What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contracts Attorney position at Russell Co.?
Brief Description
Russell is a professional services firm providing construction and development services across the Midwest. Since its inception in 1983, Russell's culture promotes a collaborative work environment that strives to exceed our clients' expectations and provide life-time career opportunities for our professionals.
Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, with offices in St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri and Overland Park, Kansas, Russell has delivered more than $7 billion in projects across 34 states. We remain a market leader in our core markets, including new construction and complex additions and renovations.
At Russell, we are creating more than a project - we are building great
people
,
relationships
, and
communities
.
Life at Russell
The number one response we receive when we ask our team members what they like about Russell is the culture. Russell team members describe working here as being more flexible than any place they've ever worked. They feel supported and support each other. They have fun. They are empowered to get their work done how they see fit. And most of all, they know they can continue their careers here because of the rich development tools available to them. Life at Russell is full of opportunities.
How You'll Contribute
As
Contracts Attorney
you will help us reach our strategic growth goals by expertly reviewing and negotiating agreements, advising on risk mitigation, ensuring compliance, and delivering training to uphold best practices and protect company interests.
Our ideal candidate will possess experience in construction-related contract transactions including drafting and negotiating construction contracts, EPC contracts, alternative delivery documents, supply agreements, purchase of goods contracts, service agreements, engineering agreements, consulting agreements, and a variety of other similar contracts for construction projects. The candidate should be ready to apply that experience to interesting and challenging matters in a thriving and fast-paced environment.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Drafting and reviewing a wide variety of construction-related agreements, including but not limited to design-build construction contracts, subcontracts, and NDAs. engineering and procurement (EPC) contracts and service and supply agreements.
- Work with project teams on risk management, legal compliance, and strategies to mitigate potential disputes on construction projects. Generate alternate contractual language to modify terms and conditions to mitigate risk of company stakeholders.
- Identify, analyze, and summarize contract issues and key points to ensure compliance with company policy, laws, and regulations.
- Effectively communicate with internal and external customers to negotiate favorable contract terms and conditions.
- Monitor and advise on lien laws, bonding requirements, and insurance provisions within contracts.
- Maintain issue and risk logs to proactively track and manage potential disputes and claims.
- Conduct legal research and stay current on industry trends and changes in laws.
- Support the legal team through other assigned projects, as needed.
Requirements
- Must have Juris Doctor (JD) degree with license in at least one jurisdiction, or have passed the bar exam through state-approved alternative means in lieu of JD
- Must possess an active law license and be a member in the state bar where they practice
- Knowledge of construction law desired
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with project teams, contractors, and client stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage a high volume of assigned work
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Excellent writing, communication skills and attention to detail
- Strong ability to interpret and evaluate contract language to ensure alignment with policies, legal standards, and regulatory requirements
- Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality customer service through proactive communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building across diverse stakeholder groups
- Proactive, business-oriented mindset with a focus on practical solutions to legal challenges
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); familiarity with contract management platforms
- Presentation skills with the ability to translate legal complexities into basic guidance for diverse audiences
- Must have and maintain a valid Driver's License
- Must have the ability to travel 10%
- Produces contractual correspondence, contractual notices, and provision of contractual advice on a routine basis
- Provides information and reports as needed
- Interpret and enforce contractual obligations, performance requirements, and key terms in accordance with contract provisions
Salary : $100,000 - $200,000