In-House Legal Counsel - DNT Construction LLC

In-House Legal Counsel

Company: DNT CONSTRUCTION – A Leader in Civil Construction

Location: Austin or San Antonio, TX – Candidate can office in either location, but must be willing to travel to opposite location as necessary. 

About Us:

DNT Construction is a dynamic, fast-paced, and constantly growing construction company, known for delivering high-quality projects across Texas. We are seeking an experienced, solution-oriented attorney to spearhead our legal team as In-House Counsel. This is an excellent opportunity to become a key player in a fast-paced and evolving organization, providing strategic legal advice across a broad spectrum of areas, including construction law, employment law, insurance, real estate, and more.

Position Overview:

In-House Counsel will be responsible for providing legal guidance and support to the company across various legal matters. This role will involve advising on construction-related legal issues, HR and employment matters, civil litigation, insurance claims, filing and perfecting liens, and real estate transactions. The candidate will be expected to attend some events outside of traditional work hours, including networking events, conferences, benefits, and other community events. A successful candidate will be a proactive, versatile attorney with a strong understanding of both legal and business considerations, willing to work collaboratively to provide solutions and further growth of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

Construction Law & Civil Litigation

 - Advise on construction contracts, project-related disputes, and claims, including contract interpretation and risk management.

 - Handle litigation and disputes related to construction projects, including contractor agreements, warranties, and payment issues.

 - Support the company's interest in construction-related insurance claims, including investigation and defense of claims.

• Act as a liaison to outside counsel as necessary

Human Resources & Employment Law 

 - Provide guidance on employment policies, employee relations, wage and hour issues, workers compensation and discrimination claims, and other employment matters.

 - Support HR team in developing and enforcing compliance with employment laws and regulations, including OSHA, FMLA, ADA, and others.

 - Defend the company in employment-related disputes, including claims of wrongful termination, harassment, and discrimination.

Insurance Claims & Defense: 

 - Oversee and manage insurance claims related to construction defects, worker injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and third-party claims.

 - Collaborate with insurance carriers and brokers to ensure proper coverage and claims management.

 - Handle defense of lawsuits, including coordination with external legal counsel when necessary.

Liens & Real Estate: 

 - Advise on mechanics' liens, lien enforcement, and related construction financing matters.

 - Provide legal support on real estate transactions, including acquisition, leasing, and zoning issues.

 - Manage legal risks related to land use, acquisition, and property rights in the context of construction projects.

• Conduct title searches to verify ownership as well as liens, claims, or easements related to a property.

General Corporate & Compliance: 

 - Ensure the company complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including construction-specific regulations.

 - Assist with corporate governance, including contracts, corporate filings, and dispute resolution.

 - Support senior management with legal aspects of strategic initiatives, mergers, acquisitions, and company growth.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school

• Active member in good standing with the state bar.

• 3-10 years of legal experience, with a strong background in construction law, HR & employment law, and insurance claims defense.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues to non-legal professionals.

• Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.

• Ability to work with strong personalities and take and provide constructive feedback.

• Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in-house at a construction company or in a similar corporate legal environment.

• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, worker's compensation, and other industry-specific laws.

• Familiarity with construction industry insurance policies and claims processes.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience, starting at $150,000.00.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision and dental insurance, 401k, holiday paid time off, company vehicle or vehicle allowance.

• Annual bar membership, relevant association membership, and annual continuing education budget.

• Opportunities for career growth and professional development within a thriving company.

It is the policy of DNT Construction, LLC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.