Senior Associate Counsel - Disputes at Clayco in St Louis, MO | Kablio

Role

Description

lien review

subpoena management

rfp review

change orders

contract negotiation

database updates

Reviewing, research, and responding to claims of lien against project sites / real estate by third party subcontractors or material suppliers.
Oversee responses to third party subpoena’s and litigation discovery requests, including research, review and preparation of responsive documents.
As needed, review of requests for proposal (RFP’s) and bidding requirements and assistance with the preparation and submission of RFP responses, including mark-up of proposed RFP contract forms and related bidding documents.
Assisting with Project change orders, contract modifications, construction change order or delay claim disputes, as needed.
Reviewing, analyzing and assisting with resolution of challenges and/or disputes on active construction and design projects working with General Counsel or Chief Operating Officer and project executives to achieve timely and efficient resolutions.
Reviewing, negotiating and advising business teams on commercial contracts, including: Subcontract and material supplier contracts terms and conditions, vendor and service contracts terms and conditions, credit application terms and conditions, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, professional service agreements, maintenance contracts and leases.
Assist General Counsel and project teams with responses to contract related claims (claims for delay, substantial completion claims; and related disputes, including management of documentation related to mediation, arbitration and / or litigation.
As needed, negotiating construction or design-build contracts in accordance with Company specified risk parameters; assisting with client negotiations as needed to finalize and implement contracts, including providing contract guidance to project teams.
Maintain and update legal and other databases with current information on status of pending matters; review and preparation of litigation status reports.
Oversee review and / or preparation of lien wavers and related affidavits.

Requirements

law degree

bar admission

6+ years

aia contracts

construction contracts

problem solving

We are seeking an Illinois or Missouri bar admitted Senior Associate with, ideally, 6 years or more of construction contracts and/or construction litigation experience, including breach of contract, bonding, risk mitigation and lien law issues. Any experience drafting and negotiating design and construction agreements for complex development projects for owners and contractors is a plus. This is a great in-house opportunity to work closely with the General Counsel and assist with sophisticated real estate and construction projects across the country.

Professional collaborative aptitude and ability to assist with all matters related to legal team support for design/construction firm operations. The ideal candidate for this position is a team player with a business-oriented mindset, willing to learn Company processes and protocols, work with executive teams, with a strong work ethic, exceptional problem-solving skills and comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic workplace.

Experience with real estate construction prime contracts; subcontracts, AIA, Consensus, DBIA Forms, subcontracts, sufficient to assist with project related challenges or disputes through project close-out, including assisting with disputed change orders and delay claims as needed. Familiarity with AIA contract forms, design-build and other construction industry standard contract terms required. General commercial business transactions experience a plus, including leases, purchase orders, lien waivers and releases.

Law degree is required
Familiarity with construction, material supplier subcontracts, AIA standard form contracts, purchase orders, and related terms and conditions.
6+ years experience with construction industry contracts and disputes
Understanding of material supplier subcontracts, AIA form contracts, and purchase orders.
Business oriented mindset for achieving timely resolution of challenges and disputes.

Benefits

Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

$7.6B Revenue

Revenue Achievement

Generated over $7.6 billion in revenue in 2024 with extensive project work across multiple sectors.

394M sq ft

Built Space

Over 394 million square feet of built and renovated space across numerous projects.

Founded in 1984 by Bob Clark in St. Louis, the company grew rapidly with integrated design‑build services.
Moved headquarters to Chicago in 2013, expanding reach across North America.
Launched Clayco Compute in 2025, focusing on mission‑critical data center construction with 57 active projects.
Specializes in Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Residential & Hospitality, Life Sciences, Data Center and Manufacturing sectors.
Typical projects include large‑scale data centers, life sciences facilities, manufacturing plants and hospitality developments.
Known for pioneering fast‑track, tech‑enabled design‑build methods—using BIM, drones and modular solutions.
Integrated subsidiaries cover architecture (Lamar Johnson Collaborative), concrete (Concrete Strategies), and façade systems (Ventana).
Handles end‑to‑end delivery—from site acquisition and financing through design, engineering and self‑performed construction.
Stands out for fully integrated project delivery, overlapping design and build phases to boost efficiency and innovation.

