Construction Counsel

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy‑related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

McKinstry’s legal department is looking for a Counsel to add to its in‑house legal department.

This role will primarily be responsible for management of legal risks associated with construction projects and other matters.

This role will support the various entities within the McKinstry umbrella of companies, the business units within those entities, and a wide range of individuals within those business units. Internal clients will include sales teams, project developers, engineers, designers, project managers, business unit leaders, and corporate officers. Projects supported will reflect a wide range of procurement models, a broad spectrum of stakeholders, and will cover various geographies within the continental US.

This role requires a desire and ability to be both a consultative trusted advisor to internal clients, and a proactive leader of legal issues. This role will apply a business mindset to the legal aspects of each project and matter, including:

• Build and maintain a high level of trust, communication, and confidence with internal clients.
• Understand business objectives.
• Develop and implement strategies and tactics to achieve desired business outcomes.
• Apply cost/benefit analysis.
• Work within grey areas.
• Adjust approaches based on new information.

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Provide a wide range of advice and counsel to internal clients on legal issues related to construction projects and other matters, including contract terms, risk management, and disputes.
• Review, draft, edit, and negotiate legal aspects of project pursuit documents including RFPs, RFQs, bids, and proposals.
• Review, draft, edit, and negotiate legal aspects of contract documents.
• Advise project teams relative to legal risk mitigation, risk management, and positioning and pursuit of claims for compensation, time, or other relief or entitlement.
• Manage outside counsel in connection with dispute resolution proceedings, litigation, arbitration, mediation, claims, discovery, depositions, and document production.
• Lead subpoena duces tecum matters.
• Lead claim of lien matters.
• Lead bond claim matters.
• Develop and deploy internal tools, processes, and trainings for organizational continual improvement.
• Participate in enterprise committees, subcommittees, and work groups.
• Support and cross‑train other in‑house legal staff.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Required:

• 3+ years of experience in construction law, energy law, or equivalent.
• A clear and concise communication style that is effective across a wide range of stakeholder groups, including stakeholders unfamiliar with legal terms and concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently synthesize large volumes of information in order to effectively identify material issues and facts.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate and prioritize objectives, formulate strategies, and implement and manage associated tactics.
• Demonstrated precision relative to nuance associated with legal document drafting and review.
• Licensed attorney in Washington, or other US state.

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit‑sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and…