Attorney-General Counsel

McKim & Creed is a unique, employee-owned firm. First and foremost, we value people. This means we not only hire great talent, but we've also created an environment where each individual can grow, flourish and apply innovative thinking. As a result, we've created a world-class team of professionals within a nimble organization. That's what our clients want. That's why we succeed. Our clients hire us because of our people.

McKim & Creed has a reputation for delivering state-of-the-art services with an eye toward sustainability and a focus on protecting and enhancing our environmental resources. Our engineers, landscape architects, planners and project managers are committed to the innovation, sustainability and resource efficiencies that lead to a cleaner, safer and more sustainable future.

Our highly respected team of design professionals complemented by an exceptional staff of full-service surveying offer effective and sustainable solutions for our clients' land planning, permitting, stormwater, development, and land management needs. We plan and design residential communities, retail shops, parks, educational buildings, industrial, manufacturing, and commercial facilities that meet today's needs in the context of tomorrow's generations.

Watch this video to learn more about what it's like to be a part of our team!

Position Summary:

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented General Counsel to join our leadership team, preferably at our Corporate Headquarters office in Raleigh but would be open to candidates located in Charlotte, Tampa, Baton Rouge or Pittsburgh. This role provides legal guidance across all facets of the engineering, surveying, and design/build business, with a focus on contract review, risk management, regulatory compliance, and strategic support for growth initiatives. The ideal candidate will be adept at navigating multi-state legal landscapes, public and private procurement frameworks, and corporate governance, including ESOP compliance and M&A activity.

WHAT TO EXPECT DAY-TO-DAY:

Contract Review & Negotiation

• Support contract negotiations by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contract terms and conditions with clients, subconsultants, and vendors.
• Ensure agreements reflect fair compensation, balanced risk, and compliance with corporate and jurisdictional standards.
• Review corporate overhead vendor agreements and leases with emphasis on identifying and minimizing risks while prioritizing the business and commercial interests of the company.

Multi-State Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws across all states where the company operates.
• Oversee obtaining and renewing company professional licenses, local business licenses, and registrations for various states and localities.
• Maintain awareness of and ensure adherence to professional registration requirements and business licensing obligations in each state.
• Track and advise on changes in laws and regulations that impact engineering, construction, and surveying practices.

Procurement & Public Contracting

• Develop expertise in the procurement policies, regulations, and practices for professional services contracting in multiple states.
• Support proposal development and contract execution in alignment with public agency requirements.

Corporate Transactions & Governance

• Provide legal support for company acquisitions, including due diligence, structuring, and integration.
• Ensure compliance with ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) regulations and support related governance and reporting.
• Support the CEO and executive team on governance matters, including board resolutions, corporate filings, and policy development.

Personnel Legal Matters

• Provide counsel to Human Resources related to employment aspects, including workers' compensation claims and other disputes.
• Assist in developing and enforcing employment agreements on occasion.

Risk Management & Mitigation

• Collaborate with project managers to identify and mitigate legal risks at the proposal and execution stages.
• Maintain and advise on risk registers and claims documentation.
• Manage pre-litigation disputes and coordinate with outside counsel and insurers as needed.
• Provide guidance on claims, insurance matters, and conflict resolution.
• Negotiate or assist in negotiating claims resolutions and document final settlement agreements/releases - Participate in trials/mediations, including employment matters.
• Coordinate payment/performance bond applications and handle bonding issues with company insurance brokers.

Outside Counsel Management

• Engage and manage outside legal counsel for specialized matters, ensuring cost-effective and strategic use of external resources.

Training & Education

• Develop and deliver internal training on legal topics such as contract terms, risk management, and compliance with regulations and laws related to the business.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Licensed to practice in the state of location.
• Background in A/E/C industry and deep knowledge of construction-related contract law.
• Demonstrated knowledge of multi-state regulatory environments and public procurement processes.
• Strong understanding of contract law, risk allocation, and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a supportive and collaborative role.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• 10+ years of legal experience, ideally with exposure to engineering, construction, and surveying industries, and serving as in-house counsel.
• Strong background in risk management, specifically all aspects of a corporate insurance program.
• Experience supporting corporate transactions and ESOP compliance is strongly preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Join a company that puts its employees first. Ranked as one of the Best Firms to Work For, here are just some of the reasons for becoming part of the McKim & Creed team:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): All employees are owners & benefit from profits earned.
• Competitive pay + paid holidays, bereavement, and parental, medical, and military leave
• Multiple office locations to work from: Stick close to home or travel for a change of scenery.
• Growth opportunities & training: Grow confidently in your career with our mentoring & training options.
• Professional development: Tuition reimbursement, early career professional program, online courses & more
• Work that makes a difference: See the direct impact your work has on our communities.
• Collaborative, supportive team: People to help you solve problems, cheer success & encourage you along the way.

McKim & Creed is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and VEVRAA Federal Contractor, and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, and maintains a Drug Free Workplace.