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RH
Robert Half
In House Counsel
Career Insights for Contract Lawyer
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Based on New York data
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What they do
A Contract Lawyer specializes in contract law. They focus on all aspects of client contract negotiation and reviews, including client tenders and contracts, MOUs, Bidding Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements, Parent Company Guarantees, subcontract flowdowns and other agreements required to meet a client, company or organization's business needs.
$150,895 / year median in New York
+3% projected growth
Job Description
Description We are looking for an experienced In House Counsel to support a private civil and general contracting business in Freeport, New York. This role will provide practical legal guidance across construction agreements, procurement activities, commercial matters, and day-to-day operational decisions. The attorney in this position will work closely with leadership and project stakeholders to strengthen contract strategy, reduce exposure, and support sound business outcomes.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare, evaluate, and negotiate a wide variety of agreements tied to construction and business operations, including owner contracts, trade partner agreements, purchase documents, consulting arrangements, confidentiality agreements, and contract revisions.
- Counsel leadership and project teams on contract interpretation, risk allocation, legal obligations, and commercially appropriate terms before and during active projects.
- Provide legal support throughout the full project cycle, including bid review, preconstruction planning, execution, change management, closeout matters, and emerging claim issues.
- Examine key provisions related to payment, indemnity, insurance, dispute procedures, notice requirements, and delegated responsibilities to help protect the company's interests.
- Guide internal teams on delays, change orders, payment disputes, formal notices, and other contract administration issues that may affect cost, schedule, or legal position.
- Help ensure subcontractor and vendor agreements properly reflect upstream obligations and preserve necessary protections for the company.
- Advise on lien waivers, surety bonds, insurance terms, indemnification structures, and other contractual mechanisms designed to manage project and business risk.
- Support corporate and commercial legal matters by reviewing third-party agreements, maintaining important legal records, and coordinating with outside counsel on specialized issues, disputes, or filings.
- Partner with ownership, project management, estimating, procurement, finance, and operations to translate legal concepts into practical recommendations that align with business priorities. Requirements
- Juris Doctor degree and active attorney licensure required.
- At least 7 years of legal experience with substantial focus on construction contracts and contract negotiations.
- Demonstrated background drafting, reviewing, and negotiating construction-related and general commercial agreements.
- Strong knowledge of construction law, corporate law, and risk management principles relevant to contractor operations.
- Experience advising on lien waivers, bonds, insurance requirements, indemnification language, and dispute-related contract provisions.
- Ability to work effectively with executives and cross-functional business teams in a fast-paced project environment.
- Strong judgment and communication skills with the ability to present complex legal issues in a clear, business-oriented manner.