Senior Contracts Counsel

Dewberry

The Role

Overview

Provide legal guidance and manage contracts for engineering, architecture, and construction services.

Key Responsibilities

  • contract drafting
  • contract negotiation
  • compliance guidance
  • office support
  • team support
  • contract review

Tasks

-Provide support to multiple offices, and support other team members within the Contracts group, as may be necessary based on experience and/or workloads -Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, and other contract documents relating to architecture, engineering, construction, environmental, and other services provided by the company to clients in the public and private sectors, including documents related to teaming arrangements, joint ventures, confidentiality agreements, licenses, purchase and sales agreements, insurance terms, and other related agreements, with an understanding of industry and market accepted norms -Provide staff with guidance on compliance with laws, statutes, and regulations related to contract specific matters

Requirements

  • construction law
  • j.d.
  • bar member
  • 8+ years
  • ms office
  • negotiation

What You Bring

-Proficient in design and construction contracts law, including engineering, architecture, technical services, and construction -Well-developed communications skills, with the ability to listen well and communicate contractual requirements simply, clearly, and concisely to executive management, project managers, corporate services groups, and peers -Member in good standing with a U.S. state bar -Self-driven and resourceful with the ability to achieve goals independently and in groups -J.D. degree from an accredited law school -Know relevant law and government regulations to address contract-specific matters -Legal experience of eight years or more, with a major engineering or architecture company, contractor, consultant, or law firm in the areas of design and construction law -At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization. -Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint -Excellent writing, presentation, and meeting facilitation skills -Demonstrated drafting and negotiation experience involving professional services agreements and construction contracts -Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry’s background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law. -Familiarity with New York agencies and procurement regulations -Ability to adjust and adapt to changing requirements, schedules, and priorities -Ability to generate ideas, offer solutions, and come to consensus with stakeholders

The Company

About Dewberry

-Began as a family‑owned engineering firm and has grown into a nationwide professional services powerhouse. -Headquartered in Fairfax, VA. -Over six decades, it has woven its identity through iconic projects like the Hampton Roads Bridge‑Tunnel expansion and NOAA coastal mapping contracts. -Combining architecture, engineering, surveying, geospatial and construction management, Dewberry tackles projects across sectors—from transportation corridors to water‑resource systems. -Embraces design‑build delivery, supporting clients in both public and private sectors, including complex federal infrastructure and environmental undertakings. -A standout moment came when Dewberry secured NOAA’s multi‑state coastal geospatial services contract, reinforcing its reputation in geospatial innovation. -Work spans clinics, wastewater plants, transit‑oriented developments, shoreline mapping and more—reflecting a breadth that defines the firm’s narrative. -Firm leadership remains connected to its roots: still family‑led, yet managed with nationwide collaboration and a creative spirit.

Sector Specialisms

Community Facilities

Education

Energy

Federal

Health and Wellness

Industrial

Justice

Real Estate and Commercial Development

Risk, Response, and Recovery

Telecommunications

Transportation

Water

Culture

Community Engagement

Visa Sponsorship

-dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

Security Clearance

-only candidates who receive an offer will be required to undergo background screening, including employment verification, education and credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report.