as well as flexibility for work from home for part of the week.

Applying for the Position

To apply, please click on the 'Apply Online' link. Qualified and interested candidates must submit the following items:

• Cover letter
• Resume

At Nelson\Nygaard we believe that inclusion spurs creativity, and that innovation is born from an engaged culture of diverse people and ideas. By moving beyond barriers and stereotypes of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status, we are committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of ethnic minorities. We’re committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to hear from anyone who is passionate about our work.   

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Salary : $107,603 - $145,656