Project Counsel

Benefits Offering

RailWorks is committed to helping our employees live better lives. We offer comprehensive benefits packages to eligible employees, including competitive pay, medical, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, and additional performance incentives.

Compensation

$165,000 - $200,000 / per year

Position Summary

The Project Counsel (“Counsel”) reports directly to the Associate General Counsel for L.K. Comstock & Company (“LKC” or “Company”), with a dotted reporting line to the Vice President of Operations for LKC.  The Counsel will be dedicated to a newly awarded mega project, working on site at the project office within the five boroughs. The Counsel will work with the project management team and the NY Transit division, and will provide legal direction, guidance and assistance to the project.  The Counsel will be expected to become familiar with project contracts and documents, as well as the NY Transit division of RailWorks Corporation.  This individual must have the stature and maturity to represent LKC both internally and externally. 

The Counsel’s overall responsibilities will focus on three areas: 

1. Contracts:  The Counsel will have primary day-to-day responsibility for reviewing, analyzing and executing on commercial commitments from the commencement of the project through completion, providing guidance and support to operations management, defining opportunities for process improvement, and conducting on-going contract training as necessary.  The Counsel is expected to gain a deep familiarity with key contract requirements and ensuring compliance, including: (i) notice procedures and deadlines in the agreements; (ii) contractual risk allocation; (iii) invoicing and payment provisions; (iv) contractual remedies and preconditions to obtaining relief; and (v) dispute escalation and resolution sequences and procedures.

2. Claims Management: The Counsel will be actively involved in change orders, claims, disputes, arbitration and litigation.  The Counsel will be responsible for drafting change orders and claims in collaboration with the project team; ensuring timely notice of changes and claims; ensuring that the Company does not waive any rights; drafting key correspondence to subcontractors and suppliers; and managing claims and disputes.

3. Compliance: Working with other members of management and compliance, will be expected to assist in ensuring that LKC meet or exceed all federal, state, and local laws and regulatory requirements. Will assist LKC’s Associate General Counsel in ensuring compliance with Company policies.   

The activities of the Counsel are expected to be “outcome oriented” providing high quality, value-added legal services and advice relating to contracts, contract disputes and litigation, and related compliance matters. 

Primary/Essential Responsibilities and Duties

Contracts  

• Structures, drafts, and negotiates complex construction contracts and subcontracts, procurement and vendor contracts, professional services agreements, memoranda of understanding, and leases, etc. 

         Claims Management

• Manages contract disputes and related contract issues.
• Reviews and interprets all contracts related to the project and provides legal advice including administration of commercial and government contracts in accordance with Company policies and legal requirements.
• Drafts project correspondence to be sent to the Owner, subcontractors, vendors, and other third parties.
• Advises in the identification and preparation of claims in close coordination with project management team and Associate General Counsel.
• Coordination with in house counsel, outside counsel and claims consultants, as necessary.

Compliance 

• Assists the Associate General Counsel in the administration of the compliance requirements for the project. 
• Reviews and interprets the requirements of governmental agencies, laws, statutes, rules, regulations, and court decisions. 

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor from an accredited law school 
• Admission to the New York Bar as an attorney qualified to practice law 
• Team player with strong communication skills, reporting skills, analytical skills, negotiating skills and organizational capabilities.
• A minimum of two years of legal practice with knowledge of the construction industry and extensive experience in construction law, gained either in an in-house position with a contracting business and/or in a law firm practicing construction law 
• Strong planning, organizational and management skills, and the ability to meet deadlines
• Strong business acumen and the ability to make practical evaluations of risk 
• Current knowledge of federal, provincial, and local laws, legal codes, executive orders, and government regulations that pertain to the Company’s areas of business 
• Expertise in drafting a broad spectrum of complex contracts and agreements 
• Strong negotiating and litigation and ADR skills 
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to successfully carry out decisions 
• Excellent client relations,  written  and  verbal  communication,  and  presentation  skills 
• Ability   to perform with a high level of discretion, professionalism, and integrity Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office suite. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Works in an office environment Frequently sits for long periods of time 
• Frequently speaks, reads, writes, and uses a computer keyboard 
• May require occasional standing, walking, lifting, stooping, or bending 

Footer - EEO

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position.  There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned. 

RailWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with Railworks without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

RailWorks is North America’s leading track and transit system experts for over 100 years and with 45 offices across the U.S. and Canada. We take on challenging projects every day and our success rely on a collaborative and open-minded work environment that encourages teamwork, positivity, and ingenuity. We are committed to creating a culture of trust, respect, and acceptance. RailWorks also offers opportunities to grow your career, develop your skills and pursue success.