Senior Associate, Construction Defect

Job Description: ABOUT THE FIRM Secretariat professionals are trusted in the highest-stakes legal, risk, and regulatory matters around the world. When you join Secretariat, you become part of a rapidly growing elite team of bright minds and passionate problem-solvers. Your skills and expertise will be utilized on day one – working with the world’s most renowned law firms, leading corporations, and influential institutions to answer complex questions that shape critical financial, economic, and strategic business decisions. Our globally integrated teams are united by the ambition, energy, and commitment they bring to every challenge. We inspire and empower an open, collaborative culture that embraces ongoing professional development, recognition, diversity, and – most importantly – you. Make your impact at Secretariat. ABOUT Our Construction DEFECT team When it comes to understanding the impact of costly and disruptive design deficiency, construction defect, and related construction damages, we have built a reputation that stands above all with decades of experience as engineers, project managers, and architects. Our team is trusted for their sophisticated standard of care and construction defect analysis involved in projects developed around the world, including notable buildings. That's why our team was honored as Who's Who Legal's Construction Expert Witness Firm of the Year for 2023. RESPONSIBILITIES Standard of Care and Construction Defect Analysis Perform technical evaluations including forensic analysis and design peer reviews for assessing constructability and sequencing, performance testing and instrumentation, quality control and quality assurance, bidding and contract administration, construction observations, material and building science, and other components/systems related to building design and construction. Review and interpret technical and non-technical documentation (contract documents, contracts, payment applications, construction drawings, progress reports, submittals, engineering calculations, correspondence, etc.) to analyze key issues. Analyze construction defect and standard of care claims under direction and supervision of Project Manager and Managing Director. Experience in drafting expert reports, presentations, and other deliverables to clients. Management Demonstrate excellent analytical skills with acute attention to detail to successfully achieve project milestones. Manage workload to achieve simultaneous project milestones while maintaining project schedules and budgets. Communicate and coordinate with Managing Director and Project Manager to ensure continuity, accurateness, and completeness of project milestones. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering (architectural, building science, civil, structural, or mechanical); Master’s degree preferred. Eligibility and implementation toward obtaining professional license (professional engineer or registered architect) preferred. 3 or more years’ experience working new construction design, forensic/root cause analysis, restoration/repair design, testing and instrumentation, quality control and quality assurance, and construction administration. Excellent written and verbal communication skills including ability to graphically document as-built construction and existing conditions. Strong skills using relevant software tools: MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, TEAMs, SharePoint, Access), Sketchup, and BlueBeam or Adobe Pro. Ability to travel as needed (generally under 25% but may vary). Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently as well as a member of a team. Flexible, creative problem-solving skills. Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to challenges while maintaining high standards of technical proficiency and ethics. Active engagement and participation in relevant industry organizations. Secretariat is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Welcome to Secretariat Careers! Secretariat experts are trusted in the highest-stakes legal, risk, and regulatory matters around the world. Renowned law firms, leading corporations, and influential institutions turn to our disputes, litigation, economic, and data advisory services when the stakes are high — supporting them with meticulous preparation, insightful analysis, and clearly persuasive communications. Quality, integrity, and independence are woven into every aspect of our work. But, most importantly, when success is on the line, our globally integrated teams thrive on working through the most daunting problems in ways that remove uncertainty and instill confidence.