General Counsel

General Counsel

Full-Time Exempt

Irvine, CA, US

Salary: $160,000 - $180,000

Location: Irvine, CA

Type: Full-Time

Department: Administration

Role Overview

We are seeking a General Counsel to serve as the firm's chief legal officer, providing strategic legal guidance to Partners and leadership on all matters affecting the organization. This role oversees contract management, risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution while protecting the firm's legal interests. You will advise on corporate governance, employment matters, intellectual property, and professional liability issues unique to the architecture industry.

Key Responsibilities

Contracts & Transactions

• Draft, review, and negotiate architect/owner agreements, subconsultant contracts, commercial leases, and vendor agreements


• Advise on contract terms including, without limitation, limitations of liability, indemnification, intellectual property and insurance requirements


• Oversee contract administration processes and manage the Contract Administrator


• Support corporate transactions including corporate formation, resolutions, bylaws, meeting minutes, joint ventures, teaming agreements, and strategic partnerships

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and business risks across the firm


• Manage professional liability insurance and coordinate with insurers on claims


• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations affecting the business


• Develop and implement firm policies, procedures, and compliance programs

Disputes & Litigation

• Manage dispute resolution including negotiations, mediation, arbitration, and litigation


• Coordinate with outside counsel on complex legal matters and litigation


• Respond to claims, demand letters, and legal inquiries

Strategic Advisory

• Advise Partners and leadership on legal implications of business decisions


• Provide guidance on corporate governance, employment law, and HR matters


• Advise on intellectual property protection including copyrights and trademarks


• Stay current on legal developments affecting the architecture and construction industry

Qualifications

Required

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school


• Active membership in the California State Bar (Esq.)


• Experience in the AEC industry or professional services firm


• 10 years of legal experience with significant contract and corporate law expertise


• Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills


• Ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice

Preferred

• Familiarity with AIA contract documents and construction law


• Experience with professional liability and design professional issues


• In-house counsel experience 

What This Role Offers

• Chief legal officer role for a 50-year-old award-winning architecture firm


• Direct partnership with firm Partners on strategic business matters


• Diverse legal work spanning contracts, employment, IP, and corporate governance

Equal Opportunity Employer

MVE Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. MVE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of: race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by country, regional or local law.