Description:

Currently, we are seeking a Director of Legal Affairs to join and lead the legal and contracts team and contribute to the overall excellence of work coming from An Architectural Firm.

Position Description:
The Director of Legal Affairs plans and directs all aspects of the firm's legal affairs, manages a team of legal staff, and ensures all firm business policies and activities are managed in compliance with current laws. Develops and implements strategies and processes to support the firm's practice and broad operational objectives. Serves on various leadership teams to support the firm direction and focus. Executes high-impact initiatives to achieve overall firm and department goals.

Contract Management & Negotiation

Oversees and leads the legal affairs department on all contract administration tasks, including initiation, tracking, writing, reviewing, and revising various documents and agreements.
Researches and implements contract management solutions, including insurance tracking and electronic signature integration. Provides leadership in developing efficient contracting processes and templates.
Directly engages with clients, consultants, and their legal representatives during negotiations.
Collaborates with external legal counsel and internal departments to assess the need for new agreements or amendments.
Stays updated on relevant laws and trends to update contracts and legal templates, providing recommendations for revisions as needed.

Insurance Renewals & Risk Management

Manages firm-wide insurance renewal process and acts as the primary point of contact for insurance matters.
Conducts detailed review of current insurance policies to assess coverage, limits, and terms, identifying necessary adjustments to align with changing business needs.
Prepares thorough documentation and submissions for insurance renewals. Maintains organized records of insurance policies, renewals, program updates, and relevant correspondence.
Coordinates premium payments and liaises with the finance department to ensure timely processing.

Corporate Governance, Compliance, Licensing and Business Registrations

Leads the development, revision, and adherence of organizational policies and procedures to relevant laws and regulations, offering leadership guidance on legal matters affecting the firm's areas of operation. Ensures legal review of firm communications, contracts, documents, and filings.
Manages and monitors the firm's state registrations and business license obligations. Keeps leadership informed of changes in laws and regulations affecting licensure and reporting requirements, proposing compliance solutions and best practices.
Under the CEO's direction, provides legal counsel to shareholders and assists in periodic review and updating of bylaws, shareholder documents, and other corporate compliance materials. Manages corporate governance matters, including drafting shareholder buy/sell agreements, corporate by-laws, minutes books, and corporate resolutions.
Protects and manages all intellectual proprietary matters, patents, and copyright filings

General Legal Counsel and Leadership

Leads the development, revision, and compliance of the firm's legal policies and procedures in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Aids in safeguarding the firm's legal interests and upholding its operations with integrity and stewardship.
Leads all matters related to litigation, dispute resolutions and professional service claims.
Offers practical, action-oriented advice on the firm's operations and strategic administrative matters on a day-to-day basis to leadership, owners, and staff across all levels.
Identifies and analyzes legal issues, drafts essential documents, and presents clear recommendations and options to leadership to ensure legal compliance.
Under the COO's supervision, manages the implementation of a Records Management and Records retention program. Develops and oversees the Legal budget. Oversees the work of external counsel to address legal matters and claims promptly and effectively.

Education/Skills/Experience:

Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school and be a member in good standing of the bar in at least one US state.
10+ years of in-house counsel and related work experience with contract administration and corporate compliance and governance (familiarity with AIA documents and contracts is a plus).
Communicates effectively verbally and in writing, demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of internal and external “clients” and vendors to successfully impact decision-making.
Experience with Insurance renewals and commercial insurance including a strong understanding of professional liability policies and the ability to work with external insurance providers and underwriters.
Experience negotiating contracts/agreements, international experience is a plus.
Experience leading and directing a team of professionals to achieve department and firm goals.
Intermediate user of Outlook, Word, and Excel preferred
Highly experienced in independently performing complex legal work and providing meaningful supervision and oversight of external specialized counsel's work.
Superb customer support skills, ensuring positive internal and external client relations when drafting and negotiating agreements.
Efficiently handles a diverse range of tasks, assignments, and priorities in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines, while maintaining a high level of discretion with confidential information.
Exhibits good decision-making skills in resolving conflict or differences that arise in negotiating new or existing agreements.
Consistently fosters a culture of collaboration by actively engaging with the team sharing knowledge, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness, creativity, and success of the team.