Culture + Values

Treat others as they would want to be treated.
Employ the best and brightest in the industry and embrace their passion, creativity, and ideas, while providing them with the latest technology.
Forge real partnerships with suppliers and subcontractors through better project management and fair bidding practices.
Adhere to a zero-tolerance hard-hat policy and implement industry-leading safety practices.
Think of the communities where projects are built as their own, focusing on enhancing them through sustainability practices and programs that give back.
Create and innovate by balancing art and science holistically and intelligently.
Tear down obstacles, outdated methods, and outdated thinking, replacing them with new ideas and transformational solutions.
See work through the eyes of the people who will use it every day.
Build powerful structures with impacts that reach far beyond the walls.

Environment + Sustainability

42%

Scope 1 & 2 Reduction Target

Targeting a 42% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 compared to the 2021 baseline.

51.6%

Scope 3 Per SF Reduction

Aiming to reduce Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and sold products by 51.6% per square foot by 2030.

95+

LEED-Certified Projects

Over 95 projects have been certified under the LEED program, showcasing commitment to sustainable design and construction.

4.85M tCO₂e

2023 Scope 3 Emissions

Reported Scope 3 emissions in 2023 amount to 4,852,977 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent.

Pledged to SBTi Net‑Zero Standard, targeting net‑zero GHG emissions.
2023 reported emissions: Scope 1 14,487 tCO₂e; Scope 2 3,691 tCO₂e.
VP of Sustainability hired to oversee holistic emissions reduction strategy and sustainable training.
Pillars: energy & carbon, water & ecology, circular economy, wellbeing, innovation; 2023 progress on Scope 1 & 2 reduction and Scope 3 target‑setting.

Inclusion & Diversity

Over 360 Subcontractors

Diverse subcontractor network

Clayco maintains a network of over 360 prequalified minority- and women-owned (MBE/WBE) and other diverse subcontractors in 2023, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive business practices.

275 Women Employees

Women's professional development

Clayco supports approximately 275 women employees through programs like ClaycoNOW, which focuses on networking, career development, and leadership empowerment.

20% DBE Goal Exceeded

Diverse business participation

Clayco achieved a 20% DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) goal on projects like Penn State East Halls Phase 2C, surpassing the required 15% target.

9% Construction Workforce

Women in construction

Reflecting broader industry trends, women make up just 9% of the U.S. construction workforce, but Clayco is committed to fostering equal opportunity through its inclusive culture.

A program breaking barriers of race, income, and gender for employees, MBE/WBE partners, and communities.
Active participation in workforce development through partnerships with organizations like CCDI, NSBE, NOMA, and the NAACP, along with internal initiatives like PIVOT and Clayco Connects.

Articles

Recent Graduates and Young Professionals

Interns

A New Era at Clayco: Welcoming New Leadership & Business Unit

Celebrating International Women’s Day with Clayco (NOW)

Clayco to expand in St. Louis, investing $50 million and creating 400 new jobs

Role

Description

lien review

subpoena management

rfp review

change orders

contract negotiation

database updates

Reviewing, research, and responding to claims of lien against project sites / real estate by third party subcontractors or material suppliers.
Oversee responses to third party subpoena’s and litigation discovery requests, including research, review and preparation of responsive documents.
As needed, review of requests for proposal (RFP’s) and bidding requirements and assistance with the preparation and submission of RFP responses, including mark-up of proposed RFP contract forms and related bidding documents.
Assisting with Project change orders, contract modifications, construction change order or delay claim disputes, as needed.
Reviewing, analyzing and assisting with resolution of challenges and/or disputes on active construction and design projects working with General Counsel or Chief Operating Officer and project executives to achieve timely and efficient resolutions.
Reviewing, negotiating and advising business teams on commercial contracts, including: Subcontract and material supplier contracts terms and conditions, vendor and service contracts terms and conditions, credit application terms and conditions, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, professional service agreements, maintenance contracts and leases.
Assist General Counsel and project teams with responses to contract related claims (claims for delay, substantial completion claims; and related disputes, including management of documentation related to mediation, arbitration and / or litigation.
As needed, negotiating construction or design-build contracts in accordance with Company specified risk parameters; assisting with client negotiations as needed to finalize and implement contracts, including providing contract guidance to project teams.
Maintain and update legal and other databases with current information on status of pending matters; review and preparation of litigation status reports.
Oversee review and / or preparation of lien wavers and related affidavits.

