Overview As Construction & Development Counsel, you will serve as the primary legal advisor for the construction and development teams, shaping contract strategy and risk mitigation. You will partner with cross functional groups to navigate complex agreements and support on time, compliant project delivery across Fairfield's multifamily portfolio. You'll handle disputes, claims, and insurance considerations, balancing legal risk with business objectives. This role offers impact in a growing, vertically integrated company that values collaboration and professional growth. Join Fairfield to influence major development initiatives and help build high quality communities.
Compensation / Benefits- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Sick days
- Volunteer time off (VTO)
- Matched 401(k)
- Medical, dental & vision insurance
Responsibilities- Advise construction and development teams on day to day management, disputes, and risks
- Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret construction, design, and development contracts and related agreements
- Prepare and negotiate general contractor, subcontractor, and design build agreements using AIA forms and Fairfield forms
- Manage development and construction related agreements, amendments, change orders, and related documents
- Manage and resolve disputes with contractors, design professionals, and suppliers; review claims, lien notices, and related matters
- Support mitigation strategies to reduce construction defect, contractual, and design related risk exposure
- Review draw requests, pay applications, lien waivers, and bonding requirements for construction accounting
- Review construction insurance programs (builder's risk, wrap ups) and contractor insurance needs
- Provide legal guidance through project lifecycle (planning to closeout) and partner with cross functional teams
- Deliver practical, business oriented legal advice and ensure compliance with laws and regulations
Key requirements- Juris Doctor (J.D.) and active California bar membership in good standing
- Minimum 7 years of legal experience at a mid sized or large law firm and/or corporate legal department
- Experience supporting construction, design, development, or capital improvement projects in multifamily or commercial real estate
- Experience handling disputes, contract interpretation, construction defect claims, and risk management
- Familiarity with AIA contracts, construction delivery methods, and development processes; proven negotiation of complex agreements
- Experience advising senior business leaders and managing outside counsel
- Strong written and verbal communication; ability to work with cross functional teams
- collaboration across cross functional teams
- strong negotiation and influence
- clear written and verbal communication
- Construction law expertise
- Contract drafting and negotiation of construction, design, development, and professional services agreements
- Risk assessment and mitigation for legal and contractual matters
