What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Counsel position at The Weitz Company / Contrack Watts, Inc.?
Our Company views employees as our most valuable asset, and the key to our success. We are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive culture that inspires, motivates, and continuously improves. Community involvement, employee empowerment, and strong relationships makes The Weitz Company a great place to work.
The Weitz Company is seeking an Associate Counsel to be located out of the corporate office in Des Moines, IA.
The Associate Counsel is responsible for protecting the company’s legal interest by providing practical legal advice and counsel in partnership with the General Counsel. This role identifies, manages and minimizes areas of risk through contract review and negotiations, and partnering with various business units on ongoing matters. In addition, the Associate Counsel will oversee group claims and litigation to assure legal compliance. The Associate Counsel reports to the General Counsel.
What You'll Do:
- Provide legal support on company-wide inquiries, to include contract terms, liens, claims, disputes and other legal or project issues
- Negotiate and prepare prime agreements, subcontracts and other documents; propose acceptable solutions to project risks via contract terms
- Manage and resolve potential claims or claims via litigation, arbitration and other dispute resolution proceedings
- Identify and manage company risks; partner with business unit leadership as needed
- Select, hire and manage outside counsel and consultants for claims and litigation, settlement recommendations and input on selected matters
- Educate business units on appropriate laws, regulations and rules; ensure business practices are within guidelines
- Coordinate with risk management and insurance team regarding related litigation, claim reserves, reports and processes/procedures
- Perform due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, international dealings or other transactions
- Lead companywide training on legal or risk matters, as needed
- Evaluate and approve contract modifications or requested exceptions
- Ensure claims are timely and fairly resolved in a favorable manner
- Stay abreast of upcoming and current municipal, state or federal laws and regulations that may impact business operations or other areas of the company
- Perform other duties as assigned
What We're Looking For:
- Education: A bachelor’s and Juris Doctorate degree is required, in addition to passing a state Bar Exam and in good standing to practice law with one or more of the states’ Supreme Court.
- Experience: A minimum of five (5) years practicing law, with a corporation or outside law firm. Experience in engineering, construction or general corporate is strongly preferred, including corporate transactions, business transactions and contracts. Knowledge of construction law is essential.
- Technology: Proficiency in basic computer software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Skills: A qualified candidate will demonstrate leadership, negotiation, teamwork, collaboration, initiative, sound judgment, business acumen, risk analysis and effective verbal/written communication skills. They should also exhibit strong decision-making, relationship building and presentation abilities and portray the company in a positive manner to clients and the community. Discretion is often necessary in working with sensitive and confidential information.
What We Offer:
- Competitive Pay
- Rewarding Bonus Program
- Comprehensive Benefits Package with Tax-Advantaged HSA and FSA offerings
- Employer-Paid Short and Long Term Disability Programs
- Employer-Paid Life Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off Provisions
- 401K Retirement Savings Plan With Company Match
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Fully Paid Parental Leave
- Voluntary Products including Critical Illness Insurance and Accident Insurance
- Corporate Wellness Program with Wellness Time Off and Rewards
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.
The Company is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment (minorities, females, veterans, individuals with disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected categories in accordance with state and federal laws). The Company is a drug and alcohol free workplace and background checks are required if applicable. Click here to review our Privacy Notice.
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