Corporate Counsel

At JH Kelly , we’re seeking a Corporate Counsel to serve as a practical, business-oriented legal partner to the Executive Vice President/General Counsel and operational teams. This role is intended for a lawyer who is not merely technically proficient, but who is skilled at identifying risk, offering clear options, and helping the business move forward with sound, workable solutions.

The Corporate Counsel will support a broad range of legal and risk matters affecting a multi-state mechanical construction and industrial services business, including contract review and negotiation, claims and dispute management, labor and employment support, compliance, insurance/risk coordination, and strategic business initiatives. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, partnering directly with the Executive Vice President/General Counsel, project leaders, HR, fleet, operations, and finance, and delivering concise, actionable solutions.

About Us

Celebrating over a century of excellence, JH Kelly is a fourth-generation, family‑owned construction powerhouse known for tackling complex commercial and heavy industrial projects. With offices in Vancouver, Longview, Seattle, Bellingham, WA, and Milwaukie, OR, we’re an industry leader fueled by an award‑winning team committed to safety, quality, and a dynamic, tight‑knit culture. Learn more about our story at

Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000 annually (DOE), FLSA exempt.

Benefits Package

• Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Rx – Dental/Ortho Coverage : JH Kelly pays 87.5% of total premiums.
• Paid Vacation and Holidays : Generous PTO model to support work‑life balance.
• 401K : 50% company match on the first 6% of employee contributions.
• Life Insurance, AD&D, STD & LTD : Paid 100% by JH Kelly.
• Annual Performance Bonuses : Opportunity for additional compensation based on performance.
• Profit Sharing : Participate in JH Kelly’s profit‑sharing program. Averaging 9% of total compensation for the past 10 years.

Here’s a deeper dive into what you’ll take on:

Contract Review & Negotiation

• Review, draft, negotiate, and advise on prime contracts, MSAs, subcontracts, POs, vendor agreements, NDAs, teaming agreements, and consulting agreements.
• Provide practical, risk‑balanced guidance to project and operations leaders.
• Ensure contract terms align with business goals, risk tolerance, and industry best practices.
• Support real‑time resolution of project issues, payment disputes, changes, delays/impacts, and subcontractor claims.
• Assist with strategy for liens, bond claims, backcharges, and commercial conflicts.
• Coordinate litigation, arbitration, administrative claims, and outside counsel.

Employment & HR Support

• Advise on personnel issues, investigations, restrictive covenants, policy reviews, wage/hour, leaves, and disciplinary matters in partnership with HR leadership.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Support contractor licensing, registration, public works requirements, and multi‑state compliance.
• Provide guidance on insurance, indemnity, risk transfer, and safety‑related legal issues.

Operational & Strategic Support

• Develop and refine legal templates, playbooks, training materials, and contract processes.
• Support cross‑functional initiatives, acquisitions, real estate matters, and major customer relationships.
• Translate legal issues into clear, actionable business choices for non‑lawyers.

Claims, Disputes & Risk Management

• Support real‑time resolution of project issues, payment disputes, changes, delays/impacts, and subcontractor claims.
• Assist with strategy for liens, bond claims, backcharges, and commercial conflicts.
• Coordinate litigation, arbitration, administrative claims, and outside counsel.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in good standing (WA and/or OR strongly preferred).
• Typically 5–7 years of relevant legal experience in construction, commercial contracting, employment law, or business counseling.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to deliver practical, business‑first guidance in a fast‑moving environment.
• Experience managing claims, disputes, and outside counsel.

Preferred Qualifications

• In‑house counsel experience in construction, industrial, engineering, or related fields.
• Familiarity with public works/prevailing wage, lien and bond claims, contractor licensing, and risk transfer principles.
• Experience supporting multi‑state operations and field‑based teams.
• Working knowledge of employment law, insurance, compliance, and construction‑industry regulations.

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are:

• Practical, not academic.
• Decisive, yet thoughtful.
• Skilled at explaining risk in plain English.
• Comfortable making recommendations—not just issue‑spotting.
• Calm under pressure and collaborative with the business.
• Focused on helping the company achieve its goals safely and efficiently.

Physical Requirements

This role is primarily office‑based, requiring extended periods of sitting, regular computer work, phone communication, and occasional lifting of materials up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.