Major Objectives
The Corporate Counsel – Construction Litigation is an experienced in-house attorney who provides sophisticated legal support across The Garrett Companies' real estate development, construction, acquisitions, and corporate operations. This role serves as a senior legal resource within the team, handling complex construction-related disputes, claims, risk management, and litigation, while also providing legal guidance on contracts and operational matters that may create or mitigate litigation risk.
The Corporate Counsel – Construction Litigation works closely with the General Counsel and serves as a resource to other team members, helping to elevate the overall capabilities and output of the Legal team.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage and provide strategic legal oversight of construction-related claims, disputes, litigation, arbitration, mediation, and other legal proceedings involving multifamily development and construction projects.
- Partner with construction, development, property management, and executive leadership to identify, evaluate, and mitigate legal risks throughout the project lifecycle.
- Investigate and assess construction claims involving contractors, subcontractors, vendors, owners, developers, design professionals, lenders, residents, and other third parties.
- Coordinate with insurance carriers, brokers, claims representatives, and outside counsel regarding claims, coverage issues, tenders, reserves, and defense strategy.
- Assist the General Counsel in managing outside counsel relationships and legal spend.
- Draft, review, and negotiate construction-related agreements, including general contractor agreements, subcontract agreements, architect and design agreements, consultant agreements, indemnification provisions, warranties, insurance requirements, and dispute resolution provisions.
- Develop and maintain litigation protocols, construction claim procedures, standard legal forms, templates, and internal playbooks to improve consistency, efficiency, and risk management.
- Stay current on relevant changes in real estate, construction, and corporate law and proactively advise leadership on implications.
- Support the Investments Committee and executive team on other legal matters as needed.
Prerequisites:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing required.
- Minimum 4–8 years of legal experience in litigation, with in-house or law firm experience.
- Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple complex matters independently with strong attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound business judgment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
- High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
Pre-Prerequisites (these are the most important items)
- Living Our Core Values: Consistently demonstrates and upholds our Core Values in all actions, decisions, and interactions.
- Ownership & Accountability: Takes full responsibility for outcomes and follows through to deliver results.
- Growth Mindset: Seeks feedback, embraces development, and continuously improves.
- Positive & Solution-Oriented: Approaches challenges with a constructive attitude and a focus on solutions.
- Strong Communication: Listens to understand, communicates clearly, and ensures alignment across teams.
- Relentless Problem Solving: Demonstrates urgency, resourcefulness, and persistence in resolving challenges.
- Strategic Thinking & Anticipation: Thinks ahead, proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and next steps.
- Team-First Mentality: Supports the team at all levels, no task is beneath the role. We are all broom-pushers.
- Continuous Improvement: Challenges the status quo and seeks better, more efficient ways to operate.
- Commitment to Excellence: Sets high standards and consistently delivers quality work.
Physical Demands
- Must be able to traverse property and facility.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
Initial Training and Orientation
- Garrett Companies Onboarding Program in Indianapolis.
Ongoing Training
- Membership to professional organizations and continuing education is supported by The Garrett Companies.
- Company specific.
