Director of Contracts and Legal Affairs

About Us

We are one of the leading mechanical contractors in the eastern United States. Our construction and service (mechanical and electrical) experience includes a broad range of commercial and government projects, including data centers, hospitals, sports stadiums, convention centers, hotels, and research laboratories.

Job Summary

Job Title : Director, Contracts and Legal Affairs (Construction)

Location : Baltimore, Maryland 21227

Reports to : President and CEO

FLSA Status : Full-Time / Exempt

Work Shift : 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. / Mon. – Fri.

SUMMARY

The Director, Contracts and Legal Affairs supports the legal and risk management needs of The Poole and Kent Corporation (An EMCOR Company) by leading the drafting, review, negotiation, and administration of complex construction and commercial contracts. This role reports to the President & CEO and works closely with executive leadership, operations, estimating, procurement, and risk management to mitigate risk, support project delivery, and ensure contractual compliance across all phases of the project lifecycle.

Essential Duties

• Construction & Commercial Contracting
  • Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of construction‑related agreements, including:
  • Prime contracts (public and private sector)
  • Subcontracts and supplier agreements
  • Design, design‑build, EPC, and professional services contracts
  • Joint venture and teaming agreements
  • Change orders, amendments, and contract modifications
  • Advise on contract terms related to schedule, scope, payment, liens, retainage, indemnity, liquidated damages, insurance, bonding, warranties, waivers of consequential damages, and limitations of liability.
• Legal Risk Management
  • Identify and assess contractual, financial, and operational risks associated with projects.
  • Support dispute avoidance strategies and assist with contractual claims, disputes, mediation, arbitration, and litigation management (in coordination with outside counsel).
• Project Lifecycle Support
  • Provide legal guidance during pre‑construction, bidding, execution, and close‑out phases.
  • Support estimating and operations teams with contract negotiation, interpretation, and compliance.
  • Advise on subcontractor default, termination, suspension, and project recovery issues.
• Regulatory & Compliance Oversight
  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including public procurement requirements, licensing, and contracting regulations.
  • Support compliance with labor, safety, and wage laws (e.g., prevailing wage, certified payroll, subcontractor compliance).
  • Assist with internal audits and responses to owner or regulatory inquiries.
• Process Improvement & Training
  • Develop and maintain standard contract templates, risk matrices, and negotiation playbooks.
  • Improve contract management processes and support use of CLM or project management platforms.
  • Train project managers, estimators, and executives on contract risk, best practices, and negotiation strategies.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Serve as a trusted legal advisor to senior leadership, project executives, and operational teams.
  • Collaborate closely with finance, HR/Risk Management, compliance, safety, and procurement departments.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 5–10+ years of experience in construction law, commercial contracting, or related legal practice (law firm and/or in‑house).
• Strong familiarity with construction contract structures, risk allocation, and industry standards.
• Strong communication skills.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Core technology capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior in‑house experience with a general contractor, construction manager, or large specialty contractor.
• Experience with public works projects and government contracts.
• Familiarity with industry‑standard forms (e.g., AIA, ConsensusDocs).
• Familiarity with various types of project delivery systems and construction contracting methodologies.
• Experience in the preparation and presentation of construction claims, schedule impacts, and cost recovery issues.

Key Competencies

• Practical, business‑oriented legal judgment.
• Ability to balance legal risk with operational realities.
• Strong communication skills for non‑legal audiences.
• Ability to manage high‑volume, high‑value contracts under tight deadlines.

Work Environment

• Primarily office‑based with regular interaction with project teams and management.
• Occasional travel to project sites or regional offices may be required.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Working knowledge of project and financial software a plus.

Required Attributes

• Practical, business-oriented legal judgment.
• Ability to balance legal risk with operational realities.
• Strong communication skills for non‑legal audiences.
• Ability to manage high volume, high value contracts under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate integrity, honesty, professionalism, and appropriate concern regarding dissemination of sensitive and confidential information.
• Work well in a team‑oriented environment and flexibility to take on added responsibilities as needed.
• Professional self‑discipline and initiative; attention to detail; commitment to deadlines.
• Prioritize and organize work in a fast‑paced multi‑tasking environment.
• Build positive working relationships with multiple levels of employees, management, suppliers, and customers.
• Demonstrate commitment to company values and safety culture.

Language Skills

Must have the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in English, cooperate, and collaborate with multiple levels of customer, employees, unions, government agencies, vendors and suppliers, and other contractor organizations.

Notice to Prospective Employees

There have been fraudulent postings and emails regarding job openings. EMCOR Group and its companies list open positions here. Please check our available positions to confirm that a post or email is genuine. EMCOR Group and its companies do not reach out to individuals to help with marketing or other similar services. If an individual is contacted for services outside of EMCOR’s normal application process – it is probably fraudulent.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As a leading provider of mechanical and electrical construction, facilities services, and energy infrastructure, we offer employees a competitive salary and benefits package and we are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.