General Counsel / Head of Legal

About Us We are a privately held family-owned business group comprised of multiple operating companies and asset-holding entities. Our portfolio includes: Heavy civil and commercial construction companies Equipment rental operations Real estate investment and holding entities Aviation and marine assets Various affiliated businesses and investments We are seeking a highly practical, business-minded General Counsel / Head of Legal to serve as a trusted advisor to ownership and oversee all legal affairs across our organization. This is not a traditional legal department role. We are looking for an operator who can help the business move forward, manage risk intelligently, and create systems that support growth. Position Summary The General Counsel will be responsible for managing legal, contractual, compliance, risk management, and dispute resolution matters across a diverse portfolio of companies. The ideal candidate understands that their role is not simply to identify risks—but to provide practical solutions that allow the business to move forward while protecting the company's interests. This position reports directly to ownership and will work closely with executive leadership, operations, project management, accounting, and outside advisors. Responsibilities Contract Management & Negotiation Draft, review, negotiate, and manage: Prime contracts Construction subcontracts Equipment rental agreements Purchase orders Vendor and supplier agreements Commercial leases Service agreements Develop and maintain company-standard contract templates Advise leadership on contractual risk and negotiation strategy Ensure appropriate indemnity, insurance, and risk allocation provisions Construction & Risk Management Advise leadership on construction-related legal issues Manage lien, bond claim, stop notice, and payment disputes Review project-specific legal risks Coordinate with project teams on claims avoidance and dispute resolutionDevelop legal processes to reduce project risk exposure Corporate Governance & Compliance Maintain compliance across multiple corporations and LLCs Manage annual filings, entity records, corporate minutes, and governance documentation Coordinate with external accountants and tax advisors regarding entity structure and compliance Monitor legal and regulatory developments impacting company operations Collections & Claims Management Develop and oversee collections strategies Draft and manage demand letters Coordinate lien and bond claim enforcement Manage disputes before litigation becomes necessary Work closely with accounting and operations to improve cash recovery Employment & HR Support Advise ownership and management regarding employment law Wage and hour compliance Employee discipline and termination Independent contractor classifications Employment agreements and policies Assist with investigations and employment-related claims Real Estate & Asset Management Support acquisition, disposition, leasing, and financing of real estate assets Review legal matters related to aviation, marine, and equipment ownership Assist with due diligence and transaction support Outside Counsel Management Manage relationships with outside law firms Control legal spending and improve efficiency Determine when matters should remain in-house versus outsourced Coordinate litigation strategy when outside counsel is required Strategic Business Advisory Serve as a trusted advisor to ownership Participate in strategic planning and growth initiatives Assist with business acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate structuring Evaluate legal risks associated with expansion opportunities Qualifications Required Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school Active California Bar membership Minimum 8 years of legal experience Strong experience in: Construction law Contract negotiation and drafting Corporate/business law Risk management Excellent communication and negotiation skills Ability to work independently and make sound business judgments Preferred Prior in-house counsel experience Experience supporting construction contractors Familiarity with equipment rental operations Experience managing multiple entities and complex ownership structures Experience with real estate transactions Litigation management experience What We're Looking For Think like a business owner, not a law firm associate Be comfortable making decisions and providing recommendations Focus on solutions rather than obstacles Understand the realities of construction and operations Help reduce legal spend through effective in-house management Build systems and processes that prevent problems before they occur Compensation & Benefits Salary: $180,000 – $260,000 Health benefits Paid time off Retirement plan Why Join Us This is a unique opportunity to become a key member of the executive team and have a direct impact on a growing portfolio of businesses. You will work closely with ownership, influence strategic decisions, and help build the legal infrastructure that supports long-term growth and success. Qualified candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter outlining their experience supporting privately held businesses, construction companies, or similar operating environments. #J-18808-Ljbffr