Requirements

law degree

bar admission

6+ years

aia contracts

construction contracts

problem solving

Law degree is required
Familiarity with construction, material supplier subcontracts, AIA standard form contracts, purchase orders, and related terms and conditions.
6+ years experience with construction industry contracts and disputes
Understanding of material supplier subcontracts, AIA form contracts, and purchase orders.
Business oriented mindset for achieving timely resolution of challenges and disputes.

Benefits

Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

$7.6B Revenue

Revenue Achievement

Generated over $7.6 billion in revenue in 2024 with extensive project work across multiple sectors.

394M sq ft

Built Space

Over 394 million square feet of built and renovated space across numerous projects.

Founded in 1984 by Bob Clark in St. Louis, the company grew rapidly with integrated design‑build services.
Moved headquarters to Chicago in 2013, expanding reach across North America.
Launched Clayco Compute in 2025, focusing on mission‑critical data center construction with 57 active projects.
Specializes in Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Residential & Hospitality, Life Sciences, Data Center and Manufacturing sectors.
Typical projects include large‑scale data centers, life sciences facilities, manufacturing plants and hospitality developments.
Known for pioneering fast‑track, tech‑enabled design‑build methods—using BIM, drones and modular solutions.
Integrated subsidiaries cover architecture (Lamar Johnson Collaborative), concrete (Concrete Strategies), and façade systems (Ventana).
Handles end‑to‑end delivery—from site acquisition and financing through design, engineering and self‑performed construction.
Stands out for fully integrated project delivery, overlapping design and build phases to boost efficiency and innovation.

Culture + Values

Treat others as they would want to be treated.
Employ the best and brightest in the industry and embrace their passion, creativity, and ideas, while providing them with the latest technology.
Forge real partnerships with suppliers and subcontractors through better project management and fair bidding practices.
Adhere to a zero-tolerance hard-hat policy and implement industry-leading safety practices.
Think of the communities where projects are built as their own, focusing on enhancing them through sustainability practices and programs that give back.
Create and innovate by balancing art and science holistically and intelligently.
Tear down obstacles, outdated methods, and outdated thinking, replacing them with new ideas and transformational solutions.
See work through the eyes of the people who will use it every day.
Build powerful structures with impacts that reach far beyond the walls.

Environment + Sustainability

42%

Scope 1 & 2 Reduction Target

Targeting a 42% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 compared to the 2021 baseline.

51.6%

Scope 3 Per SF Reduction

Aiming to reduce Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and sold products by 51.6% per square foot by 2030.

95+

LEED-Certified Projects

Over 95 projects have been certified under the LEED program, showcasing commitment to sustainable design and construction.

4.85M tCO₂e

2023 Scope 3 Emissions

Reported Scope 3 emissions in 2023 amount to 4,852,977 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent.

Pledged to SBTi Net‑Zero Standard, targeting net‑zero GHG emissions.
2023 reported emissions: Scope 1 14,487 tCO₂e; Scope 2 3,691 tCO₂e.
VP of Sustainability hired to oversee holistic emissions reduction strategy and sustainable training.
Pillars: energy & carbon, water & ecology, circular economy, wellbeing, innovation; 2023 progress on Scope 1 & 2 reduction and Scope 3 target‑setting.

Inclusion & Diversity

Over 360 Subcontractors

Diverse subcontractor network

Clayco maintains a network of over 360 prequalified minority- and women-owned (MBE/WBE) and other diverse subcontractors in 2023, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive business practices.

275 Women Employees

Women's professional development

Clayco supports approximately 275 women employees through programs like ClaycoNOW, which focuses on networking, career development, and leadership empowerment.

20% DBE Goal Exceeded

Diverse business participation

Clayco achieved a 20% DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) goal on projects like Penn State East Halls Phase 2C, surpassing the required 15% target.

9% Construction Workforce

Women in construction

Reflecting broader industry trends, women make up just 9% of the U.S. construction workforce, but Clayco is committed to fostering equal opportunity through its inclusive culture.

A program breaking barriers of race, income, and gender for employees, MBE/WBE partners, and communities.
Active participation in workforce development through partnerships with organizations like CCDI, NSBE, NOMA, and the NAACP, along with internal initiatives like PIVOT and Clayco Connects.

Articles

Recent Graduates and Young Professionals

Interns

A New Era at Clayco: Welcoming New Leadership & Business Unit

Celebrating International Women’s Day with Clayco (NOW)

Clayco to expand in St. Louis, investing $50 million and creating 400 new jobs