Description:

S&ME is a growing 100% employee-owned, civil engineering and consulting firm seeking an experienced attorney to join our legal team as Corporate Counsel. In this role, you will work closely with executive leadership, project managers, and operational teams to support the daily legal needs of the business across numerous functions including contracts, regulatory compliance, professional and state licensing, and general corporate matters such as human resources, procurement, and risk management.

This is a great opportunity for an attorney who enjoys solving problems, managing risk, negotiating contracts, and influencing business decisions in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Corporate Counsel Key Responsibilities:
Contracts & Risk Management

Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, including client contracts, professional services agreements, consultant agreements, vendor contracts, NDAs, and project-related contracts.
Advise internal stakeholders on risk allocation, indemnification, insurance requirements, limitation of liability provisions, and dispute resolution terms.
Manage contract disputes, defaults, and enforcement issues.
Develop contract templates, playbooks, and best practices to improve efficiency and consistency.
Advise on corporate governance and compliance matters and monitor and ensure regulatory compliance across all business operations
Conduct legal research and stay updated on legislation and case laws relevant to the business.
Collaborate with external legal counsel when necessary
Develop and implement internal policies and procedures to manage company risk
Provide training and workshops on legal issues for staff.

Strategic Legal Counsel

Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders across the organization.
Translate complex legal issues into practical, business-focused advice.
Support legal compliance, risk management, policy development, and employee training initiatives.
Assist with compliance programs, internal investigations, and regulatory matters.

Qualifications:
Required:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active North Carolina law license in good standing (or ability to obtain admission in North Carolina).
Three to Five years of relevant legal experience
Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities.
Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and communicate legal concepts and recommendations.
Self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn and develop professionally.

Preferred:

Experience with engineering, construction, infrastructure, professional services, or consulting industries.
Experience drafting and negotiating commercial agreements.
Familiarity with mediation, litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution.
Experience with contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems or legal technology tools.