Corporate Counsel

Overview

GFT is looking for an experienced, tech‑savvy, and driven attorney to join our in-house legal team. The Corporate Counsel reports to the Senior Corporate Counsel within the Legal and Insurance Department and serves as a trusted advisor to leadership and project teams across the organization. In this role you will manage a wide range of legal matters that impact the company’s business, with a primary focus on reviewing, negotiating and advising internal stakeholders about risk related to a variety of contracts and related documents with clients, subconsultants, vendors and teaming partners.

This position also offers the opportunity to contribute in strategic focus areas that support GFT’s growth and innovation goals—including digital delivery, brand/IP protection, outsourcing structures, and data privacy. If you have a proven track record of delivering high‑quality, practical legal advice—and a desire to support a company that’s innovating both in how it operates and what it delivers to clients—this may be the right opportunity for you.

• Reviewing and negotiating professional services contracts and providing practical, timely guidance to project teams.
• Advising operations and corporate staff on legal, risk, and compliance matters related to GFT’s projects and services.
• Collaborating with functional teams (e.g., Safety, Accounting, HR, IT, BD/Marketing) to develop policies, procedures, and training materials.
• Managing a variety of legal issues assigned by the Senior Corporate Counsel, including claims, litigation, contract disputes, collections, research, compliance, and governance.

• Evolving GFT’s legal approach to digital project delivery, intellectual property (IP) rights management, technology contracting, outsourcing models, and emerging technologies.
• Supporting brand protection and marketing efforts, including trademark use, promotional material clearance, and third‑party content rights.
• Advising on data privacy, consumer protection, and confidential information management, in coordination with the FSO, IT, and cybersecurity teams.

• J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Active bar license (in good standing) in at least one U.S. state.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills with a business‑minded, solutions‑oriented approach.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to build trust across cross‑functional teams.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to quality and consistency in work product.
• Experience in a corporate legal department or as outside counsel to corporate clients.

• Previous experience advising and representing clients in the engineering, architecture, or construction industry.
• Working knowledge of legal issues surrounding emerging technologies, including IP, cyber security, and data privacy.

The salary range for this role is $135,000 – $190,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch.

Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT:
Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Core Business

Hours:

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Employment Status:
Full‑Time Salary Range: $135,000 – $190,000 (dependent upon experience and geographic location)

GFT requires the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. California applicants will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.