Commercial Counsel

Job Description

The Newtron Group is hiring for the position of Commercial Counsel within our Legal department. This position will play a key role in supporting the growth of our operating companies, with an emphasis on negotiating prime contracts, subcontracts, advising on change orders, amendments, and various other commercial agreements. This position will also have responsibilities associated with advising and training the employees who administer our contracts in the field. This role requires sound legal judgment, responsiveness, and a practical approach so that operations and job sites across the country have access to timely, business-minded counsel.

This person must be highly organized with the ability to manage a full portfolio of contracts in a fast-paced and demanding environment. This person possesses excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to train project managers and subcontractor administrators on contract terms, risk, and when to involve Legal. The right person for this position will take ownership, display a great deal of initiative, have great business acumen, and demonstrate sound judgment in accordance with our Core Values and Beliefs.

This role ultimately reports to the General Counsel, with day to day reporting to the Sr. Commercial Counsel. This is an in-person role at the Baton Rouge area home office.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate prime contracts and amendments with owners and general contractors.
• Negotiate subcontracts and resolve escalations.
• Advise on change orders and contract amendments as projects evolve.
• Train subcontract administrators and project managers on contract terms, risk allocation, and escalation procedures.
• Partner with the Risk & Insurance Manager on insurance and certificate of insurance requirements.
• Coordinate with the Director of Subcontracts on subcontract forms and subcontractor issues.
• Provide as-needed support on legal issues including employment, regulatory, compliance, litigation, and corporate governance and policy matters.
• Provide as-needed support on formal and informal early dispute resolution.
• Provide legal support on covered/noncovered claims or special projects.
• Contribute to the development of contract playbooks, templates, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active bar license in good standing, with eligibility for admission in Louisiana.
• 2 years of experience, in-house or at a law firm.
• Working knowledge of indemnity, insurance, and risk-transfer provisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including with non-lawyers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.

Preferred:

• Experience negotiating construction contracts, including prime contracts and subcontracts.
• Prior industrial or construction contracting experience, especially on the contractor side.

Benefits:

• H&W Group Health Plan
• 401K matching contributions
• Paid time off (Office PTO plan)
• Paid Holidays
• Relocation assistance (if required)
• Profit-sharing bonus program