Senior or Principal Counsel

Overview

Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior or Principal Counsel to join our growing Australian Operations from Sydney, NSW or Brisbane, QLD. The position will be responsible for reviewing and negotiating contracts, researching legal issues and helping the company and project teams address matters as they arise to help the company manage and mitigate risk. This will be our first Corporate Counsel hire in Australia, supporting a local workforce of over 400 permanent employees. Globally, the role will report to and collaborate with an established corporate legal and contracts team based in North America.

 

Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.

 

We invest in our people.  Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too.  We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.

 

To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

 

• Work closely with other members of the legal department to respond to the legal needs of a dynamic professional service practice.
• Review, negotiate and draft project-related agreement in a manner consistent with the negotiation parameters established by the company.
• Assist with the management of professional liability, auto or general liability claims asserted against the company as they arise to bring them to resolution.
• Work with internal resources and external insurance brokers regarding commercial insurance program to ensure coverage for claims, compliance with insurance requirements and to respond to questions regarding insurance.
• Research legal issues and changes in the law to ensure day-to-day compliance by the company’s operations.
• Advise on any perceived risks or liabilities to company management.
• Act as legal resource for various subjects as assigned. Examples of legal topics include but are not limited to: cybersecurity issues; professional licensing regulations; employee relations issues; intellectual property; bankruptcy; securities regulations; collection and payment issues; and other legal questions as they arise.
• Along with other members of the legal department, review and negotiate all types of contracts and subcontracts with clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the department and Project or Client Managers to achieve positive and timely outcomes of negotiations.
• Provide high quality, positive and responsive services to both internal and external clients as issues arise to support effective resolution of the issue.
• Provide guidance and support to Project or Client Managers on contract or risk management related issues.
• Respond to requests for assistance and guidance from Project and Client Managers.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as needed.

Education and Licensure

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree, and admission to practise law in an Australian state or territory (required)

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• At least 8 years (10+ preferred) of contract law experience, including evaluation of legal issues and an ability to communicate complex legal issues to individuals not trained as lawyers. (required)
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and PowerPoint and working knowledge of Excel and Access. (required)
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from colleagues, groups of professionals, senior management, project teams, clients and subcontractors. (required)
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical and logical thinking skills. (required)
• Ability to read, analyse, and interpret contracts, insurance documents, general business periodicals, professional journals, financial reports, legal documents, office procedures, and governmental regulations. (required)