Associate Counsel
Clayco
In-house counsel handling construction contracts & litigation for real estate projects.
3 days ago ago
$180,000 - $250,000
Experienced (8-12 years)
Full Time
Chicago, IL
Office Full-Time
Company Size
3,800 Employees
Service Specialisms
Design‑Build
Architecture
Engineering
Construction
Project Management
Development
Planning
Interior Design
Sector Specialisms
Food and Beverage
Consumer Products
Manufacturing
Life-Science Products
Industrial
Role
What you would be doing
lien claims
contract review
risk mitigation
negotiations
change orders
rfp review
- Researching and responding to claims of lien by subcontractors or material suppliers.
- Supporting responses to contract-related claims and managing documentation related to mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
- Reviewing and advising on commercial contracts, including subcontracts, vendor agreements, confidentiality agreements, and leases.
- Reviewing, analyzing, and negotiating construction or design-build contracts in accordance with company risk parameters.
- Preparing and reviewing lien waivers, affidavits, and responding to subpoenas or discovery requests.
- Assisting with client negotiations and providing contract guidance to project teams.
- Assisting with project change orders, contract modifications, delay claims, and close-out disputes.
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders and assisting with project-related challenges and risk mitigation.
- Reviewing RFPs and bidding requirements, assisting in proposal submissions, and preparing markups of proposed contracts.
What you bring
law degree
construction contracts
negotiation
ai tech
4+ years
bar admitted
We are seeking an Illinois or Missouri bar-admitted Associate or Senior Associate Counsel with 4 or more years of construction contracts and/or construction litigation experience. The role will support the General Counsel on sophisticated and innovative real estate and construction projects across the country. This is a great in-house opportunity to work closely with senior leadership on high-impact work.
- Law degree required.
- Understanding of commercial construction contracts, AIA forms, subcontracts, and purchase orders.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
- Ability to learn and work with AI technologies and legal team workflow platforms.
- 4+ years of legal experience with construction or real estate matters.
- Discretionary annual bonus subject to company and individual performance.
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k), generous PTO, paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, and learning & development programs.
- The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors including education, qualifications, skills, experience, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $180,000 - $250,000 annually (not adjusted for location).
- 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
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Interview process
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Visa SponsorshipInformation not given or found
Security clearanceInformation 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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