What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Counsel position at Starts Align?
About the Company:
A well-established and growing civil construction and underground utility contractor based in Houston, TX is seeking a smart, driven, and detail-oriented General Counsel. This company specializes in infrastructure projects such as storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water, and concrete paving across Texas for both public and private clients. The company is expanding its leadership team and is looking for a legal partner to support that growth.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a General Counsel (Associate VP Level) to join our executive team as our in-house legal lead. Approximately 80% of this role will involve construction-related contract negotiation and review, while the remaining 20% will focus on real estate contracts. The ideal candidate will have 5 years of experience, ideally from a construction law background, and a long-term mindset to grow within the organization.
While litigation is not the focus of this role, familiarity with litigation processes and the ability to manage outside counsel when needed is a plus.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support real estate-related legal work, including property transactions, development contracts, and land use issues.
- Draft, review, and negotiate construction-related contracts (general contractor agreements, subcontracts, vendor contracts, and design-build agreements).
- Serve as a cross-functional legal advisor for senior leadership, operations, project management, and estimating teams.
- Ensure contractual compliance, support bid processes, and advise on risk mitigation strategies related to construction activities.
- Manage outside counsel as needed for litigation or dispute resolution.
- Interpret and implement legal policies and best practices in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Assist with broader legal matters including insurance, licensing, governance, employment, and occasional litigation preparation.
- Remain informed of state and local regulatory changes impacting construction, utilities, and development.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5 years of legal experience—ideally as Associate or General Counsel, or in a law firm with construction clients.
- J.D. from an accredited law school and licensed to practice in Texas (or eligible for reciprocity).
- Construction law background is required: experience with AIA contracts, subcontracts, and related legal matters.
- Familiarity with real estate contracts and property transactions preferred.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple departments.
- Exceptional attention to detail, negotiation skills, and written/verbal communication.
- High degree of integrity, accountability, and long-term commitment.
Must Have:
- 5 years of legal experience, preferably with construction contract negotiation and transactional focus.
- Experience in drafting and reviewing construction contracts and subcontracts (AIA, DB, GC/Sub agreements).
- Some exposure to real estate legal matters, including development and land acquisition.
- Comfortable managing external legal counsel as needed for litigation or disputes.
- Texas Bar license or ability to obtain it quickly.
- Desire for long-term growth within a high-impact, fast-paced construction environment.
