In House Counsel

SESI Consulting Engineers has been selected as one of NJBIZ’s "FASTEST GROWING" Companies and Inc.'s "5000 America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies".

SESI Consulting Engineers, founded in 1976, is a well-established, progressive, consulting engineering firm in Parsippany, N.J. SESI has earned an excellent reputation for providing innovative Geotechnical, Site/Civil, and Environmental engineering solutions for owners, developers, and the construction industry throughout the NJ, NY, CT region.

Join a company recognized for providing solutions, excellence, service, and integrity. We seek dynamic individuals to support organic growth.

SESI offers a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k), paid time off, tuition reimbursement, professional development assistance, bonus potential, employee engagement activities, just to name a few. SESI also engages its employees in all aspects of its projects and encourage them to participate in design and project management functions to their full potential.

SUMMARY:
The In-House Counsel to provide legal guidance and support on a wide range of issues related to the firm's business operations, contracts, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Your expertise will play a vital role in supporting SESI Consulting Engineers growth and maintaining our commitment to excellence with your strong negotiation skills, a thorough understanding of legal and contractual language, and the ability to manage relationships with both internal teams and external customers. This role is critical in managing legal risks, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and protecting the firm’s interests in all legal matters

Primary Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Contract Drafting and Negotiation: Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and partners, including construction agreements, project contracts, non-disclosure, privacy and service-level agreements.
• Legal Compliance: Ensure the firm's compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, as well as industry-specific regulations (e.g., environmental, health and safety, building codes, etc.).
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential legal risks to the firm, providing strategies to reduce exposure and manage liability related to projects, contracts, and business operations.
• Dispute Resolution and Litigation: Work with outside counsel to represent the firm in legal disputes, including claims related to contract breaches, intellectual property, construction defects, or regulatory violations. Manage external counsel when necessary.
• Financial Risk Management: Manages the client lien and lien waiver process. Conducts collection conversations with clients and escalate to attorneys if necessary. Identifies, assesses and implements appropriate document retention policies for the company.
• Employment Law: Advise on employment-related matters, including employee contracts, dispute resolution, workplace safety, and labor regulations, ensuring adherence to labor laws and best practices. Develops and reviews employee related contracts such as non-disclosure, non-compete, and confidentiality agreements
• Insurance and Liability: Oversee the firm’s insurance programs, reviewing policies, claims, and coverage options to ensure adequate protection for the firm and its projects.
• Training and Legal Awareness: Provide training to staff on legal topics relevant to the firm, such as contract law, compliance, and ethical considerations in business practices.
• General Legal Advice: Other day-to-day legal advice on various matters, including business operations, regulatory inquiries, and internal policies to ensure sound decision-making. Manages relationships with outside attorneys, using them when needed.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Highly organized with great attention to detail. Able to prioritize and manage time effectively. Strong communication and people skills. Must be comfortable in a fast paced, highly interactive environment. Required to effectively collaborate with internal and external departments

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Proven experience as an in-house counsel, preferably in the engineering, construction, or architecture industry.
• Strong knowledge of contract law, construction law, and relevant industry regulations.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple legal issues simultaneously and provide timely advice.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a practical, business-oriented approach to legal matters