Vice President, Legal & Risk Management

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Vice President of Legal & Risk Management for a leadership opportunity within the construction industry.

This position will provide strategic legal guidance, oversee construction-related risk management, and work closely with executive leadership and operational teams on contracts, claims, compliance, insurance, and other legal matters.

The ideal candidate is a California-licensed attorney with extensive experience in construction law, strong business judgment, and the ability to navigate complex legal matters while providing practical solutions that support business operations.

Key Responsibilities

-

Provide legal counsel and strategic guidance on construction contracts, claims, compliance, insurance, and risk management.

-

Review, negotiate, and interpret owner contracts, subcontracts, consultant agreements, and other commercial agreements.

-

Identify and mitigate legal, contractual, and operational risks across construction projects.

-

Oversee construction claims, disputes, litigation, arbitration, and mediation in coordination with outside counsel.

-

Advise on subcontractor defaults, surety and bonding matters, payment disputes, and contractual risk allocation.

-

Provide guidance on insurance programs, coverage disputes, and risk transfer.

-

Collaborate with executive leadership, operations, finance, and other departments to address legal and business risks.

-

Manage relationships with outside legal counsel and oversee legal strategies and expenditures.

-

Support the development and implementation of legal and risk management policies, procedures, and best practices.

Required Qualifications

-

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.

-

Active California State Bar membership in good standing.

-

10+ years of progressive legal experience , including substantial construction law experience.

-

Strong background in construction contracts, claims, litigation, dispute resolution, insurance, and risk management.

-

Experience advising general contractors, construction managers, design-builders, specialty contractors, developers, or similar construction-related organizations.

-

Strong understanding of California construction law and contractual risk allocation.

-

Excellent negotiation, communication, analytical, and leadership skills.

-

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with executive and operational teams.

Preferred Qualifications

-

Previous in-house counsel or legal leadership experience within the construction industry.

-

Experience overseeing legal, claims, or risk management functions.

-

Familiarity with public and private construction projects and alternative project delivery methods.

-

Knowledge of contractor insurance programs, including OCIP/CCIP, surety, bonding, and subcontractor default matters.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

-

Senior leadership opportunity within the construction industry.

-

Direct involvement in legal strategy, risk management, and key business decisions.

-

Opportunity to work closely with executive leadership and construction operations.

-

Broad exposure to complex construction contracts, claims, and legal matters.